Tag (game)
 | It has been suggested that Release (tag game) be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2007. |
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 | This article possibly contains original research. (September 2007) |
 | The verifiability of the claims made in this article is disputed. (September 2007) |
- For other uses, see Tag (disambiguation)
| Players | 2 or more |
|---|---|
| Setup time | 10 seconds |
| Playing time | no limit |
| Chance | Low |
| Age range | 4 and up |
| Skills | Running, Hiding, Observation |
Tag (also known as it, had, he, tips, tig, touch, tiggy, tick, dobby, chasing, chasemaster, chasey and other names) is an informal playground game that usually involves two or more players attempting to "tag" other players by touching them with an object, usually their hands. Played throughout the world,[1] tag is inherently simple — most forms require neither teams, nor scores, nor sports equipment such as balls — but it may be made more complex with various rule modifications. Both of these aspects make tag a popular game amongst children, and it is often played in informal areas such as playgrounds or backyards.
Rules
The rules of tag are very flexible. Rules such as the following can be either decided upon before the game, or added as the game progresses to make play more fair.
At the beginning of the game, one player is designated "it". After "it" is chosen, the other players scatter. "It" must chase them down and tag them, usually by tapping them somewhere on the body. A tagged player becomes "it", and the former "it" joins the others in trying to avoid being tagged. This process repeats until the game ends.
In a typical game of tag, no score is kept, nor is a winner selected. Those who can avoid being tagged or who can stay "it" for the least amount of time are generally regarded as the best players. There is usually no time limit; the end of the game is chosen arbitrarily, perhaps when the players tire of the game, when recess ends, or when players get called home for dinner.
An anomalous property of tag is that although being "it" gives a player the most influence upon the game and thus could be considered the best role to play, the position is stigmatized and avoided. While most agree that the temporary stigma associated with being "it" is harmless, some have criticized tag because, they allege, a player who is often pursued to be made "it" or who is physically slow can be singled out and embarrassed. Because of this, tag has been banned in some US schools.[2] In some variations, if the number of people exceeds five, then you may not quit until you are tagged first.
Borders
In order to keep the action fast and fun, a game of tag often has arbitrary borders that the players cannot step beyond, such as a fenced-in back yard, a school yard, or the end of a street. This prevents players from running far beyond the area where the game started to avoid being tagged and keeps all the players in a close vicinity to give "it" a better chance of tagging somebody.
A game of tag may also have one or more "bases", usually a landmark such as a bench, flagpole, fence, tree trunk, section of wall, or patch of dirt. When a base is touched or stood upon, it grants a player exemption from being tagged. It is usually considered cowardly to spend so much time on the base, so prideful players usually resort to the safe haven of "base" only in emergencies. "Base" is sometimes called "Safe", "Pegs," or less frequently (with strong regional variation), "Home", "Bar", "Tee", "Gool", "Gools", "Goo", "Den", "Homie", "Barley" or "Cree".
Sometimes, players are considered safe if they simply grab the hands of someone who is at a base. This is known as "electricity" or "chains", as the safety of the player at the base is transferred to the other person. There are also sometimes limits to the amount of time a player can spend on a base, often three, five, or ten seconds. Any player who stays at one base over the time limit loses, often becoming the new "it."
In cases that only one player may inhabit a base, sometimes a person can force another person standing on base to leave so that the first person can take base. Sometimes, a player may shout "Budge!" before the person on base must move. It allows for tactical play by allowing a person to force another person out of base when "it" is nearby.
In cases when an unlimited number of people can touch a base the "it" can call out "1 2 3 Bases on fire" at which point everyone touching a base must leave the base they are at for an arbitrary amount of time. This is used when everyone is on base and the "it" person has no one to chase after. And alternative method is "it" saying "1 2 3 get off my apple tree", in which case the person(s) on the base can say, "4 5 6 no monkey tricks".
No tag backs
"No tag backs" (also "can't get the butcher back", "zap-zap no tap back", "no tiggy butchers", "no master backs", "no catch backs", "no tap backs", "no returns", "no touch backs", "Pauric Clarke" or "can't tig the ball back" the "ball" being the person who is "it") is a phrase that can be used in most tag variants. If the person who is "it" tags another player, and then the player tries to tag the person back, the former "it" player can say "no tag backs". This means that the person who is "it" can't immediately tag the person who made them "it". This rule was created to allow the former "it" player not only a chance to get out of close proximity of the current "it" player, but to give them a few moments of immunity to catch their breath. However, "tag backs" is also used by slower players as a strategy to make up for their disadvantage over the quicker players and is often excepted. Another way of ensuring victory is to tag someone and then immediately quit the game (often to the annoyance of the other players, who may exclude the person using this strategy from future games). Whether or not "tag backs" are allowed in the ensuing game must be established at the start of the game to ensure fairness of play for all players.
A player may also, by crossing their index and middle finger, go onto 'tig off'. Whilst they have their fingers crossed in this way they may not be tagged by anyone - this can lead to intense strategies of carefully watching other players' hands, for a chance to strike. This 'tig off' phenomenon has also spread to the permutations of tig - such as playing the game on an instant messaging program - many people would put 'tig off' in their names, for example. 'Tig off' is commonly known as 'skinchies', 'kings' or 'crossed keys'.
Babysitting
A player who is "it" who hovers around base, waiting for players to leave or get on, it is said to be "babysitting" (also, "baby lining" "puppy guarding", "doggy guarding" "monkey guarding", "body guarding" "chicken guarding", "goose guarding", "coffin guarding", "den hanging", "laying eggs" or "camping"). If a player is unable to leave base because of the imminent threat of being tagged, the player on base can say, "no babysitting!" meaning the person who is "it" can't trap the player on the base. If "no babysitting" is said, the person who is "it" should move away to give the other player a chance to move off the base.
In England this is called "post hanging" or "doggy watching". [citation needed]
Variants
There are many variants on the basic game of tag. The following list should by no means be viewed as complete or authoritative. These are just some of the most popular forms of the game. The names given to different games vary with time and place so the titles should not be seen as the most common or most definitive names for each type of game, but merely serve as examples.
Freeze tag
Freeze tag (or frozen tag) varies from normal tag in that once a player is tagged, he does not become "it"; rather, he is "frozen" and must stand in place without moving while "it" continues to tag and "freeze" the other players. Whoever is the last to be tagged is the winner. Another variation is that "it" wins only if he or she is able to tag all the other players.
Freeze tag (sometimes known as stuck in the mud or sticky toffee) often includes some mechanism for "unfreezing" (or freeing) frozen players and thus forcing "it" to re-tag them. For example, one player who is not it and not frozen may tag frozen players to release them; this mechanism allows a rule which dictates that if you are touched a certain number of times you are now it. Also, in versions where frozen players are merely not allowed to move their feet, if two frozen players can extend their arms far enough to touch each other (without moving their feet), they may shout "electric shock!" and become un-frozen. In another variant, sometimes known as "stick in the mud", "Chinese freeze tag" or "scarecrow tag", players may be un-frozen when someone crawls between their legs. Such an action helps prevent "it" from winning, but puts the person crawling in a position where he can be easily tagged and frozen as well. Frozen players in playing scarecrow tag can also be unfrozen by a player running under either of the arms in variants of the game.
Players often cheat by faking that they have been frozen or stuck when "it" is near so that "it" does not actually stuck them; they then continue playing when "it" moves away.
