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The Ghost In My Machine

Stories of the Strange and Unusual

The Most Dangerous Games: Sara Sarita

April 18, 2018 by Lucia

Previously: How To Use A Mirror As A Window Into Another World. 

According to most sources, the game Sara Sarita, or El Juego de Sara Sarita, comes out of Mexico. Many liken it to Charlie, Charlie, but to be honest, it reminds me more of the Red Book Game: Both are information acquisition rituals that require asking for permission to enter, as well as to leave. The difference, I think, is that whatever you’re speaking with in the Red Book Game doesn’t seem to be especially interested in lying to you, whereas in Sara Sarita, the answers you receive to your queries can be… questionable.

A pile of coins sitting on old newspaper

There are a few different backstories associated with this one. In one, Sara Sarita is a single entity said to be the daughter of Lucifer; however, in another, more common legend, Sara and Sarita are two different entities — sisters — who met a terrible fate one day after school. This second version has even given rise to an alternate name for the ritual: The Sister Sister Game.

[Like what you read? Check out Dangerous Games To Play In The Dark, available from Chronicle Books now!]

But whatever or whomever you believe you’re speaking to — whether it’s the daughter of the devil or spirits of two wronged girls — stay on your toes. As always…

…Play at your own risk.

Players:

  • Two principals.

Requirements:

  • Two coins, one for each player. The coins must each be of the same denomination.

Instructions:

Asking Permission:

  1. Begin at any time.
  2. Sit on the ground, with both principals facing each other.
  3. Speak, in unison, the words, “Sara Sarita, may I enter your game?”
  4. Together, have each principal throw their coins gently over their shoulders so that they land on the ground behind them.
    • If both coins are heads up: Permission has been granted. You may proceed to The Conversation.
    • If both coins are tails up: DO NOT PROCEED. You do not have permission to enter the game. You may ask again, but if both coins continue to fall tails up, it is NOT recommended that you persist in trying. Instead, apologize for being a nuisance and leave the room. You may try again another day.
    • If one coin is heads up and one coin is tails up: Proceed, but with caution. It is recommended that both principals ask to enter the game again; you may continue asking until you receive a clear answer (i.e., until both coins land either tails up or heads up).

The Conversation:

  1. Once permission has been received by both participants, you may begin asking questions. Ask ONLY yes or no questions, and be sure to address “Sara Sarita” at the beginning of each one. Take turns, one at a time, speaking your questions clearly out loud. After each question, both principals should throw their coins over their shoulders.
    • If both coins are heads up: The answer to your question is “Yes.”
    • If both coins are tails up: The answer to your question is “No.”
    • If one coin is heads up and one coin is tails up: The answer to your question is “Maybe.”
  2. When you have finished asking questions, proceed to The Farewell.

The Farewell:

  1. To exit the game, speak, in unison, the words, “Sara Sarita, may I leave your game?”
    • If both coins are heads up: Permission has been granted. You may leave the game.
    • If both coins are tails up: You do NOT have permission to leave the game. Ask for it again.
    • If one coin is heads up and one coin is tails up: You do NOT have permission to leave the game. Ask for it again.
  2. Do NOT exit the game until you have received permission to do so.
  3. Keep the coins somewhere safe. It is not advisable to spend them.

Additional Notes:

The game may be played in any location; however, outdoor locations are not recommended due to the ease with which coins may be lost in such places. Do not play in any location where it would be easy for the coins to become lost. Losing your only means of exiting the game would be catastrophic.

You may get up from your sitting positions to retrieve your coins whenever necessary. Resume the sitting positions as soon as the coins have been retrieved.

Some sources recommend conducting the game in Spanish only; the reasoning is that it is preferable to conduct any ritual in the language native to the its country of origin (i.e., whoever or whatever you’re speaking with during the ritual may not understand a different language, or may be upset with you for using a language other than their own). However, not all sources agree on this point.

