Choose someone you know, as most strangers will not take kindly to a random tickle. Even if you know the target, be sure that they’re comfortable with being touched. Target someone like a close friend, sibling, or cousin.
Be sure that the target will have fun with your surprise attack, or else you may cause them physical or emotional distress. Some people have a deep dislike for tickling. Have you tickled your target before? Did they just laugh, for example? Or did they fight back, ask you to stop, or try to run? You may want to hold back in the latter case.
Other high-priority tickle areas include the belly, the sides (around the ribcage), the backs of the knees, the back of the neck, and the ears. Your victim may be more susceptible to tickling in one or more of these areas than in others. Experiment. Find out where they are most vulnerable.
For example, try sneaking up on your target and lightly touching the back of their neck with the tips of your fingernails. This sort of touch is the kind that sends shivers up the spine. A lot of people have long nails. This can be a big advantage for you when tickling someone by spider tickling (lightly running all your fingers) or stroking. To get a bigger response and more laughter, take both hands and really go for the person’s vulnerable spot. Mix up speed as well. At times, tickle fast and slow.
One good idea is to very lightly walk your fingers up and down your victim’s sides. Or, you might try casually approaching the target. Put your arm around their shoulder or pull them into a hug. Then. . . tickle! Keep it up for a minute or so until you tire or they retaliate. As a slight alternative, go for a hug from behind and tickle their waist while you do so. Another strategy is the ambush attack. In this form, you will rely on complete and utter surprise. Wait for your target to round a corner, for example, and, when they appear, pounce!
The armpits will also be exposed in a surprise strike. If your target is susceptible there, alternate between their underarms and flanks.
Try the backs of the knees. This may only work in warm weather, if they are wearing shorts. The soles of the feet are often an excellent tickle spot and may not be exposed during normal activity. On the ground, though, you can definitely target them. Rely on your knowledge of the target. Recall their tickle spots and try to alternate from point to point rapidly. Moving in this manner will prevent them from mounting a defense.
Tie them up to a chair, for example. Have them sit down in a chair and then run a length of rope around their body and the back of the chair, with their arms underneath the rope. However, do not knot it too tightly. The best way to tie your victim up in a spread-eagle position with their hands above their head and their feet pinned down. You can try this on a bed. If they’re willing, have them lay down and then tie each hand to a bedpost with rope. You can also do this with handcuffs.
If they agree, put a sleep mask over their eyes. You could also use a length of bandage or other material. Using a blindfold while tying up your victim can double the pleasure. Consider doing both at once.
Some people think that silky socks like nylons, stockings, and pantyhose make their feet more ticklish than when bare. This may be because the socks heighten sensation. Experiment! Try tickling your victim’s feet both bare and with stockings to see which is the more effective. Sit on their legs and tickle their feet. Stocking can also serve as binding and blindfolds in a pinch, as they are flexible and strong.
A simple feather or a feather duster is one excellent option. Try a soft-bristled brush as well.
Baby powder also apparently works in the same way.