Another version of this game - often known as Sinking Lemons or Melting Candles - involves any player who is frozen slowly sinking towards the ground, usually by bending their knees. Once their hands touch the ground, they cannot be unfrozen and will often be considered 'out' of the game or, in some cases, they become an extra "it" themselves.
A continuous version of freeze tag goes something like this: A player that is frozen may be unfrozen if tagged by a player who is not "it." A player that has been tagged and frozen by "it" becomes the new "it," and all freeze-counts are reset. This variation is called "Koori Oni" in Japan.
Another way is when the "it" player tags someone, that person's freeze-count starts. When it reaches an editable number of seconds without anyone touching that player, that player will become it.
Blob tag
Blob tag (Also known as chain tag, chainey he, manhunt, or amoeba tag) varies from normal tag in that players who are tagged by "it" must join hands or arms and work together to tag further players who must also join the chain. The "blob" of "it" players continues to grow until the final player has been tagged. The game is not without comical moments and grazed knees. When the person at the right end of the chain turns hard right the chain whips round. The poor kid on the opposite end of the chain starts running at full tilt and ends up flying.
Blob tag is popular with elementary school physical education teachers as it works well with large groups of children and emphasizes teamwork. In the Midwest U.S., this game is called "Chinese tag" with each new person tagged becoming part of the "Chinese dragon."
A variant known as Tags-Out, where tagged players must go and hold onto a base, each player tagged next will hold onto the player holding the base, holding the next player and so on and so on, until a chain of players with one player holding the base. In order to free all players holding the base the free players must tag the base and shout Tags-Out! Providing this is a fair tag to the base and is seen by "it" and heard as well then everyone apart from the person who is "on" (a tigger) then the game continues as all who were previously caught are now free. The game can be won by "it" if they catch everyone. This game gets harder, the more people who play. If a tagger can catch more than 10 people they are considered an excellent player.
Manhunt
Origanilly created in 2004 in the playgrounds of holly elemantary by a minority group of 4th grade children. According to local press the so called game "ManHunt" swiftly and with haste became a local and international phenominon. The game grew so quikly it has a formula
Similar to blob tag, once the "It" tags somebody, both the "It" and the person that was just tagged are now "It". However, they do not have to link arms. Once there is only one person left that is not "It", the game starts over with the one remaining person starting as "It".
Roundup
In roundup, one person is "it", and time is given for people to run off and hide. "It" chases the players until he tags one. "It" and his tagged victim are now a team and must go around and tag everyone else. Players who have become "it" do not necessarily have to stay together. The game ends when there is no one left to tag. This is sometimes also known as 4040, 15, Plane, Gang tiggy, Catch One Catch All, survival/survivor (in New Zealand), and hide and seek (in the UK and US).
Bulldog
British bulldog (or just bulldog) is not usually considered a form of tag, but the game is similar enough to be included here. Bulldog is played across a broadly rectangular area, with a physical or imaginary line across the area near each end (often the goal box on a soccer pitch or the crest of a hockey pitch). The catching player cannot cross this line, and cannot catch any player who is across it, even if he can physically reach them.
The catching player gets his chance to catch the others when they attempt to run from one end zone to another. Using the idea of "safety in numbers", when one player runs the others will generally follow. Such mass runs generally happen often—the game would be rather boring otherwise. If, however, the catcher feels that the runners have waited too long in the end zone, he can call "bulldog" to force them to run.
In most versions of the game, those who are caught become catchers themselves (and sometimes not allowed to move), alongside the existing ones. Thus, the game ends with one (presumably skilled) runner facing a horde of catchers, and eventually being caught.
Usually, a catch is achieved by simply touching a player. However, versions exist where, to be caught, a runner must be immobilized on the ground, or (in parts of the UK and Ohio, at least) lifted off of the ground.
Rally 123 is a variant that in which there are two opposing teams that play. The chasing team captures a "runner" and has to say "Rally 123" to capture him. If caught, the "runner" can escape before the capturers say "Rally 123".
Marco Polo
In this variant, named for the 13th-century traveller, "it" is either blindfolded or made to keep his eyes shut firmly. The game then progresses as per normal tag, but "it" may shout out "Marco!" at any time. The other players must then reply "Polo!", thus giving the blinded "it" an audible clue to their locations. Marco Polo is most often played in swimming pools due to their small size and the difficulty of trying to escape "it" without making noise. If "it" suspects that someone has exited the pool, they can shout "fish out of water," and whoever has been out of the pool the longest becomes the new "it."
Another rule sometimes used is "Alligator Eyes" or "Shark Eyes". If "it" calls out one of these names, he or she may swim with his or her eyes open underwater for as long as he or she can hold his or her breath. This rule is discouraged often by teen players, especially when in a smaller pool.
Hide and seek
Hide and seek (sometimes called hide and go seek) is a popular tag variant that is best played in areas with lots of potential hiding spots, such as a forest or a large house. "It" covers their eyes or faces away from the playing field and counts out loud to some predetermined number while the other players hide. "It" then tries to find the hiding players. The next "it" is either the first or the last player found, depending on the rules agreed to by the players.
In some variations, usually known as "Hide and Seek Tag", the game is played normally, but when a hiding player is found, they must be tagged. It starts off as Hide and Seek, and becomes Tag.
Dub-dub-in
This variant is a cross between hide and seek and cops and robbers. As in hide and seek, the game starts with "it" closing their eyes and counting out loud to a predetermined number while the other players find places to hide. Like cops and robbers, this game includes a base—ideally a pillar of some sort, like a lamp-post, a drainpipe or a tree. "It" has to seek out the other players, and upon finding them must touch the base and call "dub-dub-out!" followed by the player's name, while pointing out their location. Those who have hidden themselves have to touch the base and shout "dub-dub-in!". They are then "safe" and play no further part in the game, although they may move about freely (provided they do not get in the way of the other players, or reveal the locations of those still hiding). In some variations the players can shout "...save all!" to save the players who have been spotted at that point. This heightens the tension as it is possible for the last hiding player to save all the others and put the seeking player back in for another turn.
The game ends when all players are either "out" or "safe", and the next person to be "it" is chosen according to the rules agreed by the players.
There are many variations on the 'magic' words used to find and to save in this game, such as "rin tin tin all free", "forty five and in", "forty forty..." (Oxfordshire,England. 1960s and 1970s); "tinkinalurkie..." (Derbyshire,England, 2000s); "tin pan alley" (Hertfordshire. England, 1970s). Some variations have changes in terminology which permeate the whole game, as in "forty-four save all" (attested in Sussex, England), where the catcher counts to forty-four, and the calls in the game are "forty-four see you", "forty-four in", (only to save) "Olly, Olly Oxen Free", which is derived from "All-y all-y all come free". (California, United States. 1990s)[citation needed]
Another variant of It in the UK is "Forty-forty-home". A home is chosen by the players who then spread out while the person on "it" counts. Once they have counted to forty, the players have to reach home and shout "Forty-forty-home" before they are caught by the person on "it". A number of strategies can be used when playing this game. First, fast runners can stand some way off from the home and lure the parson on "it" away from home, thus allowing other players to reach home. Second, someone could hide quite close to the home and hope for "it" to run off and allow them time to get to home. Thirdly, a player can pretend to run off by then stand very close to "it" and as soon as the counting is over, they can touch home and say "Forty-forty-home". However, this is not very popular with other players and "it".
This game in Uganda is known as Tapo, and is considered more popular than the normal variation of tag. In New Zealand it is known as "Go Home, Stay Home".
