How to Play the Game
"ZONK" is a nonsense word that can be pronounced the same in any language. It has no real meaning. The original source of this game is unknown to this writer.
ZONK is played using a set of cards or die cuts (cut outs) of a similar design and of similar material where the one side of the playing pieces are identical. For example, if you are using die cut designs, you can use die cuts of leaves, or an ark, rainbow, hearts, etc., but they must all be identical. On the back of the cards being used, assign a number point value to each card. (I usually use "stick on" notes so I can change the number values later if I want.)
You will need about 40 plain cards and 8-10 ZONK type cards with the word ZONK written on the back. Remember, all cards must look the same on the side facing those playing the game.
A giant set of playing cards or even a regular size deck of playing cards can also be used. If you are using playing cards, use all the cards in the deck. The numbers can be used for the point value, i.e. Ace=1, 2=2 or you can increase the numbers by hundreds or thousand, i.e. 2= 200 or 2000. The face cards become the ZONK cards (to be explained later) and the Joker cards can be used for SUPER ZONK.
The cards are all placed on a bulletin board, whiteboard or other flat surface. If cards are laminated or have a glossy surface you can attach cards will a small section of rolled masking or other tape.
Next you need a set of questions for the game. Bible question can be drawn from basic Bible knowledge or from last week's Bible lesson or at combination of questions from the last month or quarter, etc.
If you are playing the game with a mixed age group, make a list of questions in categories according to the age of the children playing. For example, you could have questions for kindergarten - first grade (ages 5-7), different questions for grades 2-5 (ages 8-10) and then other questions for grades 5&6 (ages 11-12) You will need at least 10 questions for each group.
Next, form teams. If all are the same age/grade, just divide into teams. For mixed age groups, make sure you assign an equal number from each age bracket to each team.
To Play the Game:
1. A player for one team is called on. You ask that player the Bible question. (No helping from their team.) If they get the question correct they go to the ZONK board. Then they can begin removing and turning over cards to expose the point value. Their team receives points equal to whatever point value they turn over. They may (or may not) decide to continue turning over cards and can turn over as many as they want for their turn. Their team can call out and help them decide what to do. As long as they continue getting point cards their team gets the points, BUT.... if they turn over a ZONK card their team looses all those points in that round. Those cards are removed from the playing field. The player can decide to stop whenever they want. If they stop before turning over before a ZONK card they get to keep those points.
2. The next team player is called on and the game is repeated. If that player answers correctly, he or she gets to play in the same way.
3. If a team player gets the question wrong, the opposing team gets one chance to answer the question, and if correct, they get the extra turn.
4. If you elect to play SUPER ZONK with a deck of cards and leave the Joker cards in the playing field, if a team player, in turning over cards, turns over a Joker card - their team looses all points up to that level in the game and must begin over collecting points. Since there are only two Joker cards in each deck this decreases the chances of turning over the Joker card.
5. At the end of the game each team totals points and the winner is declared.
Related Topics: Children's Curriculum