Chilean Rayuela: Toss to the String Line
A school version of rayuela, a traditional game from Chile in which players toss discs called tejos at a box with a string stretched across it, the lienza. The tejo resting on the string or closest to it wins, so students work on accuracy, controlling force, and respect for traditions.
How to play
- For each court, tape a 3 x 3 ft box on the floor with a rope crossing its center (the lienza). The throwing line is 20 ft away. Set up 6 courts.
- Groups of 4, two pairs facing off. Each student has 2 beanbags of one color (the tejos).
- Toss underhand, alternating players from each pair. A tejo touching the string is a quemada and is worth 2 points.
- If there is no quemada, the tejo closest to the string inside the box earns 1 point. Use a measuring tape when in doubt.
- Play to 11 points or 5 minutes; then winning pairs switch courts. Play 3 games.
- At the end, each group discusses which strategy worked best: a high toss, a low slide, or knocking the opponent's tejo away.
Rules
- Nobody walks up to the box until everyone has thrown.
- Throw only when the box is clear and everyone is behind the line.
- You may knock an opponent's tejo with your own, but never move it with a hand or foot.
- The pair that did not throw the tejo in question does the measuring.
Variations
Easier
Use a 13-ft throwing line, and any tejo inside the box earns 1 point.
Standard
Throw from 20 ft with a 2-point quemada and a point for the closest tejo.
Harder
Throw from 26 ft and use only the non-dominant hand in the final round.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student throws seated from the 13-ft line or uses a ramp.
- Visual impairment: a partner taps the string gently with a pole so the student can locate the sound.
- Higher skill: the thrower must call out whether they are aiming for a quemada or a knock-away before throwing.
Learning goals
- Adjust throwing force to a specific distance and target.
- Choose a throwing strategy based on where the tejos are lying.
- Value rayuela as a traditional game from Chile.
Equipment for a class of 25
- beanbags: 48
- ropes: 6
- masking tape: 2
- measuring tapes: 6
Teacher tip
Beanbags stay where they land and do not roll, so they are a good stand-in for the original metal discs. This is ideal for hot days or tight spaces.
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