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Tag Games
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Tag comes in a plethora of variations yet the main fun comes from running around with the added excitement of trying to get away from someone. Some versions of Tag are quite complex, based on a story and with many rules. Exercise is attributed to many health benefits, one of which is the good feeling it gives us. Tag is an excellent way for adults and children to get this good feeling and to spend time together. Tag is such an informal game that its origins are hard to trace. We do know that a version of Tag called Team Tag was demonstrated at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Surely people have always had fun playing Tag. It is a very versatile game; it can be played with two players to as many as there are people. It is also a non-competitive game, no score is kept and there are no winners.
Number of Players: 2 minimum (the more the better)
Equipment: none, except for some variations below
Object of the Game: To 'tag' other players and avoid being 'tagged'.
To Play: One person is 'It' and attempts to 'tag' other players by touching them. The other players obviously try to run away and not be 'tagged'. In general the person who was 'tagged' becomes the new 'It'.
The basic game has no rules allowing you to develop the rules. Some suggestions are:
"No Tag Back" - this rule states that you cannot tag the person that just tagged you.
"Base" - this is a pre-defined area where you are 'safe' and cannot be tagged.
"No Puppy Guarding" - this rule is used when there is a base and states that you cannot remain close to the base, sometimes a time limit is used. E.g.: 5 second base rule.
Below are some of the simpler variations to keep you running after each other.
Freeze Tag: When you are tagged, you become frozen and cannot move. In some versions you can become unfrozen by another player who has not been frozen crawling through your legs, touching you or some other action.
Chain Tag: As the person who is 'It' tags other players they link arms and continue as a chain with the players on each end 'tagging' more people and the chain grows.
All in Tag: In this version, you start out with one 'It' but each person 'tagged' also becomes 'It' and helps catch everyone else.
Chain Reaction: Players pick partners and link arms. One person is 'It' and when they catch a pair the pair is split and both become 'It' as well.
Elbow Tag: Players pick partners and link arms. One person is 'It' and chases the pairs. Once the 'It' person catches someone, they link arms with one of the partners and the person on the end must detach and becomes 'It'.
Hug Tag: This game is the same as regular tag, except that if two players are hugging, they are 'safe' and cannot be tagged.
Toilet Tag: When a player is tagged, they squat to become a 'toilet' and hold their hand out to the side as the handle. A player who is not tagged can free the player by pushing the handle down and 'flushing' the toilet.
Color Tag: This version works best with a large group and avoids the problem of selecting an 'It'. A color is called out, and all those wearing something with that color on it become 'It' and try to catch everyone else.
Cops & Robbers: Players are divided into two groups, one group
are the cops who chase the other group who are the robbers. Once the robbers are 'caught' they are placed in the 'jail' which is a spot selected ahead of time. A robber not yet in jail can tag a robber in jail and free them - they then are both free, and continue to be chased by the cops.
All of the above tag games can be played at any time in any place and with no required equipment. The versions of tag below use some simple equipment.
Alligator Tag: This is played on a jungle gym or playground equipment. One person is an alligator and cannot climb on the equipment; they try to tag the other players from the ground.
Ball Tag: In this game, a ball is used to tag players. The ball can only be picked up by the person who is 'It'. There are several other rules that can be used but this game is discouraged as it can become dangerous.
Flashlight Tag: This game is played at night, in the dark. The person who is 'it' has a flashlight and a person is 'tagged' when the flashlight beam shines on them. (Laser tag, played with special equipment in fun centers is basically Flashlight Tag)
Line Tag: Lines are drawn on the ground (often chalk is used outdoors, or masking tape indoors) and players must stay on the lines while escaping the person who is 'It'. (This game can also be played on a tennis court or other area with lines.)
Blind Man's Bluff: A blindfold is required for this game. The person who is 'It' puts on the blindfold and tries to catch the others, when they do they have to correctly identify their catch.
Tree Tag: In this game players are safe from 'It' and cannot be tagged if they are touching a tree.
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