Hide O' Tic or Hide N' Tag
Hide O' Tic is a variation on Dub-dub-in which is a cross between hide and seek and cops and robbers. In Hide O' Tic the game starts with one or more persons being "it" or "on". They must close their eyes and count to a large number whilst staying at their home base. Meanwhile the other players run away and try to find places to hide.
When the person that is "it" has finished counting they must physically seek out the other players and upon finding them "tag"/"tic" them so they are out. Meanwhile the other players must make their way back to the home base trying to avoid being spotted, when they reach the base they must touch it and shout "safe".
The last person to reach the base or be tagged is the person who is "it" in the next game.
This game is harder, fast paced and involves more running and chasing than Dub-dub-in, and so is popular among children in the UK aged around 10+.
Kabuki
This variant (named for the Japanese theatrical tradition) is played in darkness, but is otherwise similar to hide and seek and Marco Polo; being "it" is harder due to the low visibility, but the "it" player can shout out "Kabuki!", however, to which the hiding players to reply with the same and therefore give a clue as to their whereabouts.
Smear the queer
Smear the queer is a rougher tag variant more common among older children and teenagers. In this game, "it" is instead called "the queer". The queer does not try to tag the other players; instead, he tries to avoid being tagged, or, more often, tackled (knocked down to the ground) or attacked with a toy weapon.
Smear the queer is often played with an object such as a ball which is held by the "queer". Once the "queer" is tagged or tackled, he throws the object into the air (though sometimes the ball is retrieved by other players through prying it from the "queer"'s hands, or coercing -- usually through physical pain -- the "queer" to release the ball voluntarily). The other players then try to grab the object, thus becoming the new "queer". Unlike other forms of tag, those who stay "it" the longest are considered the best players.
In the US, smear the queer is most often played using an American football. Children sometimes choose to play smear the queer after attempts to organize an informal game of tackle football fail (due to lacking enough players or simply as a fun alternative). Except in alternative versions, there is no way to win Smear the Queer. The game smear the queer is thought to have been around at least as long as children have played informal games of American football.
Other name examples include: "Pick up get tackled" "Kill the Carrier", "Murder Call", "Kill the man with the ball", "Kill the man with the pill", "Boojum ball", "Pick 'em Up Bust em", "Keep off", "Cream the Carrier", "Rumble Fumble," or "Kick the dog with one shoe". In GoldenEye 007, a video game for the Nintendo 64 console, it was called "The Living Daylights [Flag Tag]," and in the Halo video game series it is called "Oddball," using a human skull for the "ball," which players must pick up to become the "oddball."
Played somewhat less violently, and without an object being carried, the game is sometimes known as backwards tag or one. This derives from the sense that the nature of being "it" is reversed, changing from an undesirable status to one very difficult to maintain. Played in this manner, the game can retain the playfulness of "normal" tag, with a higher need for stamina. this version can be played in teams. It is also more skillful and strategtic, with slower players often forcing the faster ones into a corner by surrounding them. It-backs are now known as "one-backs". The player with the fastest reactions is generally considered the best as they can simply take the status back from the person that "oned" them.
The Japanese variant "Shippo-tori" is somewhat similar to smear the queer. In this variant, every player carries an object, usually a handkerchief, and is considered "it." A player is eliminated from the game when another player still in the game takes his object; the winner is the last player to retain his.
Ghost in the graveyard
This variant is played outdoors after dark. The "it" player is known as the "ghost in the graveyard" and runs away from the group to hide. The other players start at a location chosen to be "base", close their eyes, and count aloud to 12 in this fashion:
"One o' clock, two o' clock, three o' clock rock! Four o' clock, five o' clock, six o' clock rock! Seven o' clock, eight o' clock, nine o' clock rock! Ten o'clock, eleven o'clock, twelve o' clock rock! Ghost in the graveyard!" (or also "midnight!")
At this point the group ventures out into the yard or forest in search of the "ghost". If any player sees the ghost, he yells "Ghost in the graveyard!" and all players run as quickly as possible back to base, which is sometimes also called a "ghoul". The goal of the "ghost" is to tag another player, thus making him the "ghost" for the next round. If all players make it back to base safely, the "ghost" retains that role for the next round.
The game can also be played using a house, school, or other building to create a course. In this version, all players must circumvent the building to reach the base again in order to be safe. Because players must follow a rough itinerary (albeit either clockwise or counterclockwise) and get past the ghost, the ghost has the opportunity to ambush passing players, sometimes at very close quarters.
Another variant on Ghost in the graveyard is similar to musical chairs in which there are a finite number of spots, generally referred to as "graves" at the base. For example, in a 5 person game, there may be only 4 "graves". Gameplay continues as above, except after a player finds the ghost and yells, "Ghost in the graveyard!" it is a race back to the base to claim one of the remaining "graves" The last person to arrive with a spot ends up as the "ghost" for the next round.
Another variation on this game is called "Bloody Murder" the game has basically the same rules as mentioned above except the exclamation is "Bloody Murder" instead of "Ghost in the graveyard".
Sometimes, Ghost in the Graveyard is exactly the same thing as "Hide and Seek Tag", yet just with different names, and with the game only played at night.
Line tag
Line tag is played like normal tag games, only players can only run on lines drawn/painted on the ground, such as those on the floor of a basketball court. Players are not allowed to run off the lines, therefore they can easily be trapped, especially if two people are "it". However, players can sometimes jump from one line to another.
A very similar variation of this game is called "Pac-Man tag". Played on the lines of a basketball court, there are four people who are "it", symbolising the ghosts in Pac-Man. These four people must try to tag out all the other players running around on the lines. Play ends when all the other players, the Pac-Men, are caught. Optionally, there are four dodgeballs (representing the Power Pellets in Pac-Man) placed on the four corners, and they can be collected by the Pac-Men and they can then use them to tag the ghosts, forcing them to go back the center before chasing the Pac-Men again. The ball is then removed from play.
Another variant has players who are tagged sit down and become an obstacle, which only players who are "it" may run past.
Yet another variation is "Tree-tag," which is played among trees (a minimum of five works best). Usually only one person is "it," and everyone else must run atop exposed roots between the trees. A misstep, if spotted by the other players, means that person will become "it." Tagging also works, as in the usual game. The trees are usually "base," providing safety in the relatively small playing grownd.
Darebase is played between two teams on a field with a no-man's-land between the team's bases, which are marked with two lines at opposite ends of the field. The last person to cross the line is "fresher" and is able to tag opposing players that are already in the no-man's-land and send them to jail. Jailed players can be freed by being tagged. Different degrees of freshness may be represented on the field of play at any given time, often manifested as waves of alternating advantage converging on the center of the field. Crossing the opposing team's line affords the special advantage of being able to attack from behind. Capturing all the opposing players or conquering their base with all on one's own players results in victory.
Manhunt
Manhunt refers to several distinct tag games.
One of these game takes place after dark, preferably in very dark places, where someone is "it" and has to search for the others one by one.
Manhunt can be thought of like "war without guns", played by older children, around the ages of 13 and 16. To play you would choose 2 captains, then they would draft players so that there would be 2 teams of roughly the same size, then the team who got the second pick would be "hiding" or "tagging". Then the hiding team (team A) would run off and hide with preset boundaries, then the tagging team would try to tag them.
