How to Play Simon Says

By rpr, on 13-12-2007 17:58

How to Play Simon Says

Objective

The objective for Simon Says is for the players who aren’t Simon to be the last one remaining.

Game Layout

One player in the group is designated ‘Simon’. Simon stands where the other players can see them, and Simon can see the other players. There needs to be at least three players, including ‘Simon’ to play the game.

Game Description

Simon calls out instructions to the to the other players. If the instruction starts with “Simon says…” then the other players need to follow that instruction, otherwise they are out. If the instruction does not begin with “Simon says... ” then any player which does perform the action is out. The last player remaining is the winner, and may become the next Simon.

Rules

Actions requires by ‘Simon says’ that are attempted but unable to be done still count. For example, if “Simon Says pat your head and rub your belly”, and a player tries to do this but is not coordinated enough to do so, then the attempt at the action counts as performing the action.

Simon can not give impossible orders, such as “Simon says hold your breath for ten minutes”. One way to ensure this rule is obeyed is for Simon to also have to do anything he says to do.

Simon can attempt to trick players into doing something by making it seem to be not in the game. For example, saying “If you’re still in the game raise your hand”.

There are many cultural variations of this game where “Simon” might be known by another name, eg “Jacques” in France or The Master”.

‘Mother May I’ is a similar game so ‘Simon Says’, where the players are told to take a number of steps of various sizes by ‘Mother’, but can only do so if they remember to ask “Mother may I?” and ‘Mother’ says yes.

‘Ships Capitan’ is another similar game where the captain calls out orders with a nautical theme that players must obey. Each order has a specific action that goes with it. For example, “To the ship” means run to the captain’s right.

Strategy, Skills and Tactics

For the players, listening very carefully and paying attention to when Simon says “Simon says” is the key to the game.

For Simon, attempting to trick players so that they make mistakes will get them out faster. Giving orders quickly will allow players less time to think. Rapidly changing between saying “Simon says” and not saying “Simon says” might also confuse players and get them out.

Last update : 13-12-2007 17:58