Some variations of the game deal differently with a “Maybe” response received during Asking Permission and The Farewell:

  • Should one coin fall heads up and the other tails up during Asking Permission: This response may be interpreted as one principal having received permission to enter the game and the other having been denied it. In this interpretation, only the principal whose coin fell tails up must ask for permission again; once this principal’s coin has fallen heads up, both participants may proceed. If the principal’s coin continues to fall tails up, it is recommended that you cease trying; in this case, the principal who had previously been granted permission to enter should then ask permission to leave.
  • Should one coin fall heads up and the other tails up during The Farewell: This response may be interpreted as one principal having received permission to leave the game and the other having been denied it. In this interpretation, only the principal whose coin fell tails up must ask for permission again; once this principal’s coin has fall heads up, both participants may exit the game.

It is not known if one interpretation of the “Maybe” response during these two sections is safer or more accurate than the other.

You may ask as many questions as you like, for as long as you like; however, pay attention to the responses. If you begin receiving a succession of “Maybes,” or if something feels otherwise “off,” it is advisable to proceed to The Farewell and end the game.

Do NOT attempt to rig the game in any way, shape, or form — e.g. using coins weighted to land on one specific side, throwing the coins in certain ways in order to solicit a certain answer from them, etc. Cheating is never advisable.

Do NOT put too much trust in the answers you receive. Whatever you’re talking to may not be telling the truth.

On that note:

Concerning The Farewell:

Exiting the game may not be as simple as it seems. According to some reports, it is possible to “receive permission” to leave the game, only to realize hours or even days later that something is… off. Maybe you feel as if you’re always being watched. Maybe you catch something out of the corner of your eye, but find nothing there when you turn to look at it head on. Maybe you think you hear whispers when you’re alone in the room.

Should you then ask, “Sara Sarita, am I still in your game?” and throw your coin you’re your shoulder…

…Well, you can guess the side on which the coin is likely to land, can’t you?

Sara Sarita: FAQ.

***

Please don’t copy or republish this post on other sites. Linking to it or sharing the URL is fine (and encouraged!), as is writing your own unique version of the game, but copying/pasting, republishing, or otherwise reproducing the text of this piece in its entirety or near-entirety on other websites without permission isn’t.

***

Follow The Ghost In My Machine on Twitter @GhostMachine13 and on Facebook @TheGhostInMyMachine. And don’t forget to check out Dangerous Games To Play In The Dark, available now from Chronicle Books!

[Photo via shotput/Pixabay]

Filed Under: Games Tagged With: coins, games you shouldn't play, Mexico, Sara Sarita, Spanish, The Most Dangerous Games, The Sister Sister Game

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. patience says

    November 13, 2020 at 11:46 am

    Do u gotta use a coin?

    Reply
    • Amelia says

      February 20, 2022 at 12:11 pm

      YES, you MUST use two coins. One for each person.

      Reply
  2. Ziaheart says

    April 29, 2020 at 5:43 am

    I’m pretty sure Sarita means something like “little Sara” in Spanish. So I think it’d be odd to name your children Sara and little Sara. So I doubt they’re sisters. Unless their parents had absolutely no creativity in naming them.

    Or they were like… I think Greeks? Who named twins [name] and [not-name]?

    Reply
    • Chansans says

      August 5, 2020 at 3:16 am

      Sara Sarita is probably a nickname.

      However on another intepretation what if one is the real Sarita flipping the coin the other is the not Sarita, a being of oppositeness. The coin tossing is the battle between the two, one always gives the right answer and the other always gives the wrong one.

      Reply
  3. A young girl says

    December 27, 2019 at 6:49 pm

    I’m looking for a relatively low stakes game to play with my friend. I have a lot of pets that I can’t get out of the house, or even room (snake, ferrets, geckos, etc) so I don’t want them to be hurt. Also, what is the definition of bad luck? Is it just having a bad day for the rest of your life or is it randomly being struck down by lightning?

    Reply
  4. rachel says

    August 12, 2019 at 6:47 am

    I noticed a lot of people in comments mentioned seeing a black dog, or a black shape, or hearing a dog barking after playing the game or being unable to leave. I know that a black dog can represent a spirit or a demon but I find it interesting that it’s a dog in particular. Any theories as to why a dog?

    Reply
  5. Ethan says

    August 1, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    I lost the coin. what should I do?

    Reply
    • A young girl says

      December 27, 2019 at 6:51 pm

      Try as best as you can to find it. If you can’t, then you’re as good as dead.

      Reply
      • mckenna says

        July 27, 2022 at 1:17 am

        what should i do if the coin disappeared???

