Jenga Variations

A Progression of Difficulty

For some, classic Jenga is too difficult. (This is especially true for children.) For anyone who is frustrated with Jenga because they spend more time picking up the pieces than actually playing, Ngaej has several beginner-level variations to choose from (the Classic 3 and Classic 5 split-tower variations). This is the easiest one.

For others, classic Jenga is so easy as to be boring. For anyone seeking a challenge, try out a Classic 5 single tower or jump straight into Vertical Jenga. The Vertical 3 “House of Cards” is, in my opinion, the most difficult.

From Easiest to Hardest:

1. Classic 3

2. Classic 5

3. Vertical 5

4. Vertical 3

Classic 3 Jenga Variations

In Classic 3 Jenga, you build rows with three pieces laid flat (normal Jenga).

To make it easier, split the base of the tower into two, three, or four sections.

If you begin with a double or triple base, you’ll build a single tower in the center as you pull and place pieces.

If you begin with a quad base, you’ll make a double tower on top of that, eventually narrowing it into a single, central tower.

Quad Tower Setup

Quad Early Game

Quad Late Game

Quad Victory

Triple Tower Start

Triple Mid-Game

Triple Victory

Double Tower Start

(option A)

Double Tower Start

(option B)

Double Tower Victory

(Option B)

Single Tower

Victory

Classic 5 Jenga Variations

In Class 5 Jenga, you build rows with five pieces laid on their sides.

As with Classic 3, splitting the base into two, three, or four sections makes the tower more stable.

Quad Tower Start

Triple Tower Start

Double Start (A)

Double Start (B)

Single Tower Start

Single Tower Early

Single Mid-Game

Single Late Game

Vertical 5 Jenga Variations

In Vertical 5 Jenga, your world really opens up.

Your standard building block is made of seven pieces: five placed vertically between two flat pieces that serve as end-caps.

These can be arranged into all sorts of towers.

Whatever pattern you set in Vertical Jenga®, you’ll probably find that you don’t have enough pieces to continue it by mid-game or late-game. Pay attention to how many pieces you have to work with and narrow the pattern as needed.

As you approach victory, you’ll even be too short on pieces to continue any pattern at all, so pulled pieces must be placed vertically on top of the tower.

Hanging Stack

4-Pointed Star

Double House of Cards

House of Cards

Vertical 3 Jenga Variations

Vertical 3 Jenga works just like Vertical 5, only it is much, much harder.

You building block for tower creation is now made up of five pieces: three placed vertically between two pieces laid on their narrow edge.

Despite their inherent wobbliness, these can be arranged into all the same towers possible with the Vertical 5 setup.

A word of warning: Just building these towers requires above-average dexterity and steadiness. A sturdy table that is difficult to bump will reduce frustration.

However, I have seen a group of relative newbies beat the House of Cards style, so have some faith in yourself and give it a try!

Double-Wide Hanging Stack

Throwing Star