Twister is a game of physical skill produced by Hasbro Games.

Description

The game includes a plastic sheet covered with large colored circles, which is spread out on the floor. Any number of people can play, though more than four is a tight fit.

United States patent illustration

The game has one spinner, divided into fourths by color; each quadrant specifies left foot, right foot, left arm, or right arm. After spinning, the combination is called; players must move the part to a matching location. No two people can have a part on the same circle (rules are different for more people). Due to the scarcity of colored circles, players will often be required to put themselves in unlikely or precarious positions, eventually resulting in someone's fall.

Because of the high-paced and frivolous nature of the game, the close proximity it causes the participants to be close to each other and the ease with which the frequent losses can be given forfeits (such as stripping or drinking—the latter leads to a vicious circle) make it highly popular at college parties.

History

When Milton Bradley hesitantly released the game in 1966 (invented by Reynolds Guyer), the company had no small amount of skepticism for its potential, as well a to-be-expected fear of public criticism. Detractors denounced the game as "sex in a box." These fears were dispelled when Johnny Carson featured the game on the May 3 1966 episode of The Tonight Show. One of Johnny's guests was Eva Gabor in a low-cut dress. With Eva on her hands and knees and Johnny on top, the audience reaction was perfect—hysterical laughter and screams of delight. In its first year, Milton Bradley sold more than three million copies of Twister.

Miscellaneous

Weird Al Yankovic released a song called "Twister" on his Even Worse album in 1988.

External link

• Hasbro's Twister page