        Reply
  6. kiersten says

    April 22, 2019 at 5:59 pm

    hey I played this game b4, and I played with friends and myself. I played with Sara Sarita and I saw her in my dream..

    Reply
    • Ava dark angle says

      April 6, 2021 at 9:10 am

      :O that is actually cool and creepy

      Reply
    • toriana scott says

      April 19, 2021 at 11:51 am

      Omg what did she look like?

      Reply
  7. yourordinarypidge says

    April 10, 2019 at 5:53 am

    Okay so
    I played this game with a friend and (thankfully) lived to tell the story.
    So we went in an empty classroom in the noon break and played the game. I dunno how but we got a yes in our first try.
    So we asked her if she was here and she answered maybe. But the coin rolled in front of her (my friend) and she sh*tted her pants.
    After she calmed down, we asked if she was the daughter of the devil. She said no.
    Then we asked if she had a sister. She said no again.
    We asked if she loved us and the coins ended up both heads (I was near having a heart attack now).
    Then, we asked if she knew my grandpa (he died three years ago) and she said maybe.
    Then, if she was dangerous. She said maybe again.
    We asked if we were gonna be rich, she said yes.
    After that, we left (or tried to) leave the game. We asked a heck lot to get permission and when we did, we immediately rushed out of the classroom. One of the craziest experiences I had.

    Reply
  8. Marie says

    February 24, 2019 at 10:57 am

    my brother and sister played the game and I was in there with them. it took them about an hour just to get permission to leave the game. later that night my brother said he feels like he’s getting watched and I felt really uneasy and I didn’t even play the game. That’s not all – we would hear knocking late at night and walking my dog would even bark when everyone was in bed. I really recommend not playing.

    Reply
  9. Kayi Mist says

    September 25, 2018 at 2:54 pm

    I wanted to try this, but I was too scared. so I had two of my friends play together while I watched. One of them had to leave early, so they just left my house without asking to leave the game. She has not had a good night’s sleep since, and that was three weeks ago. She claims that sometimes while her mom is driving her to soccer practice, when she passes my house, she always sees a large black dog sniffing around my yard, or watching her before vanishing, and she feels Watched when ever she alone. I don’t know what to do to help her. any Suggestions? should I have her replay the game and have her leave for real this time?

    Reply
    • Spencer says

      February 8, 2019 at 8:19 pm

      You can only ask her to let your friend go with the original coin(s) so I hope you kept them safe.

      Reply
  10. nicette says

    July 30, 2018 at 8:27 am

    What should you do if you’re still playing the game after The Farewell?

    Reply
  11. Chandler Nelms says

    July 24, 2018 at 11:55 pm

    Can you play this alone? Even though it says to play with two.

    Reply
  12. Nik says

    July 8, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    I never played Sara Sarita before, but I tried once as a joke. I didn’t do it with anyone else, though, I played by myself outdoors. I flipped the coin and it responded with a ‘Yes’, and proceeded to ask a stupid question with a tails response. I flipeped it again and asked to leave the game but the coin flew away once I flipped it. And it was nowhere to be found.

    I know I didn’t play the game properly, nor did I even want to play. But I always got the feeling of being watched and seeing something black on the corner of my eye. I always got those but this time, the presence of someone is more stronger than before. I didn’t sleep well last night since I kept on thinking about it. Anywho, I made it out alive though, and i still need to find the coin.

    Anyways, thanks for this amazing post Lucia! I promised myself to not read anything scary anymore since it doesn’t help with my anxiety but your blog always catch my eye!

    Reply
    • Magic Kingdom Snake says

      July 22, 2018 at 9:50 pm

      A black thing? That is confusing. Usually, they come in a material form.

      Anywho, best wishes to you, reader Nik.

      Reply
  13. Hussien says

    June 14, 2018 at 8:39 am

    I played this game yesterday with one of my friends we broke one rule about not playing outside because we did. Well at first we started to fool around asking stupid things like “when are we going to die” but after a while we asked Sara Sarita “are you near us” and it landed on head for both of us meaning yes. I start looking in one corner and my friend is looking as well, I’m not even joking a big black dog came out of no here with no owner nothing just the dog we ran and my friend throw the coin in a forest so I did the same.

