Track the Squirrel
Play at home
You need: your imagination and someone to call the moves. No screen or paper is required. The optional grid below helps you picture the starting layout.
The practice rule: track every move in your mind. Do not write down directions, trace the route or make notes. Say your final answer aloud only when the caller finishes.
- Choose a caller. Agree on a 5 × 5 grid: columns A to E from left to right, rows 1 to 5 from top to bottom. Start the squirrel at C3.
- The caller makes up a route and says “up”, “down”, “left” or “right”, one cell per instruction. Keep this home route inside the grid, with no wrapping at the edges. The caller can use a private grid to check the answer.
- Everyone else silently visualizes the squirrel moving. At the end, say which cell it reached, then compare with the caller.
- Swap roles. Begin with a few slow moves, then add more as you improve.
| A | B | C | D | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||||
| 2 | |||||
| 3 | 🐿️ | ||||
| 4 | |||||
| 5 |
Caller-only sample route and answer
Start at C3. Call: up, right, down, down, left. The squirrel finishes at C4. Keep this answer out of view until everyone has answered.
Build your visualization: begin with the grid visible, then look away or close your eyes and hold the whole grid in your mind. Try longer routes or a quicker pace when you are ready. Future events may make this challenge more difficult, so practise relying on your mental picture.
These are home practice instructions. They do not change the event results.