In one variation, the hiding team tries to make their way to a preset destination (to avoid getting lost). Once there, the hiding team alerts the seeking team that they have won. The seeking team can cheat by guarding the destination; a solution is to have multiple destinations. The seeking team must then disperse in order to cover more.another version starts with one person it
IRA (Manhunt)
Although IRA is sometimes referred to as Manhunt, it is different from all other games bearing that name. This is generally played by slightly older players than other forms of tag. The Game consists of 2 teams of roughly equal amount of players. One team is on, and each player on that team secretly has a letter, which may be written on them. The letters all make up a word, which the other team has to figure out. The team that is on gets time to run away, and then the other team has to find them. It is usually played in a large area.
Once the team catches someone, they have to torture them, until they reveal their letter, usually by punching them in the arm. Once all the letters have been found, the other team has to figure out the word.
It is against the rules to make a captured player reveal any letter other than hers or his, and also for a captured player to lie about their letter.
Ringolevio
In New York City, a game with two team similar to Manhunt is played without the spelling but with the opportunity to free captured team members. See Ringolevio.
Scrap Tag
This tag variant, invented in central Delaware, is usually played by older players. Similar to the "Smear the Queer" variant, it is a more physical version of Tag. Unlike other forms of tag, the game is not limited in time or play area — the game is always active. The person who is "it," has the job of yelling "scrap tag," and tackling other players and wrestling them to the ground when they least expect it. The game is built on a system of honour whereby the player tackled must surrender when successfully tackled and not escalate the wrestling to the point at which other players are hurt. The key to the game is not in getting rid of the "it" condition as quickly as possible, but doing it with the most style at the moment other players least suspect it.
Tunnel Tag
Tunnel tag is a variant of Freeze tag where the frozen are not unfrozen until somebody slides between their legs. Also known as, "sticks in the Mud", "stick in the mud", "stuck in the mud" or "fox and hound".
TV tag
In TV tag, when "it" is about to tag one of the players, the player can avoid being tagged by squatting and slapping the ground while calling out the name of a television show. If the player successfully does this, "it" must turn his or her attention to a different player. If the player is too slow, fails to name a show, or repeats one already said by another player, he or she may be tagged, and thus becomes "it". As a game progresses, it can be surprisingly difficult to come up with the name of another TV show under the "stress" of being chased, for as ubiquitous as television is. This version can also use other categories, such as movies or cartoons.
A similar variant, Easter Eggs, requires the players to call out the names of colors.
Cops and Robbers (aka Cops and Fugitives)
Cops and robbers is a tag variant with two teams of one player or more. When played with more than two players, the cops team typically has more members. At the beginning of the game the robber(s) must "steal" a previously assigned object, or touch this. The cop(s) must then chase and catch the robber(s) by tagging them.
In a larger scale version, the Cops and Fugitives start in one location, and the Fugitives are given a head start of some designated time. The Fugitives try to get to some location usually more than a mile away on foot. Cops drive sometimes with partners and if a cop tags a fugitive, the fugitive rides along with the cop. The fugitives run to the location and once they get there, they are safe. The game ends at a designated time or when all the fugitives are tagged.
In another version there are 2 teams, and one team has to take something of the cops and the cops have to do some kind of maze until they sort of know who took it and can't guess who it is until the end. Then they have to find it and then figure out who did it then find them and arrest them.
A variant simply known as Fugitive involves nearly the same rules as ordinary Cops and Robbers. In Fugitive, a team of cops must hunt for other players, called fugitives, with or without the use of a flashlight. The fugitives run away (usually in a large area or entire neighborhood) while the cops count to 100. The objective is to land the majority of fugivites in jail by tagging or holding them. The fugitives often begin by making a plan to get to an assigned base, sometimes sacrificing players to draw off attention.The game is scarcely played at any time but late at night, which partially accredits to the reason that is geared towards older players who typically can stay outside for a longer time. When a cop captures a fugitive, that cop holds him or her for 5 or 10 seconds to "jail" them. If a cop is too far to capture the player he may yell "Fugitive!" to draw the attention of teammates. At the beginning however, most large "cop" teams assign a jail-guard and base-guard to watch players who have been captured or to stand a minimum of 10 feet from the base in an attempt to stop incoming fugitives. Fugitives may help another fugitive "break out of jail" by tagging them on the "jail." Originated in Geneva, Illinois.
Instead of tagging you can use toy weapons. A shot to a stomach or leg brings you to the ground, but a direct shot to the head sends you back to base before you are back to action. Before a robber takes hostage or cop takes prisoner a legitimate reason must be in place, ie wounded and will soon die(only if there is one life for a round), or if the player has no chance of getting out of a situation. Of course you can play so that when all the players on one team are dead then the other team wins or if all players are captured.
Fox and Hounds
This variation is best played in as large an area as possible, with as many participants as can be found. If played in a school, it should use the entire area covered by the grounds and, ideally, the interior of the building as well. Possibly the best games are played across an entire housing estate and involve more than a hundred players, with rules against players using their homes or gardens as hiding places. Such a game can take several hours to conclude, particularly when some players are very skilled.
The game begins with a single player (the "hound") giving the "foxes" a big enough head start to allow them to get out of sight. The hound then gives chase and tries to hunt down the foxes. Upon being tagged (or sometimes, wrestled to the ground), the foxes switch sides and become hounds.
Ultimately, all but one of the players will be hounds, chasing down a lone fox. Great kudos are due to any player who can evade the hounds for a great length of time without resorting to foul play.
In Australia, this is also known as "Gang-up chasey". In Northern Ohio, Fox and Hounds is also known as "Sardines." However, please note that Sardines in Australia is an entirely different and satisfying tag variant.
Another variation of cops and robbers, also known as dragnet, is played over a large area and with bikes. In this version the "cops" are on bike and are in pursuit of the "robbers" who are on foot. Boundaries are established, generally a few streets wide and about half mile long, as well as a start and end point. The game is fun with many people and a large area, however it is also common to adapt the playing field to fit any number of players. The goal is that the robbers must reach the end point before being tagged by a cop. Robbers are given a several minute headstart and then must hide and otherwise evade cops in their sneak towards the finish. Cops are allowed to get off of their bicycles at any time however an unattended bike is fair game to take for a fleeing robber.
Fox and hound is also known as deer and wolves where the deer run but the games starts with 2 wolves and they have to tag a deer as a "pack" (at leist two within 5 steps of the deer). once a deer is taged they join the woves.
Sardines
In the UK and Canada, another game similar to Hide and Seek is "Sardines". One person out of a group is chosen to go and hide while the rest close their eyes together and count, generally up to 60 or 100. Once the specified number has been reached, the players separate and look for the person who is hiding. Once someone finds them they hide with them in the same place or as close by as possible (this is different to Hide and Seek where the players shout out once they have found someone). The game will carry on like this, with everyone trying to hide in the same place, until one person is left, the last person to find the hiding place. The name 'Sardines' comes from the idea of sardines being packed closely together in a can, like the players who are hiding in, normally, a very small space. Sardines is usually played by older children because of the difficulty and strategy involved in finding a good hiding place. Some people prefer small places where they are hard to find at first, but once lots of people are they it would be easy to see them. On the other hand, someone could hide in a larger place which would be obvious to the seekers, but easier to hold a large number of sardines (hiders).
Arrow tag
Similar to "Fox and Hounds" above, this is played over a large area such as several blocks. The players who are being chased leave chalked arrows on the ground which may or may not give an indication of which way they have gone.
