Arguing constructively takes courage and a few ground rules. Ideally, our family, professional, and social circles are future-proof and can handle both differing and extreme perspectives. That sounds utopian – but it can work. Our kit will help you!
Discover a new, playful way of exchanging views with our Tangram Duel. Use the tangram pieces to visualize your arguments and perspectives, and steer the mood of the debate by flipping the pieces. Whether in pairs or in a group: find common ground, question viewpoints, and dive deeper into topics you care about. Experience intense conversations that are both enriching and entertaining.
For everyone who has misplaced their game instructions, for the smartphone junkies who’d rather swipe on their phones, and for everyone who finds the print on the sticker cards too small – here are our online game instructions!
Game instructions
DEBATING WITH HEART, BITE, AND BALANCE
Objective
Your goal is to exchange views on topics you care about, using the tangram pieces to bring in different arguments and perspectives.
- Use the tangram pieces to represent different arguments and points of view.
- Find common ground and differences in your positions.
Question each other’s viewpoints and encourage new thoughts and perspectives.
The deeper the discussion goes, the more valuable it becomes – so use the tangram pieces to steer the climate of the debate, and don’t just show your strong side.
Play in pairs or as a group. As a group, lay out at least two tangram figures.
Preparation
Each tangram piece gets colored stickers – one sticker per side. This lets you switch between two “sides” of the argument: the “good” side and the “dark” side. The sticker colors indicate the mood of the conversation.
Duration
At least 30 minutes, no more than 2 hours.
Game materials
Tangram figures: Choose a tangram figure that symbolizes your chosen topic.
Tangram pieces: Each piece represents a particular type of argument or perspective. Each piece has two sides: a “good” one and a “dark” one.
Use both sides to make the debate more varied.
How to play
Topic collection (5 minutes)
- Everyone writes a topic they’d like to discuss on a slip of paper
- Choose topics that matter to you and on which you’re seeking understanding within the group.
Topic collection (5 minutes)
The person whose birthday is closest to September 21 chooses the first topic and a matching tangram figure.
Everyone briefly notes down their thoughts on the topic, including uncertainties, blockages, or unspoken aspects.
Game round
Round structure: lay out the tangram (5 minutes)
Players take turns drawing a piece from the bag and making an opening statement on the topic and the chosen tangram figure. The bag is passed around until all the pieces of the tangram figure have been laid out.
Debate intensely (20 minutes)
- Everyone contributes their arguments and perspectives.
- The player who spoke last may flip a piece to influence the debate (e.g., more spice or more harmony), but doesn’t have to.
- The next player refers to the new side of the flipped piece in their argument.
The tangram figure serves as a mood barometer: when many yellow pieces are visible, the discussion is more intense and daring; with more purple pieces, it stays empathetic.
End of the round
When the timer runs out (20 minutes): the group decides whether to switch topics or go deeper for another 10 minutes.
If you switch topics: collect the pieces, draw a new topic, and lay out a new figure.
Instead of distancing yourselves, it’s worth having challenging conversations together. Sure, that can be nerve-racking at times, but at best the exchange also brings new insights and understanding for one another.
Have fun!
