How to Play the Pocky Game

Reviewed by Ashton Wu

Last Updated: December 13, 2024 Approved

The Pocky game is a party game played with Pocky, a Japanese chocolate- or candy-coated biscuit snack. Two participants place the Pocky between them “Lady and the Tramp” style, and try to be the last to hold onto the biscuit, often resulting in a kiss.^{[1]
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Research source} By following the rules of the game and picking a partner you wouldn’t mind kissing, you’ll be a great Pocky game player in no time.

Things You Should Know

Pick a partner that you wouldn't mind kissing. If you’re playing the game with a group, multiple couples can play.
Face your partner and put a Pocky stick between you. Each partner takes an end of the Pocky stick in their mouth.
Count down from three to start. Each partner bites their end of the Pocky stick until their mouths meet in the middle. The first person to pull away loses!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Organizing a Game

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1
Buy some Pocky. Pocky are sweet Japanese cookies that come in many flavors. You can find them at your local Asian market or in the international aisle at a grocery store. Milk chocolate is the most popular flavor, but you can also find Pocky in other flavors too, such as matcha (green tea), strawberry, and cookies 'n cream.^{[2]
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- If you can’t find Pocky, any long, thin biscuit, such as a breadstick, will do.
2
Choose a partner that you wouldn't mind kissing. If you’re playing the game with a group of people, the rules of the game are the same. You can have two couples play at once. Then, the winners of both games can face off in their own Pocky game.
- The Pocky game often results in a kiss, so it makes sense to pick a partner you wouldn’t mind kissing to begin with.
- You can use this as an opportunity to break the ice with your crush or bring you closer to a good friend.
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Propose the game at a party. The Pocky game is meant to be a fun (and sexy!) party game. Bring Pocky to a party, and then simply propose play. You might say, “Has anyone played the Pocky game before?” You’ll either be met with enthusiasm or curiosity. Either way, you’ll have a captive audience to teach the rules.
- You can also play the game at other occasions too, such as sleepovers.
4
Brush your teeth and check for good breath. Because you’ll be getting close to the other players, it’s considerate to brush your teeth so that you have good breath for the Pocky game.^{[3]
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Research source} If you don’t have access to a toothbrush at the party, chewing a stick of mint gum for a little bit would do.
- Spit the gum out before you begin to play so that it doesn't get stuck on the Pocky.
- Make sure that you are in good health. Don't play this game if you are sick. Brushing alone won't get rid of those germs.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Engaging in Play

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1
Face the person you’ve selected as your partner for the Pocky game. You’ll both need to have the same posture, so both sitting or both standing. Get close enough so that your faces are within about 12 inches (30 cm) of each other.
- Make sure that you are both comfortable. If standing is too awkward, take a seat instead.
2
Place a Pocky stick between you. Each take opposite ends of the Pocky stick between your teeth, so the Pocky is creating a line between your two mouths. Try not to snap the Pocky yet. One player then does a countdown backwards from three to begin play.
- Only one side of the Pocky stick is covered with chocolate. The other side isn't. It doesn't matter who has the chocolate side.
- If you are playing this in a group, consider having someone else start the countdown.
3
Bite your end until reaching the middle. Both players bite their end of the Pocky stick, moving towards the middle. Try not to drop the Pocky as you chew in this process. The goal is to reach the middle.^{[4]
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- If you drop the Pocky stick, then grab another. If this is in a group, then you could both "lose" and be out of the game.
Both players’ mouths will meet in the middle of the Pocky stick, but the first to pull away is the loser. It can be kind of funny to be so close to someone, so try not to giggle and lose your bit of the Pocky stick. Often, neither party will turn away, resulting in the kiss. In that case, everyone wins!

Community Q&A

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Question

Do I have to be straight in order to do this? My friend and I are both girls, and we always wanted to do this together.

Community Answer

It doesn't matter. As long as your partner is willing to play, you can.

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Question

Should I play Pocky with my crush?

Misty The Cat

Community Answer

If you want to, it might be a good way to express your feelings to them. But you don't have to!

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Question

Isn't it a kind of straightforward concept in and of itself? Was it really necessary to make a whole 8-step guide?

Community Answer

Some people are unsure and need help with the steps. Some have never heard of it and wish to play, but don't know how.

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Tips

If all players are of legal drinking age (21+ in the U.S.), you can also make losers drink if they're the first to back down.

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You can also play the game like you're playing Spin the Bottle. Have your group sit in a circle. One person spins a bottle in the middle, and the person it lands on is their partner for the Pocky Game.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If either person is in a relationship with someone who's not part of the game, make sure they have their partner's permission before playing.
Make sure both players are comfortable with the game and don't feel pressured into playing or kissing someone they don't want to.

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