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How to Play the Group Game Octopus

The children's group game Octopus is a form of tag that is usually played outside. The game requires no special equipment, but you do need room to run. It is best played in an open space such as a field or on a lawn. Octopus requires at least four players, with one person being "it." The more players you have, the more fun the game can become.

Instructions

- 1
  Select a person to be the octopus. This person stands in the middle of the area of play. Line the other players up at one end of the play area.
- 2
  The octopus gives a signal to start the game. For example, she can simply yell, "Go." The other players try to run to the other end of the play area while the octopus tags as many players as she can.
- 3
  Players who are tagged have to sit down at the spot where they are tagged. They can try to tag other players using only their arms -- they aren't allowed to move from the spot. The players who were not tagged by the octopus line up on the other end of the play area for the next round.
- 4
  The octopus yells "Go" again, and the remaining players run across the play area to the other end. The octopus and the players who were tagged in the first round try to tag them. Remember, the seated players can't move from their spot and can only use their arms to tag.
- 5
  Keep playing until only one person has not been tagged. That person is the new octopus, and the game begins again.

Kids Games