Giant Jenga: How To Play (Step-By-Step), Rules, DIY Guide…

Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Gamesver Team and JC Franco

Jenga is a fun game of both physical and mental skill based on the simple idea of moving and stacking wooden blocks in a tower. It appeals to people of all ages and cultures and is so much fun to play. While you may be familiar with the classic Jenga game, you may not know that a really big version also exists called Giant Jenga. Right now, you may be wondering to yourself, ‘what is Giant Jenga’?

Giant Jenga is like the classic Jenga game only bigger! Upon setup, usually, a Giant Jenga starts at 18” and can stack to a height of over 3’! Giant Jenga blocks are almost 7 times bigger than the classic Jenga blocks and can be either purchased (online and in-store) or made.

There are even other versions of Giant Jenga that can reach higher heights. For instance, with the Jenga Giant Premium Hardwood Booster Pack, the tower can reach a height of 5’ or more. Can you imagine?

Now that you know what Giant Jenga is, let’s explore the game in more detail. We’ll look at how to play it, where to play it, where to buy it, how to make it, and who invented it. So, if you’re ready to learn all you need to know about Giant Jenga, then please continue reading…

How to Play Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga is just like classic Jenga, only much bigger! It includes 54 precisely cut, high-quality wooden blocks that are pre-polished and very durable. The dimensions of the blocks are roughly 1x2x6”. Two or more people ages 10 years and over can play this game.

The rules are the same as classic Jenga and include the following:

• Take 1 wooden block (per turn) from any level of the tower, except the level directly underneath the very top, uncompleted one.

• Players can use only 1 hand at a time. Blocks may be tapped or knocked in order to find a loose piece, however, the tower cannot be held (with the other hand) in order to steady it.

• Place the newly-removed wooden block on the top level of the tower, attempting to complete it and reach a great height.

• Continue to remove and stack the blocks until the tower falls. When it crumbles, the person who removed the last block and stacked it successfully is the ‘winner’.

To begin playing Giant Jenga, use the following eight steps:

• Remove the blocks from the package. Shake the Jenga blocks out from the box and onto a flat surface. You should have 54 blocks, but if one or two are missing, you can still play the game.

• Set-up the tower. Stack the blocks in sets of 3 parallel to one another. You should end up with a tower that is 18 blocks (or levels) high. Each level should be stacked at a 90-degree angle to the previous level.

• Straighten the tower. Use your hands to ensure that the tower is neatly stacked and sturdy. Push in any pieces that are sticking out. The tower should be able to stand alone.

• Gather around the tower. Get at least 1 other player and stand around the tower. There is no strict rule on how many people can play, but less is often better as you get more turns that way.

• Start the game. Decide which player will start the game. The youngest (or oldest) player or the player who built the tower, etc.

• Remove a block. Carefully choose a block from any level (except for the very top). Look for ones that appear loose or easy to remove. And remember, you can only use one hand at a time.

• Put the block on the top of the tower. Put the chosen block on the top level, repeating the 90-degree angle pattern and layering in 3’s. Stack each new block neatly to ensure the stability of the tower.

• Continue playing until the tower falls. Keep removing (and replacing) blocks from (and on) the tower until the structure crumbles. The player responsible for the tower falling is the ‘loser’.

Where to Buy Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga can be purchased easily through online toy and game stores as well as Amazon.com. Best of all, you can have it delivered in as little as 1 day right to your front door! You can also look into the Giant Jenga Premium Hardware Booster Pack (or other Jenga game variations) online as well.

Where to Play Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga is the perfect backyard summer game following a barbecue with family and friends! It is easily set up on the lawn, patio, deck, etc. Basically, any flat ground surface will work! Bring out the game at any social gathering, including wedding receptions, family reunions, birthday parties, anniversaries, and graduation celebrations. It can even be played indoors (in the basement or in the garage) as well.

Who Invented Giant Jenga

Leslie Scott is the creator of Jenga, which is the basis for all other Jenga game variations including Giant Jenga. She launched the game back in 1982 in London. She sold the rights to Robert Grebler, who subsequently launched the game in North America in 1987. It has since become an international icon, appealing to people of all ages and cultures.

How to Make Giant Jenga

It’s easy to make your own Giant Jenga set (with base), all you need are some new (or recycled) wooden boards! First things first, gather your supplies and tools, which include the following:

• ¾ inch plywood (18”x18”)
• 6 – 2”x4”x8’ pine boards (to make 54, 10 ½” pieces)
• 1 – 2”x4”x6’ pine board (to make the sides for the 18”x18” base)
• Sandpaper
• Orbital Sander
• Miter, circular, table saw
• Drill kit
• Screws
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Earplugs
• Safety glasses
• Storage bins or totes

Now that you have the necessary tools and supplies, you’re ready to begin building your Giant Jenga set. The eight easy steps include the following:

Step One – Prepare Yourself

Before beginning, get prepared by having your tape measure, pencil, tools, and supplies handy. Put on your safety glasses and put in your earplugs. Make sure the work area is clear with good air flow.

Step Two – Build the Platform

Begin by marking and cutting the ¾ inch plywood to 18”x18” pieces using a circular or table saw. To make the frame, use 2×4 boards and cut 2 of the boards to 15” and another 2 to 18”, again using your saw. Attach the boards to each other (using screws and a drill kit) to make the platform base.

Step Three – Cut the Giant Jenga Pieces

Using the 2×4 boards, cut 54 wooden pieces at 10 ½” each with a miter saw, if possible. Do this on a workbench or table or with a sawhorse setup. Set each board aside.

Step Four – Sand the Giant Jenga Pieces

With your orbital sander, smooth out each wooden piece along the ends and sides. Use sandpaper to remove any imperfections or rough patches that may remain after sanding.

Step Five – Customize the Giant Jenga Pieces

After sanding, you can finish the wooden pieces (with lacquer, varnish, stain or paint) and customize them to your liking. Be sure to let the blocks dry entirely.

Step Six – Stack the Giant Jenga Pieces

Place the constructed platform on the ground and stack the pre-made wooden pieces in 3 rows, alternating the stacking direction for each level. Set-up the game in the backyard on the lawn or patio and gather your friends and family around it.

Step Seven – Play Giant Jenga!

Now you’re ready to play. Follow the rules of the classic Jenga game (see above) and have fun! Be careful when removing the blocks as they are likely larger and heavier than what you may be used to!

Step Eight – Store the Giant Jenga Pieces

After playing, store the base and wooden pieces in plastic totes or storage containers in the garage or in the basement. This will keep the pieces intact and protect them from damage.

All in all

Giant Jenga is just like classic Jenga only bigger! It can stack to a height of over 3’ at setup and up to 5’ or more when combined with the Jenga Giant Premium Hardwood Booster Pack. Giant Jenga blocks are almost 7 times bigger than the classic Jenga blocks.

Giant Jenga provides players with a ‘cool’ and exciting new way to enjoy the quintessential game. Now, all you need to do is get your family and friends together, break out those massive blocks, and start building! And don’t forget to yell ‘Jenga’ when the tower falls! Good luck (everyone) and have fun!