With the popularity of Netflix’s Squid Game growing by the second, it’s easy to think about what kind of game Latine people would play if they were given the chance to play their own version of the game. And while some might be similar to what many have seen on Squid Game, there are plenty of games that are unique to our communities and people. From 1, 2, 3, Momia Es to Sapo, here are five Latine games to play in our communities’ version of Squid Game!
1
Dominoes, Puerto Rico
Dominoes as a game has tons of different variations out there. But I’m going to go with the one that I grew up with. This variation from Puerto Rico follows the same basic style of using the tiles provided to start a matching game. The person who gets rid of all their dominoes, in a game of chance and smarts, wins.
2
Sapo, Peru
This game is based on a legend from Inca times where a magical resident of Lake Titicaca granted wishes to those who offered him gold coins. The board game in turn has a wooden box with a toad on top. The toads mouth is open and the top of the box has many holes for the player to toss coins into with the toad being the hardest.
3
1, 2, 3 Momia Es, Panama
This game is basically the same as red light, green light aka the game played in the first episode of Squid Game. A player faces a wall or an object of their choice. While the player has their back turned, all the other players move forward. When the main player finishes saying “1, 2, 3, Momia Es,” they turn around and everyone must stay absolutely still like a mummy. The only difference from the Squid Game version is that if you move you go back to the start.
4
Bolas Criollas, Venezuela
Bolas Criollas is said to have its origins come from an Italian game named Bocce after immigrants settled in the area. It’s so popular in Venezuela that some even play it professionally. The game consists of a small ball tossed out into an even ground. Each team has to throw their larger balls close to this small ball. The closer you get, the more points you receive.
5
Trompo, Ecuador
Trompo is the one game that if it had a Squid Game version of it I would absolutely fail. Because it isn’t just about wrapping a small rope around a top and spinning it. No, the whole point of Trompo in parts of Ecuador is to dislodge a disc that is placed on a rock platform with the assistance of your spinning top. Also, the better the top, the more expensive it is.