Sharks and Minnows
This game requires a swimming pool to play. To begin, a person is selected to be the "shark" and all the other players, the "minnows," go to one side of the pool. The shark then tells the minnows to swim from one side of the pool to the other while he/she tries to tag as many minnows as he/she can before they reach the other side of the pool, which serves as a base. When a minnow is tagged by the shark he becomes a shark and all the sharks tell the minnows to swim to the other side of the pool. This process is repeated until there is only one minnow left, who then has to try to make it across once, without being tagged. If that person makes it across, they pick who is it next round, but if they are tagged, they are it for the next round. A variant known as "killer shark" or "rackety poo" is sometimes played in which the shark is required to pull the minnow to the surface and tag the top of their head above water. One variant are similar to "killer shark" in that a minnow can only be tagged if a part of their body is above the surface of the water, but a shark cannot pull them to the surface; this game favors those with great lung capacity.
Sharks and Minnows is best played in the deep end of a swimming pool so that the minnows can try to swim under the shark. This greatly prolongs the game.
Another variant of this game is known as 'Kingfish' in the United States Midwest. The pool, usually the deep end but sometimes including the whole pool in large games, is split into two halves by an imaginary line. One or more people, 'kingfish(s)' are selected and swim to a point in the pool along the imaginary line. The other players line up on one side of the pool, usually the longer side but some games allow for both the width and the length of pool as long as the players do not cross the invisible line that splits the pool. When the kingfish yells a predetermined word, usually 'kingfish', all of the other players dive in and attempt to evade the kingfish. Strategies include diving deep under the kingfish, and throwing other players in the way of the kingfish. Whomever the kingfish catches then becomes kingfishs as well. Once everyone has made it to the other side if they weren't caught, another round commences. When all but one person has been caught, that person is declared the new kingfish and a new game starts.
This game can also be played in a field in which the "minnows" have to run to the other side of the field without getting tagged.
Zombie tag (Variant Assassin)
Zombie tag is a game of four or more people split up in teams of two. One team hunts the other. The game is played in department stores such as Target, Expo, Burlington and Mervyns. If you are tagged you become a zombie until one "human" remains. Ironically if you win as the last human in the store the next round you are the zombie ("it"). This game originated in Dublin, California and has since spread all across California. It's also known as Matrix tag; "humans" hide from "agents."
Another form of Zombie tag is a slight variation on normal tag, where each person who is tagged becomes another "it", until everyone is chasing the last. This version does not require a particular number of people or a specific place. This version is known to be have been played in the late eighties in Montana and the early nineties in New Jersey.
A variant of 'Zombie' is Assassin. This plays exactly the same as zombie, but if two people meet at about 20 feet apart one must hold up his or her hands signalling if they are Assassin or not (a gun shape for assassin, flat hands if not). This gives space for a non-assassin to run away, and produces spectacular chases. This form of tag is best played with larger teams over a larger area, with lots of walls or obstacles in the way (such as around a school campus), because there is not always a way to tell if someone is assassin or not until you see their hand signal.
Teams
This is played by two teams of roughly equal numbers, sometimes as Boys vs Girls. One team is designated "on" and must catch the players on the other team. When a player is caught he/she is brought to an area called "Jail". Other areas (e.g. a fence, a pole) are designated "Den" and when a player is touching Den he/she cannot be caught. But if a player has stayed in Den for too long a chaser may count down from 10 and the player must run before 0 is reached. Players in Jail can escape if another player on their team gets close enough to touch them. When all of the chased players are in Jail, the teams swap around and the chased team are now "on". If a chased player breaks the rules by jailbreaking without being touched, refusing to leave Den or refusing to go to Jail, his/her team is made "on".
Suirai-Kancho
Japanese tag game with two teams of 3+ players. Each player is given a rank: Kancho (captain), Suirai ("torpedo") and a kichiku ("bodyguard"). If more than three people are playing, then they will be either Suirai or kichiku. Each team has a base (a car, a porch, etc). It is excellent if the bases cannot be seen from one another, and there are two or more routes between them. Suirai is trying to tag the other team's Kancho. If he succeeds, his team wins. Kichiku is trying to tag the other team's Suirai to capture him and take him back to base (free pass). Kancho is trying to tag the other team's Kichiku to capture him and take him back to base (free pass). If opponents of equal rank touch, they cannot capture or be captured until they touch base or touch Kancho. When this happens Suirai yell "Bakkan!" (sound of a torpedo crashing into one another and exploding). A player frees his teammates by touching them while they are at the opponent's base (free pass back to base or kancho).
Tornado Tag (Hurricane Tag, Hurricane, Hurricaneo, Tornado)
This version of tag is played like normal tag except the tagger must be spinning around with their arms stretched out. If they tag somebody without doing that, the person they tagged is it but they are out, or it doesn't count.
Thorn Tag
A variation of tag in which an imaginary thorn or needle is used to designate whoever is "it." During the time that a person is it, the thorn must be held between the thumb and first finger at all times and cannot be hidden. Tagging involves putting the thorn into a person by touching them with the imaginary point of the thorn. The thorn is then removed from wherever it was stuck and reused. Players may defend themselves by catching the hand of the person who is it with one hand and even take the thorn away from them with their other hand. They may then place the thorn in that person's back and escape while the person who is "it" removes the thorn. If the thorn gets lost due to inattention or confusion, it automatically reverts to an agreed-upon place such as a tree or some article of furniture.
Alien Tag
This is played by designating an area to be an alien spaceship (and occasionally a base). Then you decide who is it. Then they have to catch people and escort them to the spaceship. You can get out of the spaceship by someone other than the tagger tagging you, or hitting a designated spot to set everyone free. If everybody except the tagger is in the spaceship the person that has been in the longest since their last escape is the new tagger. This variant is often called "Freedom" in the US.
Lava Monster
On a playground, the "lava monster" tries to tag other players while keeping his or her eyes closed. If a player touches the ground (lava) or is tagged, he or she becomes the new lava monster. At the beginning of each round, the lava monster must close his or her eyes and, in some versions their ears as well, and count to 20. An alternate version of Lava Monster involves newer playgrounds that have plastic, multi-colored structures and a ground covered in tanbark. Who ever is it, the lava monster, can touch all the surfaces on the playground except for objects that had the same color of the floor of the playground equipment. All the other players cannot touch the tanbark (ground). If somebody who is not it touches the tanbark, they become it. For example, consider a playground with the structures composed of tan siding, black flooring, green ladders and regular tanbark on the ground. The lava monster cannot touch anything black because the flooring is black. While all the other players cannot touch the tanbark (the ground). This version can lead to some interesting situations in which a person is cornered and must either submit to the lava monster, jump into the tanbark, hang on to the walls of the structure, or take a leap of faith and hope to reach another part of the structure. Another version takes place on a small hill. The person who is picked to be lava monster stays on the ground while the rest go up on the hill. The lava monster tries to drag them off the hill but can not go on the hill, only being able to grab their legs and pull them down to the ground (lava). Once on the ground the player who got draged is now it with the lava monster. This continues until there is only one left, and then that player is it.
Battle Tag (War Tag)
It is a battle between the Freezer, the Heater and the Runners. The tagger freezes people as in Freeze tag. The Heater unfreezes people. The runners run away from the Freezer. The Freezer can throw balls or tag to tag people. However, the Freezer may not freeze the Heater.
