The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

The Hand-Rock game: The leader stands in front of the porch
steps while three to five friends sit at the top of the porch
steps (should have at least 5 to 10 steps). The leader holds a
small rock in his right or left hand. The leader shows the rock
to all players and then places his hands behind his back. Once
behind the back, the leader switches hands or the leader can keep
the rock in the same hand. The hands are tightly closed and
placed in front of the friends sitting on the step. The first
player is to tap the closed fist hand that she or he believe
would house the stone. If the right hand is chosen, the hand is
opened to reveal the stone. The player would then be rewarded by
sliding down to the next step. If the player chose the wrong
hand, he or she would receive no award and must remain on the
same step. The leader then moves on to the next player and the
same rules are followed. The first player to reach the bottom
step and tap the hand for a standing position is the winner and
the game starts over.

Submitter comment: This was indeed a fun game. I played it when I was little.
The best part is that you could play it anywhere. On a rainy
day, our hallway steps made for a perfect play area.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT