Q&A for How to Play Hopscotch

Typically one, but variations do exist.

Chalk and a rock.

Yes, you can. Sixty or 65 years ago, children would draw the outline for 8 to resemble a semi-circle and split 9 and 10 with a middle line above the semi-circle. They then hopped on one foot in 8, then both left and right in 9 and 10 consecutively. They then did a reverse jump landing one foot in each box without touching the lines to head back down the hopscotch.

As many as you want.

When I played as a child we had 2-4 players and we left all of their markers on the mat where they missed and it became the next person's turn. We skipped each of the marked spots to complete our turn.

If your stone, or marker, is in number 1, you need to hop on one foot to square 2, and then hop to number 3, etc. If there are markers in both 1 and 2, you need to hop over both to square 3 and finish from there.

Just act as if it is like any other square and jump to the the end.

The aim is to be the first whose marker reaches the end goal. This can be the Den (number 10/the resting stop) or it can include the return journey back to number one. The other aim is of course to practice balance and agility. Toddlers benefit especially by this game, although it is enjoyed by all ages.

Each player could have his/her unique marker without violating any of the above rules.

I would say around ages 5 to 12. This game is used a lot in elementary schools, which have grades kindergarten to 5th.

Yes. Because it's your game, it is your choice.

Yes. A "shooter" is one other name for it, but there are also a lot of different names for it if you look it up on the internet.

You miss your turn, because the marker lands outside the block or on the line.

Of course! Hopscotch rules are easy to bend into your own game.

Hold out one of your arms to help your balance. Practice bending down in different ways so you know which is most comfortable for you.

In Ireland, we used to call it beds. It worked the same way; we used an old polish tin filled with clay as our marker, which we called a piggy.

Play with friends. It is a fun game, to begin with. Challenge your friends and make the game interesting.

There may be many variations or different chants/songs, but the one I'm familiar with goes, "One, two, buckle my shoe. Three, four, knock at the door. Five, six, pick up sticks. Seven, eight, close the gate. Nine, ten, a big fat hen."

Not regular hopscotch. You could probably make up special rules for one-legged hopscotch.

Traditionally, hopscotch doesn't have points. However, the player who lands their rock in the most squares and successfully completes the course the most times is considered to have the highest total.

Hopscotch was created in Great Britain during the early Roman empire. Hopscotch courts were 100+ feet long and games were used as a military training exercise for soldiers.

You can steady your balance in whatever way you need, but you may not touch the ground using either hand when picking up the stone.

Absolutely! Jumping rope while hopping on one foot adds an extra layer of difficulty for a more challenging hopscotch game.

The rock should ideally be about the size of your palm. However, choose a rock that's small enough to land inside each square comfortably.

This game can be played outdoors using chalk to draw the board or indoors using pillows or masking tape to create the hopscotch grid.

Hopscotch is completely safe. However, if you are suffering from a leg injury, it might be best to sit out until you recover.

You can play hopscotch alone or with as many players as your heart desires. But it's generally recommended to start separate games if you have more than 5 players so the games don't take too long.

When you reach the number 10 (the end of the board), turn around while remaining on one foot and hop back through the rest of the board. You can also deem 10 "Heaven" and make it a safe zone to place a foot down and regain your balance.

Consider making your hopscotch board out of masking tape. It's a great chalk alternative and easy for clean-up!

Yes there is a winner. A person will win the game if they reach the last number, which in most places its ten. When you first play the game, you start in square one and go up one square every time it is your turn, unless you miss.