    Reply
    • Chogiwa says

      June 17, 2018 at 7:11 am

      You still there?

      Reply
      • Hereforscares says

        June 21, 2018 at 6:15 pm

        She hasn’t replied man

        Reply
    • Magic Kingdom Snake says

      July 22, 2018 at 9:47 pm

      Black dogs and/or snakes usually mark the presence of a spirit (I prefer to call them jinn). They may be malevolent (In which case, they are called “Demons”) or joking in nature ( examples include haunting people so they can laugh at them, or make noises to scare people).

      So, uhm, you may have just seen a demon.
      Good luck to you, if you are still out there.

      Reply
  14. Emma Clark says

    June 13, 2018 at 4:30 pm

    Can you play it more than once in the same day?

    Reply
    • yourordinarypidge says

      April 10, 2019 at 5:56 am

      We tried but we couldn’t get permission. I don’t recommend you to play.

      Reply
  15. Jia says

    June 12, 2018 at 6:50 am

    If one player is not allowed to leave, so only she/he should throw coin OR both should?

    Reply
    • Julia says

      July 4, 2018 at 11:28 pm

      Either way might work. The instructions say it isn’t clear which way is safer or more accurate.

      Reply
  16. Rhiannon says

    May 4, 2018 at 10:23 am

    Do I throw the coins over my left or right shoulder?

    Reply
    • Summer says

      May 5, 2018 at 9:38 am

      I don’t think it matters. Whatever you’re comfortable using.

      Reply
    • fearofthewalkingdead says

      July 22, 2018 at 7:10 am

      I read this game somewhere else it said preferably throw it over your head, but i guess it doesn’t really matter.

      Reply
  17. Lucas smith says

    May 3, 2018 at 12:09 am

    I just finished playing this game and I feel like I’m being watched…

    Reply
    • Purple Girl The Horror Fan says

      May 26, 2018 at 6:00 am

      Then you’re as good as dead. See you in heaven or hell.

      Reply
    • Shinozaki Sachiko says

      June 8, 2018 at 11:38 am

      OP you there mate

      Reply
    • Chogiwa says

      June 17, 2018 at 7:10 am

      Please get back to us.

      Reply
    • Spencer says

      February 8, 2019 at 8:04 pm

      Ask if you are in the game. If yes, ask for permission to leave. Do this every time you feel them.

      Reply
  18. EmmaMc says

    May 2, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    What happens if, on an odd chance, the coin/s land on their edge/standing up? Is that the same as a maybe?

    Reply
  19. crabby says

    April 27, 2018 at 4:54 pm

    Hey Lucia! I just want to say I’ve been following your series for nearly 2 years and I absolutely love your content and you even helped me find my interest! ❤
    Every single one of your new stories and updates gets me so excited, I check this website on a daily basis for updates and read the old “rituals” once I get bored. Thank you for introducing me to this type of spiritual stuff, never thought I’d find myself taking interest in this.

    Reply
    • Lucia says

      May 4, 2018 at 6:01 pm

      Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad you’re enjoying the site!

      Reply
  20. Purple Girl The Horror Fan says

    April 21, 2018 at 11:31 am

    I don’t want to be stuck in that game forever. Never trying this out.

    Reply
    • Butter says

      April 27, 2018 at 4:25 pm

      Same.

      Reply
    • Katrina says

      April 30, 2018 at 1:29 am

      Same.

      Reply
      • Jeffrey says

        July 22, 2018 at 3:29 am

        I broke every rule, and i got a bloody nose for 9 days straight

        Reply
        • nicette says

          July 30, 2018 at 8:24 am

          Did you break them deliberately just to see what happens?

          Reply
        • jen says

          July 4, 2020 at 1:20 am

          we don’t know what we did wrong but my sister got a bloody nose after for 10 min

          Reply
    • Nick says

      January 11, 2019 at 11:32 am

      Me and my friend are gonna try it out.

      Reply
  21. WendigoPrince says

    April 20, 2018 at 9:38 am

    If you are still in her game, can you still proceed to perform another ritual? (Midnight Man, ect)

    Reply
    • Magic Kingdom Snake says

      April 23, 2018 at 11:55 am

      I suppose it’s an ill-advised thing to do, as you are communicating with two entities that may be dangerous. It may also interrupt your Midnight Game ritual.

