What is Chinese jump rope?

Chinese jump rope is a Chinese game that closely resembles the western game of hopscotch. It is mainly played by children and is slowly becoming more popular in the UK with most European countries playing it since the 1960´s. This article looks at how to play Chinese jump rope and how the games level system works.

How to play Chinese jump rope

Chinese jump rope is one of a number of jump in games played by young children, mainly girls. The game is usually played by three players although more are able to participate. Jump ropes, string or more often now rubber bands of about five to six feet in length are used and tied into a circle. Two of the participants known as holders face one another about three feet apart, with both feet together. They then position the rope around their ankles and pull it so that it is tight. The third participant known as the jumper then proceeds to stand between the two sides of the rope and must perform a series of moves without making a mistake or pausing. Levels There are many jump patterns which to an observer look like skipping rope tricks - these tend to be accompanied by a song or rhyme. The first jump pattern is known as "level 1". If the jumper sucessfully completes the first pattern, then the rope is moved further up the body to the knees, then the waist, then the neck or hands. With each jump if the jumper lands on the rope when they are not supposed to, then they are out or if they are trying to land on it but miss it, they are also out.
With each sequence the jumper usually follows the pattern of "in, out, side, on, in, out." There are more complicated variations of jumps using different rope patterns including "the rollercoaster" that involves having one side of the ropes higher than the other. Once the jumper is out, players rotate and the next player becomes the jumper.

Where to buy jumpropes

Kids jump rope is fairly easy to get hold of. Also known as elastics in Britain, it can be found in most children's games shops like Hamleys or similar smaller stores.
Larger stores like Toys R Us usually carry specific jump rope that can also be used. For internet-based purchases and varying prices, Amazon.co.uk have elastic jump ropes for around £4 each.