Chop Stack uses the classic Minute to Win It hook - it sounds easy, but once you get started you realize just how difficult it can be. In Chop Stack you'll be using chopsticks to stack lip balm tubes.
The Goal
Warm up your chopstick hand and get ready to concentrate. In one minute or less, use a standard pair of chopsticks to grab and stack four tubes of lip balm, creating a vertical tower.
Equipment Needed
- One pair of standard chopsticks, made of wood or plastic
- Four full tubes of lip balm, standard size (for example, Chapstick or Lypsyl)
- A table or other flat, stable surface
How to Play
There is relatively little set-up to do before playing this game, making it perfect for Minute to Win It-themed parties or events. Place the chopsticks on the table, as well as the four tubes of lip balm. The lip balms should be resting horizontally (on their sides) rather than standing up. Get your one-minute timer ready. The contestant starts of by standing in front of the table, facing the laid-out supplies.
Start the timer. The player can now pick up the chopsticks and arrange them in one hand. Then, he or she picks up the tubes of lip balm, one at a time, and stacks them. The tubes must stand straight up (with the lid facing upwards), and the completed tower of four lip balm tubes must be free-standing. The tower of tubes must remain standing, without any support, for three seconds to qualify. Complete this task in one minute or less and you win the game.
The Rules
The actual published rules for Chop Stack aren't crystal clear, but here are the guidelines from the one time this game was played on television.
- You may use only one hand to hold and manoeuvre the chopsticks, and they should be used as chopsticks are traditionally held and manipulated.
- The lip balm tubes must be stacked one on top of the other and remain standing for three full seconds.
- If the tower falls over at any time, or the contestant drops a tube of lip balm, he or she may start over up until the time the one-minute timer runs out.
- You may not touch the lip balm at any time with your hands.
Tips and Tricks
Most Minute to Win It games require practice to perfect, and this is very true of Chop Stack. Practice using just the right amount of pressure with the chopsticks - if you squeeze too hard the lip balm tube will shoot out of your grip. Use a steady hand and don't try to rush.
The blueprint with video instructions for this game can be found at NBC.com.
Variations
If you want to use Chop Stack as part of a themed set of Minute to Win It games to be played at home or during an event, there are some small changes you can make. Here are a few suggestions.
For a Christmas themed game, pick up holiday-themed lip balm tubes. Bonne Bell makes these and they are widely available, or choose cherry and mint flavors of Chapstick for festive colors.
A quick and easy change to the game involves using more tubes and challenging players to see how many tubes they can stack in one minute. This works well for a birthday party or other gathering, as players can go head-to-head, and you can use the lip balm as party favors afterwards.
For younger players, swap the chopsticks for solid (wooden or plastic) rulers, and allow them to use both hands.
