Lasso Paper and Pencil Game

The Lasso Paper and Pencil Game is a simple two-player strategy game that only requires a pencil and the printable game board. Players connect dots, circle the ending dot, and try to make the final legal move. It is easy to learn, quick to set up, and works well for classrooms, indoor recess, travel, after-school activities, or family game time. You can download the free Lasso Paper and Pencil Game PDF at the bottom of this post.

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How to Play the Lasso Paper and Pencil Game

Lasso is played on a grid of dots. Players take turns drawing one line from any dot to a different dot. After drawing the line, circle the dot where the line ends. This completes one lasso. The lines must stay inside the dot grid and cannot cross another line.

A dot may be used as the starting point for no more than two lassos. Once a dot has been circled, it cannot be circled again. Players continue taking turns until there are no legal moves left. The player who makes the final legal lasso wins.

What Is Included in the Free Lasso Printable?

The free PDF includes two pages. The first page provides:

• Simple directions for playing
• A visual example of one move
• Important rules to remember
• A sample completed game
• An example showing how to determine the winner

The second page includes the full Lasso game board with space for two players to write their names.

Why Lasso Is More Than Just a Pencil Game

Although the rules are simple, players need to think ahead before making each move. The game encourages children to practice:

• Planning ahead
• Visual scanning
• Spatial reasoning
• Problem solving
• Flexible thinking
• Strategic decision-making
• Turn taking
• Attention and concentration

As the game progresses, the available spaces become more limited. Players have to consider how one move may affect several possible moves later in the game. For more information about why these simple activities are so useful, read Benefits of Paper and Pencil Games.

A Simple Game With Plenty of Strategy

At first glance, Lasso looks like a basic connect-the-dots activity. Once the board begins filling up, the strategy becomes much more interesting. Players need to watch for lines that may block future moves, dots that have already been circled, and areas of the board where several moves are still possible. There is no single correct path through the game. Every round can develop differently depending on the choices each player makes.

Try Another Paper and Pencil Strategy Game

If you enjoy Lasso, try the Ultimate Tic Tac Toe Printable. Ultimate Tic Tac Toe takes the familiar game of tic tac toe and turns it into a larger strategy challenge. It is another fun addition to a collection of printable paper and pencil games.

Ways to Use the Lasso Game

Keep several copies available for times when you need a quick activity without extra supplies. Lasso can work well for:

• Indoor recess
• Early finishers
• Brain breaks
• Morning work
• Classroom game stations
• After-school programs
• Family game nights
• Waiting rooms
• Restaurants
• Library game time
• Travel
• Rainy days
• Screen-free activities

You can also place a copy inside a plastic sleeve and use dry erase markers so the board can be played repeatedly.