      Reply
    • NewGuy45247 says

      May 16, 2018 at 8:17 am

      Well, how scared would you be? When you leave the game and play bloody mary, three kings, and midnight man all at once and fail all of them?
      (At least they get to “know” each other, I guess.)

      Reply
  22. hoshh says

    April 18, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    I never usually comment, but I really love this series ??

    Reply
    • Lucia says

      April 21, 2018 at 10:12 am

      Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad you’re enjoying the series!

      Reply
  23. Darwin waterson says

    April 18, 2018 at 3:46 pm

    What is the worst that can happen during this ritual/game?

    Reply
    • Emmicorn says

      April 27, 2018 at 5:28 am

      Worst case scenario would probably be that Sara Sarita gets angry etc. and kills you.

      Reply
      • Katrina says

        April 30, 2018 at 1:31 am

        Or they take your soul.

        Reply
      • LunaDerp8WhoLovesHorrorGames says

        June 18, 2018 at 12:54 pm

        Actually, Sara Sarita can’t kill you. She CAN give you bad luck, though.

        Reply
        • Steven spencer says

          December 30, 2019 at 11:32 am

          Yeah Sara, Sarita could kill you. I don’t wanna say they will, but they will give you bad luck if you don’t end correctly.

          Reply
    • iceraa says

      May 3, 2018 at 6:21 pm

      Messing with otherworldly entities always have their risks. From what it sounds this one does seem particularly less obviously dangerous. I would gather the worst thing that would happen is either, this entity taking something from you, or the gates being open for other ones to haunt you.

      Reply
    • OmarGoshTV says

      January 23, 2021 at 7:43 am

      The worst that can happen is you can not end the game correct. another way is if you can’t find your coin. Sometimes Sara & Sarita take the coins when you throw them behind you. Apparently if you feel like you are in the game still and you ask “Sara, Sarita. am i still in your game?” Apparently it will ALWAYS land on Heads (Yes)

      Reply
  24. Hank says

    April 18, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    Could you bring index cards or use google translate to help you speak? Or is it against the rules?

    Reply
    • Katrina says

      April 30, 2018 at 1:28 am

      Index cards yes. Google no. I think its always best not to let technology into a game unless instructed otherwise.

      Reply
    • SuperCaligro says

      May 1, 2018 at 1:53 pm

      The notes say that it’s recommended, but not required to speak Spanish. Google Translate is not very reliable as it’s far from accurate. It could help, but I wouldn’t depend on it.

      Reply
  25. Magic Kingdom Snake says

    April 18, 2018 at 2:46 pm

    If you’re religious, would you get in trouble for playing these ‘games’?

    Reply
    • Mike says

      April 25, 2018 at 1:39 pm

      That depends on your religion.

      Reply
    • Caryg says

      April 28, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      I am Catholic, and I know it is advised not to play these games in my faith. I do believe that many priests are trained for exorcisms for the aftermath of these games, as demonic rituals never truly bring good in our belief system. I do, however, quite enjoy reading about the origins of these games and people’s reactions to them.

      Reply
    • Katrina says

      April 30, 2018 at 1:27 am

      I don’t think so. I’m religious and I play these games all the time. All I do is follow the rules of the game, say a few prayers, and hope nothing bad happens. When I play these, I always have a pocket bible over my heart or a cross I was given when I was a baby somewhere (i.e. pockets, bra, etc.) But these games are dangerous and I nearly lost my life playing some. I strongly recommend not playing the SUPER dangerous ones. That would be bad. Very, very, bad…

      Reply
      • Shinozaki Sachiko says

        June 8, 2018 at 11:36 am

        woah dude, could you tell a few more of your stories

        Reply
      • Lauren says

        June 18, 2018 at 9:33 pm

        Could you explain which games you were playing whenever that happened? You do not have to if you do not wish to but it would be appreciated so that I could keep from playing them.

        Reply
      • MagicKingdomSnake says

        July 22, 2018 at 9:38 pm

        Ah. Thank you for the reply!

        Concerning the information you have provided,

        Good luck.

        Reply
  26. Sallychara says

    April 18, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    Hi! I got a notification. I’m so happy I did!

    I love this website 😀

    Reply

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