Everybody's it (Band-aid tag)
In this version everybody tags each other. A player who is tagged must put his or her hand over the place where they were tagged. A player who is tagged three times, and hence cannot cover all three places, is out for a set amount of time.
Everybody's it
This tag variant is played in a small, confined area, such as the downstairs of a house or a clump of trees. The game is normally played with around 6 people, in which one is a mediator. Anyone can tag anyone else, and when someone is tagged, they have to sit out for the reminder of the round. If two players tag each other at the same time, such a tag is nullified and neither player is out. When there are only two players remaining, the game pauses for the players to enter sudden death. They stand facing each other, waiting for a signal from the mediator to attempt to tag each other. Whoever tags first wins. Ties are either played with a subsequent sudden deaths, or the round is tied between both players. The game is also commonly played without a mediator.
Shadow Tag
This form of tag was originally played in mid- to late- afternoon or morning, but the modern ubiquity of outdoor lighting makes it a popular game for summer nights. It is exactly like tag in all respects except that shadows are used. The shadow of the player who is "it" must touch another person's shadow. The other person is now "it."
Color Tag, Rainbow Tag, Red Rover, Bullrush, Bulldog
All players stand on one side of a designated playing field except for one. This person stands in the middle of the field and calls out a color. If the color is visible on any person standing on the edge, that person or persons must attempt to run across the field. If they are caught, they must join the original player in the middle and attempt to catch other players. When everyone has either:
A) Reached the other side safely B) Been caught C) Remained where they are because they did not have the color
A new color is called out. This is repeated until all players but one are caught. That person goes to the middle, everyone else to the edge, and a new game is started.
In Australia, this is known as "All Over, Red Rover". In this variant, the person/people who are 'it' can also call out "All over, red rover!", which forces all players to run. In New Zealand, it is known as "Bullrush" and in England it is known as "Bulldog", for when they call bullrush/Bulldog everybody must run. Also they do not have to wait until everybody is across before calling another colour or bullrush/Bulldog.
In another version of Color Tag, all the players except for 'it' think of a color and must attempt to reach the other side when 'it' says the colour the player was thinking of.
Color Tag may also be played in a swimming pool. This usually involves 'it' standing at the edge of the pool with his or her back turned and all the other players in the water on the same side that 'it' is standing. 'It' will announce colours, and when a player's colour is announced, the player must swim to the other side of the pool. If 'it' hears any noise, he or she can turn around and jump into the pool to try to catch the other player(s). The first player to be tagged becomes the next 'it.'
Under hökens vingar kom
A somewhat similar game is known in Sweden as "Under hökens vingar kom". In this variant, the catcher(s) call out "Under hökens vingar kom!" ("Gather under the wings of the hawk") while the others (the "doves") respond "What color?" The catchers name a color, and those who wear that color can then safely walk across the field to the other side. The others have to dodge the catchers, and if caught, they join the catchers themselves.
No Touch Gravel
Also known as Off Ground Tig/Tag, Grounders Tig/Tag and Don't Touch the Ground Tag. In the UK Midlands around 1970/80, it was also known as Dobby Off Ground.
All players except the one who is "it" try to stay off the gravel or floor of the playground. The person who is "it" may go wherever they wish. Non-"it" players must jump and remain on playground equipment, benches, or anything that keeps them off the ground for however long they can. If the "it" person catches a regular player on the ground then the person who is "it" yells "you're it!" (or other words to the effect that the regular person is now the "it" person) and the game continues.
Similar to the indoor game No Touch Carpet or Hot Lava where the playground floor is replaced with carpeting or indoor flooring.
A slight variation is played in playgrounds with sandboxes, called Sand Tag. The rules are only marginally different: Remaining on playground equipment renders the players immune to being tagged, but if any part of any player is on the sand, then they are grounds for getting tagged. The "it" person has to physically tag the player instead of just yelling out loud.
- See also: Hot Lava (game)
A variation, normally called "Ground Tag" is the same, except the person who is "it" must close their eyes. If the person who is "it" is caught with their eyes open, "Broken Dishes" must be yelled. If caught, the person who is "it" must go back on the ground, and count to an amount of seconds determined by the players before moving again.
A further variation is where everyone is permitted to be on ground, however anyone who is not "It" is considered to be on a base when they are no longer in contact with the ground, the exception being should a player be tagger whilst jumping in the air - though the player is not in contact with the ground they become "It", as otherwise it would become too easy to avoid being tagged. Usually there are time limits placed for the bases, after which played must leave them. Once on the ground "It" may tag any player. This version may also be played with the "it" person having their eyes closed,and being allowed on all the equipment. This works best when large pieces of playground equipment are available.
Yet another variation of this type of Tag is called Ninja Tag. It is generally played on playscapes, but more extreme versions can be played on the roofs of buildings. The rules are the same as a normal game of Tag. One person is designated "it" and must tag someone else to take their place. There are a few ground rules that go with Ninja Tag. One is that all participants must remain on the playscape at all times, as falling onto the ground results in being deemed "it". Also, there is a default "no tag-backs" rule to give the previous "it" player a chance to rest. Ninja Tag is a physically demanding game which can involve players climbing on the playscape in unusual ways, as well as the often-occurring leap of faith to avoid being tagged. It is not uncommon to end up with slight injuries while attempting some of the more daring escape plans. Generally, the more participants there are, the better the game. This is mostly due to the fact that a large amount of people often leads to confusion among players as to who is actually "it". Players who are able to stay safe the longest are generally given some sort of praise, or perhaps even ridicule. This can often lead to being targeted by the "it" person. One of the best parts of Ninja Tag is the fact that the unique layout of every playscape yields a different game with different results everytime. Kudos are often given to players who give "good chase" and perform spectacular feats of agility and endurance. There is current debate as to whether it is better to play with or without footwear.
Virus
This variant of tag is intended for larger teams, and includes elements of "cops and robbers". If, for example, there are eight players, one of them is chosen to be "it" and the other seven are assigned numbers. "It" then counts to a number, and starts to go and look for the corresponding person. When a person is tagged, he joins the "it" team (so that its now 2 "its" vs 6 people) and starts looking for the other people, hence the name "Virus".
Warp Tag
This variant of tag is usually played in a fairly large backyard. It involves a designated spot in the yard that is the warping spot. There are different dimensions that a player can warp to. Usually there are only 3-4 dimensions; otherwise it can get a little hectic. The "it" must be in the same dimension as one of the players to tag them. If the "it" and another player are in different dimensions then they can be right next to each other and the "it" cannot tag him/her. The game ends when all of the players are tagged and then usually the first person tagged is the next "it".
Electric Tag
This variant of tag is similar to other versions, except when the player is tagged by "IT" they sit down on the ground, and stretch their arms out, becoming an "electrified" post. Other players must now avoid "IT" as well as the "electrified" posts on the ground. If others run by them, the person on the ground may twist his body to try and touch them. If successful, that person sits down in a similar fashion. This continues until there is a last person standing, other than "IT".
Demolition Tag
In this variant of tag, all players must keep their arms at their sides or crossarmed. Every player runs into each other player attempting to knock them over. If a player is knocked over they are out for the remainder of the game. The last player standing wins the game. Demolition Tag may be declared at any point simply by shouting "Demolition Tag" and starting the game. This implicitly includes all people in the area in the game, though it is generally inadvisable to do so in a group of strangers.
