Kim’s Game: How to Play the Memory Tray Game
Kim’s game is a memory game. A set of small objects is put on a tray, the players look at them for a short time, and then the tray is covered. Players try to remember and write down as many objects as they can. It works at parties, in classrooms, at scout meetings and on rainy afternoons, and all you need is a tray, a cloth and some things from around the house.
What you need
- A tray or table and a cloth or towel to cover it.
- A set of small, different objects: a spoon, a key, a coin, a pencil, a toy car, a button and so on.
- Paper and a pencil for each player, or a grown-up to write down answers for young children.
- A timer, and a fair way to choose the items, such as the random name picker.
How to play
- Without the players watching, put the objects on the tray and cover them.
- Gather the players around and take the cover off.
- Let them look for a set time, often one minute. Nobody writes during this time.
- Cover the tray again. Players write down every object they remember.
- When time is up, uncover the tray and check the lists. Each correct object is one point.
- The player with the most points wins. Change the objects and play again.
Fair random item picks
If the same person always chooses the objects, they may pick things one player knows well. A fairer way is to collect a big pile of objects, list them in the random name picker, and let it pick the ones that go on the tray. For the “what is missing?” version, spin the picker wheel with one slice per object to choose which one to take away, so nobody can guess from the host’s face.
A player who simply guesses which object is missing has a chance of 1 in the number of objects. With 10 objects, a wild guess is right about 10% of the time, so a correct answer usually means real memory.
How many items to use
There is no fixed rule. The table below is a starting point that many hosts use, and you can change it after the first round. “Age” is the age of the players, “Items” is how many objects go on the tray, “Look” is how long the tray stays uncovered, and “Write” is how long players get to write their list.
| Age | Items | Look | Write |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4–6 | 5–8 | 1 min | say aloud |
| 7–9 | 10–12 | 1 min | 2 min |
| 10–12 | 12–15 | 1 min | 2 min |
| 13+ | 15–20 | 1–2 min | 3 min |
| Adults | 20–25 | 2 min | 3 min |
If everyone gets every object, add more items or shorten the look time. If most players remember fewer than half, take some away. Very young children can say the objects out loud one at a time instead of writing.
Where the name comes from
The name is usually traced to Rudyard Kipling’s novel Kim, published in 1901. In the story, the boy Kim is trained to remember a tray of jewels and other objects after a short look. The game was later used in scouting, and it is still a common scout and classroom activity today.
Classroom and party tips
- Use objects that are easy to name, so the game tests memory rather than vocabulary.
- Mix colours and sizes so the tray is not too easy.
- Link it to a topic: classroom objects, fruit, shapes or items from a story.
- Play in pairs or teams so quieter children can still join in.
- Keep small objects away from very young children who might put them in their mouths.
Variations
- What is missing? Players look, close their eyes, and one object is removed. The first to name it wins.
- Swap: move two objects around while eyes are closed; players say what changed.
- Touch Kim’s game: objects go in a bag and players feel them without looking.
- Picture tray: use pictures or words on a screen instead of objects.
- Memory story: players must remember the objects in order and tell a story using all of them.
For more games that test memory and attention, try the memory card game, I spy or telephone.
FAQ
How do you play Kim’s game?
Put objects on a tray, let players look for about a minute, then cover the tray. Players write down as many objects as they remember, and each correct one scores a point.
How many items should be on the tray?
Around 10 to 12 objects for children aged about 7 to 9, fewer for younger children and more for older ones. Adjust after the first round.
Why is it called Kim’s game?
The name is usually traced to Rudyard Kipling’s 1901 novel Kim, in which the boy Kim plays a memory game with a tray of jewels.
Can you play Kim’s game online?
Yes. Show a picture with several objects for a set time, then hide it and ask players to list what they saw.
What is the “what is missing” version?
Players look at the tray, close their eyes, and one object is taken away. The first player to name the missing object wins.