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Tickle fights are such a blast! If you want to win your next tickle fight, our handy list below can help you do just that. We'll start by walking you through which body parts are the most ticklish so you can go for those spots immediately. Then we'll touch on some ways you can fake out your opponent and defend yourself so you can win the fight.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 8:Start a fair tickle fight.
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1A silent sneak attack is pretty unfair. Some people aren’t into surprises or tickling, so hitting them with a double whammy is probably going to upset them. Remember: the only fair tickle fight is the one your opponent agrees to![1]
- If you still want to do a sneak attack, at least yell “TICKLE FIGHT!” first. They can’t say you didn’t warn them!
- Keep in mind that just because they're laughing doesn’t mean they're having fun. Our brains tell us to respond to tickling with laughter, almost like a reflex.[2]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 8:Go for their feet if they're barefoot.
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1Use a soft touch or a feather to tickle the bottom of their foot. The bottom of the foot is so ticklish! Brush your fingers or a feather lightly on the soles of their bare feet to tickle them.[3]
- If they’re wearing socks, this probably won’t be as effective.
Method 3
Method 3 of 8:Wiggle your fingers under their armpits.
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1You can tickle a little harder in the armpits. Armpits are super ticklish! Just stick your fingers in the other person's pits and wiggle them around a bit.[4]
- Tickling can be really unpleasant for some people. If the other person doesn't look like they're having much fun, stop tickling them.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 8:Tickle their ribs to get them howling.
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1The ribs and stomach area are super ticklish. If their ribs are ticklish and you get a good shot at them, it's time to go in for the win! Put your hands on their stomach, dig your fingers into their ribs gently, and wiggle your fingers around.[5]
- Don't sit on them or hold them down to get at their ribs. It's not a fair tickle fight if they can't defend themselves! Plus, they might get upset with you.
Method 5
Method 5 of 8:Go for the knees.
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1Grab the area right above their knee cap and give it a firm squeeze. This is a great way to immobilize them! Use your middle finger and thumb to latch onto the area right above the knee and squeeze it until they can’t take it anymore.[6]
- The tops of the knees are so ticklish that they’ll either freeze in place or fall down in a fit of laughter. They could also make a run for it, though, so watch out for that!
- If the top of the knees don't work, try softly tickling their kneecaps. That should drive them into fits of laughter!
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Method 6
Method 6 of 8:Gain the upper hand with a fake out.
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1Widen your eyes, point, and say “What’s that over there!?” A classic distraction trick can put you in a good position to win this tickle fight. Give it a try and if they fall for it, go in hard for their armpits and ribs. This will probably only work once, so make it count.[7]
- Once you have the upper hand, they’ll probably give up and declare you the winner.
Method 7
Method 7 of 8:Grab their tickle hand as a defense move.
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1Your brain will think you’re tickling yourself, which doesn't work. Touching their hand makes your brain believe you have something to do with the tickling. Since it’s impossible to tickle ourselves (really, there's scientific proof), your brain won't perceive the movements as ticklish. To test this out, just place your hand on top of the other person's hand as they try to tickle you.[8]
- You’ll have to be quick enough to catch their hand, though!
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Method 8
Method 8 of 8:Stop immediately if they get upset.
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1A tickle fight isn’t fun if the other person is upset. If the person is helpless and defenseless, tickling can become unpleasant pretty fast. If they repeatedly ask you to stop or can’t catch their breath, quit tickling them.[9]
- Never sit on people to tickle them or restrain them in any way.
- Tickle fights should be fun for both people! If the other person looks unhappy, call a tickle truce.
Community Q&A
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QuestionMy best friend is way too strong. When I try to tickle her feet, she kicks and ends up doing the same to me. How can I get her weaker?
Hellovenus1233Community AnswerYou need to initiate the fight with a tickle sneak-attack: sit down next to her and surprise her by tickling her sides or belly, which are the two most vulnerable areas. -
QuestionAfter reading this I want to have a tickle fight with my sister. I do not know how to start the tickling or ask, what do I do?
Community AnswerSneak up behind her and tickle her while screaming "TICKLE FIGHT!" If she isn't in the mood, she will let you know. Then you can try again later. -
QuestionHow do I get someone to tickle me?
Community AnswerJust ask them. Or start ticking them first. Or bring up the subject of tickling and see if it makes them want to tickle you. -
QuestionI am too ticklish to win! What can I do?
Community AnswerFully cover the parts of your body are most sensitive to tickles. -
QuestionI am soooo ticklish, and I love being tickled. How do I get people to tickle me?
Community AnswerIf you begin to tickle someone first, you're sure to get some retaliation. -
QuestionI have this friend that I want to tickle, but she always says no. How can I start a tickle fight?Community AnswerDo not tickle people without their consent. Always respect other people people's bodily autonomy.
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QuestionWhat if the person is a lot bigger and stronger than you?Community AnswerTickle the most ticklish part of their body while being quick and nimble.
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QuestionHow would I get my best friend to tickle me but not by asking her?Community AnswerPut your bare feet or belly in front of her so she has a clear shot at tickling you.
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QuestionHow do I get someone to tickle me without asking?Community AnswerJust expose your stomach or put your feet on him, then he might just be tempted to tickle you.
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QuestionWhat if there is a boy at school that keeps on tickling my armpits?Community AnswerIf you don't like it, tell him to stop. You can also give him a taste of his own medicine and tickle him back.
References
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/04/magazine/how-to-tickle-someone.html
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20140131-why-do-we-laugh-when-tickled
- ↑ https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-are-your-feet-so-ticklish
- ↑ https://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2011/06/17/how_to_tickle_a_child.html
- ↑ https://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2011/06/17/how_to_tickle_a_child.html
- ↑ https://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2011/06/17/how_to_tickle_a_child.html
- ↑ https://www.thestar.com/life/parent/2011/06/17/how_to_tickle_a_child.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_ozTpZUvs0&t=128s
- ↑ https://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/sciencecommunication/2019/10/10/when-touch-turns-to-tickle/
About This Article
If you get into a tickle fight, you’ll need to use the right techniques to win it. Go for your opponent’s most sensitive areas, like the bottom of their feet, their armpits, ribs, and neck. Try to attack as many different areas as you can to keep them giggling. For example, if they hold their arms against their sides to protect their armpits, tickle their feet or their ribs. Just be careful when you tickle their feet, since they might accidentally kick you if you’re too close. Try pinning their arms over their head or sitting on top of them so they can’t tickle you back. If they get angry or distressed, stop tickling them and enjoy your victory. For more tips, including how to do advanced tickling moves, read on!