Murder in the Dark
This variant of tag, popular in Australia, is often played in the dark. The person who is "it" is blindfolded. The person who is "it" is spun around and has to count to a certain number. When they have finished counting to this number, they walk around with arms outstreched, trying to grab the other players. When someone has been caught, the game is stopped while the person who was tagged puts on the blindfold. This game is most frequently played in smaller areas, ie. a single room.
A particular humorous version of this tag is when everyone is in a dark room, so it will be impossible to see. You must walk around the room with your hands outstretched until you touch someone. The person must scream and lie down on the floor, as the rest of the players stumble around to try to get to the light switch and turn it on. If someone bumps into another while getting towards the light switch, then the same happens again. For this reason, it is a good idea to stay still if playing with only 4 players, or for only two to try to go to the light switch if there are five players. After the light switch is turned on, the murderer must be guessed.
Tag Bob Down
This variation is popular in England. In this version of the game the bases are removed, and the game continues as normal. However, should the person who isn't currently "It" crouched on the ground (or Bobbed Down), "It" must leave them alone and go after another person as they are frequently forbidden from guarding a player who has bobbed down. Once "It" has left the player must then stand and continue to play. In this version bobbing down is considered a last resort and those who too frequently do so are often ignored during the game.
Blind Man's Bluff
Blind Man's Bluff (also known in England as Mr. Blind Man and Safta Chosef (translated as Grandma Dark) in Israel) involves the "it" player being blindfolded or keeping their eyes closed while attempting to catch other players. This is a flawed version of the game as "it" is clearly at a disadvantage, and cheating is easily attained by "it" opening their eyes. The game can also be played in dark or dim rooms. The game can function well in a relatively confined space (such as a larger living room) where the "it" player can hope to entrap other players in corners, thereby touching them with an outstretched hand or leg or at least compelling the other players to give away their position by creating a sound. In some variations, every player is blindfolded
Monsters
Monsters was invented in England during the mid-1990s. It is best played with a large number of people (more than ten). One player is the "monster" and they are "it". One player is the "keeper" and they are also "it", although they may only tag the "monster". The "monster"'s task is to tag any other players ("humans"). Upon being tagged ("eaten"), a "human" becomes a "ghost". The "ghosts" can only move via sidestepping, and their aim is to block the remaining "humans" to make it easier for the "monster" to tag them, or the "keeper" from catching the "monster". The "monster" and "ghosts" win if all the "humans" are tagged, but the "humans" and "keeper" win if the "keeper" tags the "monster" a predetermined number of times (usually three).
Inverted Tag
Inverted tag (Reverse tag or Mob Tag) is a variation of tag that is considered to be tag’s opposite. Inverted tag is usually played in a large area (usually a playground field or blacktop area), with three or more participants. At the start of the game one person is chosen to be the "non-it" and everyone else is it. The object of the game is to chase the "non-it" and tag him/her. The person that tagged the former "non it" is now the new "non-it" while the former one joins the "it" group and helps chase. The person who stays not it the longest is the winner.
Elbow Tag
Elbow Tag (also known as Missionary Tag) is a variation of tag best played with 12 or more players. The game starts by having every participant pairing off with another (called pods); if there is an odd number of people, have one pod of three. At this point, the "it" and the runner are selected as well. All pairs should link elbows and spread out over the playing area - usually, there are no boundaries for the runners, though all of the pairs usually stay within a close area. Once everyone is ready, the game commences by the "it" trying to catch the runner. If the "it" does tag the runner, the roles reverse. At any point, the runner may opt out of being the runner by running to the end of any pod and linking elbows with whoever is at the end. If that happens, the person on the other side of the pod is now the new runner. This may be very taxing on the "it", since the runner will almost always have energy enough to run for a few seconds to a new pod, whereas the "it" can only get out by tagging the runner and then getting back to a pod. Because of that, one general rule-of-thumb for the game is "share the fun" - that is, when the "it" has been "it" for too long, a new "it" is usually selected to give the player a break and make the game more interesting for everyone. There is no way to win the game, and there is no end to the game until all of the players decide to quit. A player who becomes a runner usually only remains a runner for about fifteen seconds; more skilled runners will try to challenge themselves and try to stay as a runner for as long as possible - however, these runners should also keep in "share the fun" in mind, and try to allow everyone a chance at being the runner.
Maniac
This variation of tag involves a larger number of players. A single "Maniac" is selected and the goal of the "Maniac" is to tag all the other players. Once a player is tagged by the "Maniac" they also become a "Maniac." Thus the "Maniacs" increase exponentially until every player who was in the game is tagged by a "Maniac" and the round ends. The last person who was tagged by the "Maniacs" is the "Maniac" for the next round. This variation of tag is best played on a playground structure with obstacles to increase difficulty of play for the "Maniacs" trying to tag the other players.
Hide and Seek Tag
A version of Hide and Seek that requires you to tag players when you find them. Typically, there is a designated base that the game starts from. "It" begins counting there, and all the other players run to hide. Once "it" starts looking, the hiders' objective is to return to home base without being tagged. "It" looks for people and tries to tag them before they reach base. The first person to be tagged, or the last hider to return to base is the next rounds' "it." Alternate rules include: if all hiders successfully return to base, "it" stays "it" for the next found. Or hiders must remain touching the base point or else become once again open for tagging if tagged before returning. This game is known as "44 Home" in Australia, and "it" must count to forty-four before searching for players, and upon return to base players must call "44 home" and touch the base.
There are many strategies to consider in Hide and Go Seek Tag. Does "it" stay near the base, and wait for hiders to inevitably try to return? (this is sometimes considered cheating). Or do they actively seek out hiders, while letting other hiders get back to base? Do the hiders stay hidden, to avoid being tagged, but risk being the last back to base? Or do they run to base at first opportunity, and try to outrun the seeker?
Troll Tag
In this variation, the player who is "It" can not touch the platforms normally used for standing on. He or she must maneuver through the playground on other things such as handrails, on top of monkey bars, or hanging from poles. If they do touch one of the surfaces, they have to go back to the ground and count to ten with their eyes closed and start again. In some variations, "It" may call grounders, meaning that anyone on the ground is then "it", but they may only call grounders if they themselves are on the ground.
Evolution Tag
1 Evolution tag is played with about ten players or more. the way you play is simple, everyone starts out as a single-celled organism and plays rock paper scissors with another player, if you win you become a chicken. then you do the same thing over and over again until you are an alien which is when you win the entire game!. The stages go as follows: amoeba, chicken, T-Rex, space cowboy, Super Man and finally an alien. But, if you lose at a game of rock paper scissors you become a single-celled organism again.
Variants requiring equipment
Some variants of tag use special equipment such as balls, guns, roller skates or even flashlights to replace tagging by hand.
Airsoft
Airsoft uses replicas of real firearms to shoot plastic pellets. It is comparable with paintball, though without paint. Airsoft pellets are usually fired at higher velocities than paintballs. They both hurt and leave welts and bruises, and both have risk of serious injury especially to the eye if the player is not wearing protective equipment.
Ball Tag
Ball Tag is a variation of tag and Dodgeball. It it generally played with a tennis ball, but in supervised versions a dodgeball is often used. The game is played with standard tag rules, except the person who is "it" uses a ball to tag other players. The ball may not be picked up off the ground by anyone other than the "it." If a person who is not "it" intentionally picks up the ball, they are "it" for two turns, unless they tag the person who was originally "it."
