"Don't Leave a Trace"

Do not drop the handkerchief (to toss the handkerchief) — one of the popular youth games.

Participants sit in a circle close to each other. The one who is "it," twisting a handkerchief into a cord, walks around behind the seated players and chooses a good moment to discreetly toss the handkerchief to someone.

After tossing it, the one who is "it" continues to walk around the circle. If the player who received the handkerchief does not notice it and continues to sit, the one who is "it," after going around the circle, returns to that player, picks up the handkerchief, and starts hitting the inattentive player. That player runs around the circle, trying to dodge the hits and sit back in their place. If the player manages to do this, the one who is "it" remains the same, and the game starts again. If not, the one who is "it" takes the place of the player, and that player takes the place of the one who is "it."

However, if the player notices the handkerchief, they must quickly pick it up, catch up with, and tag the one who is "it," who, while running away, tries to take the now vacant spot of the player. If successful, the one who is "it" starts the game over; otherwise, they are replaced by the unsuccessful pursuer.

According to the rules of the game, participants' hands must be in front of them, but it is allowed to occasionally feel the ground behind their backs. Turning around, warning neighbors or other players about the actions of the one who is "it" is not allowed. A player who violates these rules is punished with "ten whips," meaning ten hits with the handkerchief. Sometimes, instead of punishment, the offender is made to sing, dance, etc.

The game is played very energetically, causes laughter, and helps develop speed, agility, nimbleness, and observation skills.