KEN
games.alsoKnownAs: SKATE, Ken Game, ケン
games.origin: United Statesgames.playerCount: 2+
games.rules
A letter-based elimination game modeled on the skateboarding game SKATE. Players take turns calling and attempting tricks. If a player lands a trick that the next player cannot match, the next player receives a letter from K-E-N. A player who spells KEN is eliminated. Last player standing wins.
Setup: Determine starting order using Earth Turn First Turn — all players attempt an Earth Turn simultaneously; whoever lands it first goes first.
Turn structure:
1. The current player calls a trick and attempts it.
2. If they land it, all other players must attempt the same trick in order.
3. Any player who fails receives the next letter in K-E-N.
4. If the caller fails their own trick, no letters are given and the turn passes.
5. Trick selection is unrestricted — any kendama trick is valid.
Elimination: Spelling K-E-N removes that player. Play continues until one player remains.
games.variations
Long form: K-E-N-D-A-M-A (7 letters). Short form: K-E-N (3 letters). Some scenes use prove-it rule: caller must land the trick before challengers attempt.