Sometimes, Dodgeball rules are incorporated. One such rule is that if a person catches the ball thrown at them, the person who threw the ball is still "it". The catcher can then throw the ball anywhere on the course, making the "it's" job more difficult. Another Dodgeball rule is that if a ball that is bounced off a tagged person is caught by another player without the ball touching another object, the person who was tagged is it.
Like British Bulldog, the game is banned in a number of school playgrounds for being overly violent.
In Australia, 'Ball Chasey' is often referred to as 'Brandings' or 'Brandy'. The name originates from the variant where the game is played with a tennis ball that has been soaked in water. These leave a mark (or brand) when hitting clothing.
Like ball tag, 'subdivision tag' is played in a much larger area. (hints subdivision) and instead of running it is played on bicycles
Flashlight tag
Flashlight tag, also called "Spotlight" and "German Spotlight" (a name some consider offensive) is played at night. Rather than physically tagging each other, the "it" player can tag the others by shining a flashlight beam on them. When the person is caught, that person goes to jail, and can be "jail-breaked". Many of the various games of tag can be played in this manner.
Another variant is Flashlight Name Tag - Same as above, but when you flash your flashlight on the person, you have to say their name. If you get it wrong, he/she gets time to get away. An optional rule is that the "it" player can only turn on the flashlight to shine on a suspected hiding place, but may not keep the flashlight on continuously.
A similar version of this game is also played, however the person with the torch may not move. Players might need to touch the person with the torch or touch an object near them.
Rebels
"Rebels" is ideally played in a darkened house. Roughly one fifth of the group is assigned to the role of the ruling class, and the rest are revolutionaries. The revolutionaries disperse into the dark house apart from each other, while those representing the ruling class count to an appropriate number. After the ruling class is done counting, the game begins, and the revolutionaries attempt to all group together, and they win the game if they all touch hands at one time. Members of the ruling class have flashlights or illuminated cellphones, and roam the house looking for rebels. If they find a rebel, they must identify him by name, and take him to any spot in the house they wish, where the rebel must count to twenty in his head before leaving and searching for other rebels. The game ends when all the rebels all join together. A time limit for the rebels can be instated so that the ruling class has a chance to win as well. Originated in Ann Arbor Michigan
Follow the arrow
This extensive variant requires chalk and a large arena (typically an entire housing estate) and, well played, can last all day. The hiders are given a substantial lead (at least two minutes, often more) and head off, leaving hints as to their route in the form of chalk arrows. They will, from time to time, leave double-headed arrows to confuse the chasers. The chasers (usually a pair, since the game can last a while) must decide which arrows are genuine. If they follow the wrong route they will eventually find a 'double-back' arrow and will have to retrace. It can be played as pure 'chase' or with the object of the hiders coming up behind "it" and tagging them.
Kick the Can
In Kick the can, tagged players must sit in a "jail" until a free player kicks a soda can or some other object near the jail, freeing everyone.
Laser tag
Laser tag is very similar to flashlight tag in that it uses beams of light for the purposes of tagging. However, laser tag uses special equipment to avoid the inevitable arguments that arise in flashlight tag about whether one was actually tagged. Players carry "guns" instead, which emit beams of light. They also wear electronic equipment that can detect these beams and thus register being "hit". The equipment can be quite sophisticated, often with built-in scoring systems and various penalties for taking hits.
Paintball
Paintball is a sport in which players use compressed air guns (called "paintball markers") to tag other players with paint-filled pellets. Games are usually played on commercial fields with a strict set of safety and gameplay rules.
Phone Tag
Phone tag is not exactly a game, but more a reference to the game of tag. Phone tag occurs when two senders try to reach each other by telephone but always reach each other's voice mail and leave messages instead. After two or three back and forth messages, it is not uncommon for a person to jokingly say, "Tag, you're it." A more recent derivative of phone tag is IM Tag.
Pickle
Pickle (or sometimes referred to as Hot Box, particularly when using a baseball) is a form of tag that is played with a ball (generally something soft like a tennis ball) and two bases (usually trees). One player guards each base while the others run between them. Players are safe while touching a base; however, while running from one base to another, players are vulnerable to being tag by balls thrown by the base guards. If a runner is hit by the ball, he replaces the guard who threw it, and that guard becomes a runner.
Spud
Spud is a tag variant that is best played in large, open areas. Players begin each round in a central location. "It" then throws a ball high into the air. The other players run but must stop as soon as "it" catches the ball and shouts "Spud!" "It" may then take three large steps toward the player of his choosing before throwing the ball at that player. If the ball hits the target, that player becomes "it", and the game starts over.
One variation of Spud requires numbering the participants. "It" throws the ball in the air and calls out a number. Whichever player's number is called instantly becomes "it", and must catch the ball and shout "Spud" as above. This variation does not require all participants to gather in one location at the beginning, but if one player is far away and his or her number is called, it will take longer for him or her to catch the ball.
Cone Tag
Essentially a game of tag played with a cone. Instead of tagging the cone is left on a doorstep or lawn. Players acquire a traffic cone and then place the cone on someone's doorstep and that person has been tagged. Then the person who is now it must tag another person.
Army Dodgeball
Army Dodgeball consists of two teams, and is normally played in a small to medium-small sized arena (such as a basketball court, or small parking lot). The two teams are picked and a line is made in the center of the playing area. Each team is assigned a side and neither team may cross the center line. One or several balls is/are then distributed to the team(s). Each player then tries to hit the other team's players with the ball, and the spot that is hit is therefore "wounded" and the player must move to the back of the playing area and wait for the "medic" to come heal them. The medic is one player assigned at the beginning of the game by each team. As the two teams throw the ball(s) at each other, if a "wounded" player is hit by a ball before being "healed" they are then removed from the game. The game ends when one player remains unwounded and not out. The game is best played by a medium-sized group (10-30) and lasts for 20 minutes to an hour. (This game is not a form of tag in any way)
Hospital
Hospital, also known as Doctor Dodgeball, is a variant of dodgeball and is similar to Army Dodgeball. It contains two teams, each consisting of usually 5 or more players. The play area is a basketball court. A line in the center of the play area separates the two sides and crossing to the other team's side is illegal in almost all circumstances. On the line, many dodgeballs are placed, and when the game begins, the players run towards them to get them. When hit by a dodgeball, you are out, though if you are hit in the head purposefully or if you catch a ball thrown at you, whoever threw the ball is out. One person is the doctor, and only they can heal people. When the doctor is out, a dodgeball must be thrown in the opposite team's basketball hoop before everyone gets out to revive everyone on their team. One or two players are spies. Spies are the only people that can go to the other team's side. When the identity of the spies or doctor is found out, the name is usually told to the other teammates so that they know who to target to make the game easier to win for them. Games last until all players on one side are out.
SCUBA Tag
Scuba diving enthusiasts around the world are constantly searching for further ways to enhance their diving experiences, from this desire has sprung the challenging game of SCUBA Tag. Played in the water with the assistance of dive gear, SCUBA Tag follows the same flexible rules of basic tag (game). Typically, the game zone is recognized as being within 100ft of one's dive flag. Basic diving skills are required to maintain buoyancy and speed, and it is advised that participants be familiar with the basic diving hazards and precautions. Variations of this game include scuba night tag (see night diving) and scuba grab ass.
Team tag sports
In South Asia, two sports are variants of tag, played at the team level, sometimes internationally. Kabaddi is the more widespread of the two, and is included in the Asian Games and even has a world championship, being played throughout India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Iran, as well as in Indian communities in Canada, Great Britain, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. The other tag sport is called kho kho.