Payana facts for kids

Payana is a fun children's game, sometimes called "kapichua." It's a bit like the game of Jacks. You play it with five small stones. The main idea is to pick up stones from the ground. You have to do this quickly, while another stone you've thrown up in the air is still falling.

Playing Payana: The Basics

Payana is a game that tests your speed and hand-eye coordination. It's usually played with five small, smooth stones. You can play it alone or with friends. The game has different "levels" or "rounds" that get harder as you go.

Getting Started

To start, you need five small stones. They should be easy to pick up. Find a flat, smooth surface to play on, like a table or a clean floor.

How to Play

The game usually follows these steps, getting more challenging in each round:

• Round 1: One by One
  • Throw all five stones gently onto the playing surface.
  • Pick up one stone and toss it into the air.
  • While that stone is in the air, quickly pick up one stone from the ground.
  • Catch the falling stone before it hits the ground.
  • You should now have two stones in your hand. Put one down and repeat until all stones are picked up, one by one.
• Round 2: Two by Two
  • Throw all five stones down again.
  • Toss one stone into the air.
  • While it's falling, pick up two stones from the ground at the same time.
  • Catch the falling stone.
  • Repeat this, picking up two stones, then the last one.
• Round 3: Three and One
  • Throw the stones down.
  • Toss one stone up.
  • Pick up three stones from the ground.
  • Catch the falling stone.
  • Then, toss one stone up again and pick up the last single stone.
• Round 4: All Four
  • Throw the stones down.
  • Toss one stone up.
  • Pick up all four remaining stones from the ground at once.
  • Catch the falling stone.

Winning the Game

The goal is to complete all the rounds without making a mistake. If you drop a stone, fail to pick up the right number, or don't catch the tossed stone, your turn ends. If playing with others, the next player takes their turn. The player who successfully completes all the rounds first wins!

Where Did Payana Come From?

This fun game has a rich history. It started in Brazil, where it was known as "kapichua." Over time, it became very popular in Argentina. By the 1960s, Payana was a well-known game across much of South America. It's a great example of how games can travel and become favorites in many different places.

Why Play Payana?

Playing Payana is more than just fun. It helps you improve several skills:

• Coordination: It makes your hands and eyes work together better.
• Quick Thinking: You have to react fast to pick up stones and catch others.
• Focus: The game requires you to concentrate on your movements.
• Problem-Solving: You learn to plan your moves, especially in the harder rounds.

It's also a simple game that doesn't need much equipment. You can play it almost anywhere, making it a perfect activity for friends and family.