Twister (game)

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Twister is a physical skill game produced by Milton Bradley Company and Hasbro. The game was designed by Reyn Guyer and was first published in 1966. It is played on a large plastic mat spread on the floor or ground. The mat has six rows of large colored circles on it with a different color in each row: red, yellow, blue, and green. A spinner is attached to a square board and serves as the game's randomization device. The spinner is divided into four labeled sections: left foot, right foot, left hand, and right hand. Each of these sections is divided into the four colors mentioned.

Gameplay

The game begins with one player spinning the spinner. The combination of body part and color that the spinner lands on dictates the move that the players must make. For example, if the spinner lands on "right hand, red," then all players must place their right hand on a red circle. Players must move to the correct color circle as directed by the spinner without letting any part of their body touch the mat except for their hands and feet. As the game progresses, players become increasingly entangled, making it difficult to maintain their balance. A player is eliminated if they fall or if their elbow or knee touches the mat. The last player remaining is declared the winner.

History

Twister was conceptualized by Reyn Guyer while he was working on a project for a client in the advertising industry. The game was initially called "Pretzel," but the name was changed to Twister before its release. The game gained popularity after it was featured on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1966, where Johnny Carson and Eva Gabor played the game on air.

Cultural Impact

Twister has become a cultural icon and is often associated with parties, social gatherings, and icebreaker activities. It has been referenced in various television shows, movies, and advertisements. The game is known for its ability to break the ice and create a fun, interactive environment.

Variations and Spin-offs

Over the years, several variations and spin-offs of Twister have been released, including:

• Twister Dance
• Twister Moves
• Twister Hoopla

These variations often incorporate additional elements such as music or new rules to enhance the gameplay experience.