Whooops (1968)

Whooops is a retro dexterity challenge from 1968 that combines physical balance, spatial planning, and a whole lot of laughter. Players take turns stepping from one plastic cup to another, trying to collect numbered cups in order—without touching the ground. It’s a full-body balancing act where one wrong move results in the game’s namesake: “Whooops!” Players earn points by successfully retrieving as many cups as they can in sequence, while carefully maintaining balance. Once a cup is lifted, it can’t be set down again, and touching the floor with any part of your body—including shoes—ends your turn. First player to reach 25 points wins. Originally dubbed “a new generation game,” Whooops encouraged physical play indoors or outdoors and is a fascinating (and slightly perilous) throwback to a pre-safety-conscious era of gaming.