How to Play Hide and Go Seek

Hide and Go Seek is a game where the players attempt to conceal their location while others try to look for and find them. While the main rules are basic, many different variations have also evolved throughout the years. Regardless of which version you choose, all you need are a few friends and some hiding and spying skills.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting Up the Game

1
Select the players. At least two players are needed to play the game. The more players you have, the better.
- Take into consideration the ages of everyone playing. Younger players can fit more places, but they don't always choose the best hiding spots or focus on the game.
2
Come up with basic rules. Without rules, the game can quickly become disorganized and chaotic.
- Keeping everyone safe is the number one rule. Make sure players don't hide in places where they can fall or become trapped.
- Choose whether the game is being played indoors or outdoors.
- Make sure everyone understands the importance of respecting privacy. Mention areas that are off-limits, and tell all players not to snoop or touch other people's personal belongings.
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3
Find a suitable location. An outdoor location works best, although indoors is fine for rainy days. Set boundaries so nobody wanders off too far.
- It's a good idea to let parents or other adults know what you're playing in case they get worried about where everyone is.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Playing the Game (Traditional Version)

1
Determine who will be the seeker, or "It" person. There are a lot of ways to choose, such as the youngest player or whoever says, "Not It!" last.
- If one person is older than the rest, they might make a natural seeker. The younger you are, the more frustrated you could get with people who are really good hiders. Older people have longer attention spans and can think outside of the box better than their younger counterparts.
2
Begin the game. The "It" person (seeker) will stay at home base, close their eyes, and count out loud to a specific number.
- Make sure they're not cheating. The seeker must have their eyes closed, hands over their eyes, and preferably facing a corner. No peeking!
3
Start hiding. While the seeker counts, everyone else should quickly find a spot to hide. Make sure you're quiet as you're hiding or "It" can use his or her ears to tell the general direction you went.
- Stay as quiet as you can. The "It" person won't be able to see where you are, but they might be able to hear you move around.
- Remain still and quiet in your hiding spot. You don't want to give yourself up once you're hidden! If you're noisy, even the best hiding spot won't conceal you.
4
Begin the seeking. Once the seeker is done counting, they yell, "Ready or not, here I come!" to warn others that they are coming. At this point, they must try to find all of the other players.
- If you're seeking, look with your eyes and listen with your ears. When you see a player, tag them.
- Generally speaking, hiders are allowed to move or switch hiding places. Consider moving to a new spot if you're hiding and close to being found. Crawling or sneaking are the best ways to move quietly. However, if it is too late, be still and silent. The seeker can actually overlook you and go away.
- If some of the hidden players do not return home before a predetermined period of time or they can't be found, the seeker should yell out, "Olly, olly oxen free!" This is a signal that the game is finished and it is safe to come back.
5
Play a new round with a new seeker. The player who is found first becomes the seeker in the next round.
- Most games end their rounds when everyone has been found. For a smoother game, you can set a rule that a round is finished once only one person is found.
- You could set time limits on it, too. If the person who is seeking doesn't meet the time limit in 3 tries (for example), switch seekers anyway. Give everyone a chance to hide!

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Playing Different Variations

1
Play with a home base. This variation adds an extra challenge to Hide and Go Seek. The hiders don't only just hide, they have to get back to home base without being tagged. While the seeker is seeking, they will have to come out of hiding, risking their safety.
- The hiders don't have any way of knowing what's going on in the game. Another element to this version can be that all the hiders have to get back to home base before everyone else is tagged, or else they're out.
2
Play with multiple seekers. In this variation, hiders become re-assigned as additional seekers once they've been tagged.
3
Play jailbreak. When players are found, they have to go to "jail" (a separate area). The seeker's goal is put everyone in jail. However, those not in jail can free the ones in jail by tagging fellow players without being tagged themselves.
- Once someone is freed from jail, they can either go hide again or sit out the rest of the round. If someone frees a few people in jail but some are still hiding, the same principles apply.
4
Play manhunt. This is like jailbreak, but team style. You have two teams (preferably of 4 or more) and they're each assigned a home base. The teams go hide around the other team's home base and try to make it back to theirs. When everybody makes it back home without being tagged, they win. This game is best played in a large area such as a park.

Community Q&A

Question

What is a way to keep quiet without keeping yourself from breathing?

Community Answer

Just breathe slowly and quietly through your nose. Try to relax and think calm thoughts.
Question

How do I find hide and seek games?

Community Answer

All you need is people to play with. Find some people to play with and start a game.
Question

Can I hide under a bed?

Community Answer

Yes, just drape the blankets over the space under the bed so if the "it" glances over there, they won't see you.

Warnings

Keep safe when looking for places to hide. Avoid excessively small spaces like inside a refrigerator or clothes dryer, where oxygen can be limited or you might become trapped behind a closed door. You should never compromise your personal safety for the sake of the game.

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Don't hide in an off-limits area. You may get in trouble.

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