Game · 60-90 minutes
DIY escape room challenge
Teams solve a chain of puzzles and clues in a locked-room story to “escape” before the timer runs out.
Read more All team quizzes & games
Problem solving
Human knot
Players stand in a circle, join hands with two different people, and untangle themselves without letting go.
- Players
- 6-12 per knot
- Duration
- 15-20 minutes
- Energy level
- High
- Works online
- In person
How to play - step by step
- 1
Ask groups of 6 to 12 to stand in a tight circle, shoulder to shoulder.
- 2
Everyone reaches across and takes the hand of a different person with each hand.
- 3
Check that each person holds two different people’s hands, not a neighbour’s.
- 4
Without letting go, the group must untangle itself into one large circle.
- 5
People may talk, step over, and duck under - planning is allowed.
- 6
The first group to untangle wins; if stuck, the host may allow one “pass”.
Benefits
- Practises communication, planning, and collaboration under time pressure.
- Shows who listens, who leads, and how the team shares information.
- Gives managers real examples to discuss in debriefs.
- Turns a fun task into a lesson that carries back to work.
What you need
- A clear, open space.
- A timer and a facilitator.
Rules
- Do not let go of hands unless the host allows.
- Be gentle - no pulling or twisting hurts.
- Anyone can ask to stop at any time.
Scoring and winning
- The first group out of the knot wins. Add a time bonus for neat circles.
Variations
- Silent knot: no talking.
- Two knots compete side by side.
- Chair version for accessibility: seated knots with reachable hands.
Tips for the host
- Offer ribbons or short ropes for people who would rather not hold hands.
- Have a facilitator stand by to help with stuck knots.
Mistakes to avoid
- Holding hands tightly or twisting wrists.
- Not offering an alternative for people who prefer not to touch.
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