How to Play Paengi Chigi (Spinning Top) from Squid Game

Overview of Paengi Chigi

Paengi Chigi is a subtle yet challenging game featured in the Squid Game pentathlon, demanding quick reflexes and significant attention to detail.
This game can be played in multiple formats, each presenting unique win conditions such as achieving the longest spin or successfully maneuvering around obstacles.
Key strategies for excelling at Paengi Chigi include effective winding of the string, maintaining the correct grip, and employing a swift wrist motion for enhanced spin speed.

In episode 4 of Squid Game season 2, titled “Six Legs, ”participants engage in a thrilling six-legged pentathlon. Each player on a team must conquer one of five minigames to properly advance through the competition. Success means finishing all games and crossing the finish line within a five-minute time frame, while failure results in expulsion by the guards.

Among the traditional Korean children’s games presented in the pentathlon, Paengi Chigi stands out as particularly deceptive. This winter activity entails spinning a top using a twine string, often on a smooth, icy surface. Mastery of Paengi Chigi requires quick reflexes and meticulous attention to detail—achieving an effective spin hinges on the right grip, quick wrist action, and sharp focus, all of which can be cultivated through practice.

Winning Strategies for Paengi Chigi

Players can enjoy Paengi Chigi either as individual competitors or in face-offs with others. In the context of the Squid Game pentathlon, the objective is for a player to achieve a spin duration of approximately three seconds to claim victory. However, numerous variants of play exist, each with distinct winning criteria.

Game Variant	Victory Conditions
Long Spin	The player with the longest spinning top wins.
Strike Away	The player whose top travels farthest down a marked line while still spinning wins.
Quick Return	Players race their tops from a starting line to a designated point and back. The player whose top completes the racetrack first is declared the winner.
Bump Back	Tops are propelled to hit predetermined obstacles. The player with the top that returns and spins the longest after impacting the obstacle wins.
Top	The winner is the player whose top spins the longest. Players may strike their opponent’s top with a rod for an advantage.

Rules of Paengi Chigi

While each variant of Paengi Chigi has its own set of victory conditions, the fundamental gameplay remains consistent. Players require a wooden top, a twine string, and, in certain variations, a rod. The basic progression of play is as follows:

Wrap the twine string around the axle and base of the top.
Flick your wrist to unwind the string, launching the top into motion.
Optionally, use the wooden rod to aid in propelling the top and maintaining its motion.

Tips and Tricks for Paengi Chigi

At first glance, Paengi Chigi may seem straightforward; however, as highlighted by the setbacks of Seon-nyeo and In-ho in episode 5, “One More Game, ”mastering the art of spinning the top is far more complicated than it appears. Here are several essential tips to execute that flawless spin:

Grip the String Between Your Pinky and Ring Fingers: This allows more freedom of movement in your hand, enabling a stronger spin. Placing the string in the space between these two fingers facilitates quick unfurling once your palm is opened. In contrast, holding it with just your index finger and thumb can hinder your motion.
Snap Your Wrist for Enhanced Spin Speed: Achieving high speed is critical for sustained top motion. Employ a sharp flick of your wrist during the unwinding process, and follow through quickly, akin to the movements used when operating a yo-yo.

Source & Images