Octopus tag

Octopus tag is one of many different variations of tag. In this game the person who is “it” attempts to tag the other players in order for them to assist the “it” in tagging the remaining players.

History

Octopus tag is a mix between red rover and tag. [http://familyfun.go.com/games/indoor-outdoor-games/game/famfgam_octutag/ FamilyFun: Octopus Tag Game (Indoor Games for Kids) - and More Family Fun ] ]

Rules

*1. Set up rectangular boundaries. Suggestions to mark boundaries are clothing articles, cones, or gym lines and suggested playing areas are gyms and grassy fields [http://www.momsnetwork.com/boards/activities-games-kids/11477-octopus-tag.html Octopus Tag - Moms Network Message Boards ] ] . The playing field is known as the ocean.
*2. Pick someone to be “it.” They become the King/Queen octopus.

*3. Everyone else, known as fish, line up along one side of the ocean. The fish are trying to run to the other side without getting tagged.
*4. Upon getting tagged the fish become seaweed and must freeze where they were tagged, but can wave their arms around and now assist the King/Queen octopus in tagging other people within their reach.
*5. To start the game the King/Queen octopus must yell “I am the octopus King/Queen of all motion let’s see if you can cross my ocean.”
*6. The game is played until every fish is tagged. The last fish to be tagged becomes the next King/Queen octopus.
*7. The object of the game is to be the last fish tagged.

Variations

Version 1

In some versions the object of the game is for the fish to run to the other side without getting tagged and then the game pauses until the King/Queen octopus repeats the starting line and then the fish once again try to cross to the other side.

Version 2

In other versions once the King/Queen octopus says the starting line the game is played just like tag until all the fish have been tagged.

Version 3

In some versions the winner is the last fish to be tagged, but in others the winner is the last fish running. [http://yya.oca.org/TheHub/Activities/20SomethingWays/GameIdeas.htm Orthodox Church in America - The Hub for Youth and Young Adult Ministries ] ]

Version 4

Upon getting tagged the fish can become seaweed, or baby octopuses.

References