Rules of Chinese Jump Roping

Basics

• Traditionally, Chinese jump rope requires three players and a long, elastic rope tied into a loop. Two of the players wrap the elastic around their ankles, and the third attempts to jump between, outside or onto the rope in an agreed-upon pattern.

Rules

• The only hard and fast rule of Chinese jump rope is that the jumper cannot miss part of the pattern or jump off of or onto the rope out of turn. If he does, his turn is over.

  There is a wide variety of jumping patterns for the game. Some correspond with the spelling of a word. For example, in one version of the game, each letter of the word "Mississippi" gives an instruction. On "M," jump into the center of the rope. On "I," land with a foot on either side of the outside on the rope. On each alternating "S," hop with both feet from one side of the outside of the rope to the other, and on "P" land with each foot on a rope.

  Another way to play is to make up a pattern before beginning and have the added challenge of memorizing the routine on the spot. For example, establish a pattern of "in, out, on, left side, right side, on, in, out" and then try to repeat that routine without forgetting the order.

  More difficult moves can also be included, like crossing the rope in an X with your feet. In a pattern called "Diamonds," start by pulling one rope across the other with your foot, then stretch the second rope length with your other foot to form a diamond shape. Then jump and turn to spin and face the opposite direction without letting go of the diamond pattern. Repeat this as many times as it takes to spell your name, one full pattern per letter, for example.

  Another challenging possibility is to use any pattern, but make the distance between the rope lengths wider or smaller to make it more difficult to land outside or inside the rope. Lift the height of the rope with each successful round to make it more difficult for the jumper until she misses and another player takes a turn.

Alternatives

• If there are only one or two children, simulate the rope by drawing two chalk lines on the ground instead, though this doesn't allow for raising the "rope." You can also use two chairs in place of the two children holding the rope.

  If you don't have a traditional elastic rope, make one by tying together rubber bands. The number you'll need depends on how large the rubber bands are, but it should be enough to create a loop that is about 9 feet in circumference. Make sure the makeshift rope is long enough so that it doesn't snap when wrapped around the ankles of the children holding it.

  Rather than making up a pattern beforehand, call out directions as you go. The children holding the rope call "in," and the jumper hops between the ropes; the outside children call "on," and the jumper lands with both feet on the rope. This becomes more difficult the faster directions are called.