explore · Decision Making · 10–20 min · 4-50 people · high energy

Pancakes vs. Waffles

A rapid-fire elimination game where the group must collectively decide which of two items to keep in existence while the other is 'obliterated.' It starts with low-stakes food items and escalates to more significant concepts.

When to use Pancakes vs. Waffles

To practice group consensus-building and advocacy in a fun, low-pressure environment.

What it solves

Analysis paralysis or team members being hesitant to voice opinions during serious debates.

How to run Pancakes vs. Waffles, step by step

  1. Present the initial choice: 'The world can only keep Pancakes or Waffles; the other disappears forever. Which do we keep?' (2 min).
  2. Allow 3 minutes for advocates from both sides to make their case to the group.
  3. Call for a majority vote to eliminate one option (1 min).
  4. The winner of the previous round faces a new challenger (e.g., Waffles vs. Puppies) and repeat (10 min).

Materials needed

  • Voting tool or poll
  • Timer

Facilitator tips

  • Keep the pace fast to prevent over-thinking.
  • As the game progresses, introduce more abstract or work-related concepts to see how values shift.

Common pitfalls

  • Debate dragging on too long
  • One dominant voice overshadowing the vote

Variations

  • Work-themed version: 'Slack vs. Email' or 'Meetings vs. Deep Work'.

Running it online or hybrid

Use Zoom polls or 'raise hand' features to manage voting across locations.

What it produces

A 'final survivor' item that represents a quirky team preference.

Origin

Adapted from Museum Hack — source

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