The Big Cheese

  1. Indoor Game
  2. Readiness Games

  • 11+ Players

  • All Ages

  • None

  • 10-15 Minutes

This is a great game for players of all ages. In this game, players choose a cheese and try to pick one that they think the “Big Cheese” will not choose. Big Cheese can be played anywhere and modified to be a completely silent game.

Goal

To avoid choosing the same cheese as the “Big Cheese.”

Before You Start

  • Practice the call and response of “I am the Big Cheese,” with all the players responding “You are the Big Cheese.”
  • Introduce the 3 different movements:
    • Cheddar Cheese (hands circled in front)
    • String Cheese (arms stretched overhead)
    • Stinky Cheese (waving hand in front of nose)

Set Up

All you need is a space that the “Big Cheese” can stand in full view of all players.

How to Play

  • The leader begins each round by saying “I am the Big Cheese!” and the other players respond, “You are the Big Cheese!”
  • The leader then counts “1…2…3!” On the “3” players pick one of the three predetermined movements to show (Cheddar, String, or Stinky Cheese). At the same time, the leader shows one of the 3 movements.
  • Players who make the same movement as the leader are recycled (or out) and can sit down or move elsewhere.
  • The object of the game is for players to stay in the game by doing a different sign than the leader. The last player standing gets to be the next “Big Cheese.”

Variations

  • Challenge the players to come up with more cheeses and associated actions.
  • Participants can complete an action (ex: 5 jumping hacks) to re-enter the game rather than sitting out.
  • Connect the game to what kids are learning in class (shapes, colors, letters, numbers, etc.)
  • Play the game while standing on one leg!