We all play it. Some are better at it then others. Some have the reflexes, the know-how, the drive. Others think it's lame, a child's game they say. I think they use that as in excuse because they're horrible at it. So to those of you who play, to those who think it's lame, and to those who are just plain bad at it, I give you this:

Darrell's official guide to the "NOT IT" game.

The Rundown:

The not it game consists of one basic goal; not to be the one stuck with the chore. The chore can consist of any task or job that one person in the group particulary does not want to do. The game begins by the initial statement of the chore followed by a player saying "not it". The last person to completley say not it, is of course IT and must proceed to do the chore.

General rules/guidelines.

1.) The chore must always be stated obviously and clearly
ex: "Who's going to drive?"
"Not it"

-"Who's going to drive?" would be the initial statement of the chore.

2.) The last person to claim "Not it" is in fact, it. You must proceed to do stated chore.

3.) The initial stater of the chore can not incoroporate "not it" into the initial statement
ex: "Who's going to drive....not it" or "I call not driving" would be void. A lapse of at least 2 seconds should be given between the initial stater and his or her claim for not being it.


4.) More than 1 round of "not it's" is perfectly acceptable to get the game fully initiated and all group members participating. If a 2nd round of "not it's" is being initiated a 3 second count down must be given. This gives group members fair time to prepare.

ex: "1..2..3..... not it!"

5.) If a person is not in the vacinity when the chore statement is clearly said, the person absent is excempt from that round. A 2nd round may be initiated if need be.

6.) The person who is eventually it may not change the outcome of the chore by initiating another round with a different chore statement

ex: If You are the one who becomes it to drive, you may not use another chore statement that would void you from the driving. You must drive.

Tips and tricks:

-Always be aware of what is going on in the group. If you can see where the conversation is going and that someone is going to get stuck with a chore, be on the ball and have your "not it" at the ready!

-Be quick! I know this may sound simple, but it works.

-Be loud. Sometimes the best offense is a good defense, a loud "not it" shout may drown out someone who is a bit quicker but softer.

Hopefully this clears up some of the confusion that goes along with the game, if you have any rules, tips or tricks that you'd like to add, feel free to post them in the comments!




  posted by Darrell @ 11:03 PM