Covert Clues

Searchvariants

Known Object

Even Number of Players:

Players split into pairs (one seeker and one explainer per team). Each team chooses an object to be hidden.

The seekers of each team stay behind at a starting point with their eyes and ears covered.

The explainers hide the object of an opposing team and inform the explainer of that team about the hiding spot.
Once all objects are hidden, the explainers return to their teammates.

Now the explainers remain at the starting point. The seekers may uncover their eyes and ears and move freely. Using the chosen method of communication, the explainers describe where the object can be found.

The first team to find their own object wins.

Odd Number of Players:

At the beginning, one explainer and one object are selected.
The seekers stay at a starting point with their eyes and ears covered.

The explainer hides the object and returns to the starting point.

Now the explainer remains at the starting point. The seekers may uncover their eyes and ears and move freely. Using the chosen method of communication, the explainer describes where the object can be found.

The first person to find the object wins.

Unknown Object

Disclaimer: Choose a recognizable object of proper size

Even Number of Players:

Players split into pairs (one seeker and one explainer per team).
The seekers of each team stay at a starting point with their eyes and ears covered.

The explainers select an object for an opposing team, hide it, and inform that team’s explainer where it is hidden.
Once an object has been hidden for each team, the explainers return to their teammates.

Now the explainers remain at the starting point.
The seekers may uncover their eyes and ears and move freely. Using the chosen method of communication, the explainers describe which object is being searched for and where it can be found.

The first team to bring their own object back to the starting point wins.

Odd Number of Players:

At the beginning, one explainer is selected.
The seekers stay at a starting point with their eyes and ears covered.

The explainer selects an object, hides it, and returns to the starting point.

Now the explainer remains at the starting point.
The seekers may uncover their eyes and ears and move freely. Using the chosen method of communication, the explainer describes which object is being searched for and where it can be found.

The first person to find the object wins.

Unknown Place

Even Number of Players:

Players split into pairs (one seeker and one explainer per team).
The seekers of each team stay at a starting point with their eyes and ears covered.

The explainers choose a clearly identifiable spot within visible range for an opposing team (e.g. a specific floor tile or a point next to a certain object) and inform that team’s explainer of the location.
Once each team has been assigned a spot, the explainers return to their teammates.

Now the explainers remain at the starting point.
The seekers may uncover their eyes and ears and move freely. Using the chosen method of communication, the explainers describe which location is being referred to.

The seekers attempt to stand on the exact spot assigned to their team.
The first team to do so wins.

Odd Number of Players:

One explainer is selected from the group. All others (the seekers) stay at a starting point with their eyes and ears covered.

The explainer selects a clearly identifiable spot within visible range (e.g. a specific floor tile or a point next to an object), then returns to the seekers.

Now the explainer remains at the starting point.
The seekers may uncover their eyes and ears and move freely. Using the chosen method of communication, the explainer describes which location is being referred to.

The seekers try to find the location.
Whoever stands on the correct spot first wins.

Method of Communicatio

Disclaimer: Only choose one version of communication at once. You cannot use language to describe the hiding place.

Visual

Pantomime

You may indicate the hiding spot using pantomime (through movements).
You are not allowed to speak or make any sounds.

Facial Expression

You may give clues using only your facial expressions (for example, looking startled, laughing, rolling your eyes).
No sounds, no words.

Drawing

Draw the hiding spot on paper, with chalk, or in the sand.
You may not speak or write words.

Showing an Object

Bring an item from near the hiding spot and show it.
The object should help guess the location.

Body Shadow

Use your shadow to give clues.
For example, you may use your arms to form shapes or indicate directions.

Showing Colors

Find objects in colors that match the hiding spot (e.g., green for a bush, blue for water).
Show these objects to hint at the location.

Auditive

Sounds

You may make sounds that match the hiding spot (e.g., rustling, water splashing).

Description

Describe the sensory experiences near the hiding spot. For example, explain which smells and textures can be noticed there.

Volume of Voice

Hum quietly when the players are far from the hiding spot.
The louder you hum, the closer they are.

Pitch of Voice

Hum in a low pitch when the players are far from the hiding spot.
The closer they get, the higher you hum.

Auditory Signals

Give signals using sounds (e.g., clapping, snapping fingers, clicking) that have not been agreed upon beforehand and must be interpreted as clues by the seeker.

Haptic

Drawing on the Back

Use your finger to draw a picture or letters on the other person’s back as a clue to the hiding spot.

Feeling the Surroundings

Let others feel how something near the hiding spot feels (e.g., soft, rough, wet).
Alternatively, you can describe it using words.

Clapping

Clap a specific number of times to give your teammates clues.
For example:
1 clap = left
2 claps = right
3 claps = straight ahead

Movement

Dancing

Stand still when your teammates are far from the hiding spot.
The closer someone gets, the more you dance.

Alternatively, it can work the other way around.

Make Yourself Big!

When your teammates are far from the hiding spot, sit on the ground.
The closer they get, the more you stand up.

Alternatively, it can work the other way around.

Compass

Turn your body slightly in one direction, like a living compass.

You can stretch out your arms horizontally to make the direction clearer.

Smells

Sensory Cue

Find something near the hiding spot that has a distinct scent (e.g., flower, soil).
Let others smell it to give a clue. Alternatively, you can describe the smells.

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