Outdoor Games
How to play Tag
One person chases and touches another player, who becomes the next chaser in this simple no-score format.
What you need
An open, hazard-free play area and enough room to turn without running into others
Set up the game
- Agree on clear boundaries and off-limit spots. Decide whether a gentle touch on the arm or shoulder counts; no pushing or grabbing.
- Select one player to be It. Everyone else starts within the boundary at a reasonable distance.
Run, tag, and change chaser
- After a clear start signal, It tries to tag another player with the agreed light touch.
- When tagged, the touched player becomes It and announces it aloud; the former It runs away.
- Pause if someone crosses a boundary or the play area becomes unsafe. Continue until the agreed time ends, then rotate or take a break.
A tag at the edge
Maya, who is It, gently touches Jordan's shoulder just inside the marked area. Jordan says 'I'm It' and begins chasing; Maya becomes a runner. If Jordan steps outside the agreed area first, pause and restart from a clear position rather than claiming a disputed tag.
Agree on tag-backs
Some groups forbid an immediate return tag to prevent two players from tagging each other repeatedly. If using that option, give the new chaser a brief count before chasing the previous one. Apply the same rule to everyone rather than inventing it mid-chase.
Beginner decisions
- A chaser can approach a runner's likely path instead of following directly behind.
- Change pace near the boundary rather than cutting blindly through another player's path.
Common rule mix-ups
- Pushing, clothing grabs or tags that another player could not feel.
- Arguing over an immediate tag-back instead of agreeing beforehand whether one is allowed.
Questions about this game
Is there a winner?
This simple format has no point score or fixed winner. Play for a set time or rotate chasers.
Is there a safe base?
Only if you add one as a house variation. Define its location and maximum stay before playing.
Sources and edition notes
Traditional tag has no single publisher or universal rulebook. This guide defines a gentle-touch, immediate-switch house format with no scoring; freeze tag and base tag are separate variations.