Download Article
See how well you follow directions playing this classic party game
Download Article
- Simon Says Rules |
- Simon Says Variations |
- Video |
- Q&A |
- Tips |
- Warnings
If you’re looking for a fun game that’s perfect for kids and adults, Simon Says is the perfect thing to play. Simon Says is perfect for improving listening skills for children, and it’s super easy to learn for the whole family. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through how to play as well as some exciting variations to try out!
Simon Says Game Rules
Choose a player to be Simon. When Simon gives a command starting with “Simon says…” the other players have to follow the instructions. If a player doesn’t follow the instructions correctly, they’re out of the game. The last player standing is the winner!
Steps
Section 1 of 2:
Rules of Simon Says
Download Article
-
Gather a small group of players. Although Simon Says is normally a children’s activity, all ages can play and enjoy the game. Gather a few friends and family members together so you have a few players. [1] X Research source
- Simon Says works best with 5 or more people, but you can play short games with fewer players.
- Normally, all the players in Simon Says remain standing for the duration of the playing round, but you can also play while sitting down if it’s more comfortable.
-
Choose a player to be Simon. Within your group of players, randomly pick one person to be Simon first. Whoever is chosen as Simon stands in front of the rest of the players and faces them. All the other players become the “listeners.”Advertisement
-
Give commands as Simon to eliminate players. Whenever Simon is ready, they can start giving commands to the rest of the group. If you begin a command with “Simon says…”, the listeners have to obey and do what you tell them. If you simply state the command, then the listeners should not follow the instructions. If a listener incorrectly follows Simon’s instructions, they’re eliminated for the rest of the game. [2] X Research source
- Give your commands quickly and frequently switch up whether you say “Simon says…” to confuse the listeners.
- Some common commands you can give include:
- Touch your toes
- Hop on one foot
- Dance around the room
- Do some jumping jacks
- Give yourself a hug
- Play air guitar
-
Obey “Simon says” commands as a listener. When you’re playing as a listener, pay attention very carefully to the commands given by Simon. Only follow the instructions if they say “Simon says…” before the command. Simon will try to trick you into obeying commands you shouldn’t by giving the commands very quickly. If you don’t follow the instructions correctly, then you’re eliminated for the rest of the round.
- If Simon gives a command, keep performing it until the next time they say “Simon says…” For example, if they say “Simon says hop on one foot,” then keep hopping on that foot until they say “Simon says stop.”
- Wait a second before performing a command to make sure you heard Simon correctly.
-
Win the game if you’re the last remaining listener. During the round, Simon keeps giving commands until there is only one listener left. That player is the winner for the round and becomes the new Simon for the next round. All the eliminated players are back in the next game.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionIs it an all ages game or is it just for small children?Community AnswerIt's not only for small children, anyone can play Simon Says!
-
QuestionIs this game suitable for elementary school students?Community AnswerYes, this game would be appropriate for elementary school students.
-
QuestionWhat if there are 27 players?Community AnswerGet everyone in a circle, make sure everyone knows who Simon is, then play exactly the same.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
- If you’re Simon, try to give commands quickly to fool the listeners.Thanks
- If you’re a listener, wait a second before you perform a command to make sure you heard it correctly.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Avoid giving commands that are unsafe or illegal.Thanks
Advertisement
References
About This Article
Article Summary
X
1. Choose someone to be “Simon.”
2. Have “Simon” give a command to the other players.
3. If the command starts with “Simon says…” the players have to do it.
4. If the command doesn’t start with “Simon says…” and a player does it, they’re “out.”
5. The last person standing wins!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 407,314 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "All your games help us to learn English with fun. Here we learn verbs, instructions, parts of the body. It motivates students and the process is very interesting and fun." ..." more
Advertisement
"All your games help us to learn English with fun. Here we learn verbs, instructions, parts of the body. It motivates students and the process is very interesting and fun."
..."
more
"This was a great explanation of this wonderful childhood game which taught the importance of paying attention to instructions while having fun too."
..."
more
"Simon says is the best game. It is a great party game! "
"It showed me how to play a different game."
"Thank you, this game is amazing."
