Q&A for How to Play Tag

Practice, practice, practice! The only way to improve is to continually practice and learn how to develop and implement new techniques. You can always learn new techniques by watching more experienced players as well.

That's sad! The best thing you can do is either stop playing with them, or just ignore them. Find a nicer group to play with, or suggest playing a different game.

If it has a lot of fun places to hide, space to run around, and not a massive area where it will be impossible to tag people.

No, since that can easily trip the other player, violating the safety rules of the game.

It depends on the rules of the game and who you're playing with. If the group you're playing with doesn't say it's cheating, then hiding in a tree is fair game.

Not exactly. It will be obvious that “it” has tagged another “not-it” when a new person is trying to chase them.

Before you start playing, make it clear to whoever is playing the game that there are no tag backs.

Tell them that you feel uncomfortable and want to stop the game for a few minutes.

Hills! Running up hills will quickly wear someone down. It helps if you're already at the top of the hill, but if not, try not to waste energy as you run up. You could also find a spot to hide while others continue to chase you, giving you a break for a few seconds to conserve your energy.

It's a better idea to wait for the next round and then ask politely if you can join.

As many as you want. You can have anywhere from two players to hundreds!

You can randomly select the first "it." Have someone close their eyes and touch another player without knowing who it is, or use a rhyme like "eeny, meeny, miny, moe."

It probably doesn’t count because the player may not feel the contact. Tagging should involve contact with the skin. Also, avoid pulling hair.

You should not trick the players unfairly, such as pretending you're not playing or not being "it," as it gives you an unfair advantage. If you find a fair way to do so, you can.

Sneak up on them rather than running straight at them. You could also try counting to 5 instead of 10.

You can mix different versions of tag by creating your own rules. Just ensure the rules are clear to everyone playing to avoid confusion.

It depends, as there is no right or wrong answer. Some people prefer hide and seek, while others enjoy tag more; it all depends on personal preference.

No, you can't be tagged because you're not involved in the game. Some may still attempt to tag you, but just say you're not playing, and they will understand and move on to other targets.

Tag requires just people and arms. It requires no other physical items.

Trick them and take shortcuts! The fastest people are sometimes the easiest to trick.

They may be upset with you. Perhaps they have anger issues or a lack of physical control. Reach out to a trusted adult if this issue continues.

Absolutely! It is a wonderful game to play with people of all ages, and it is played very commonly.

Dodging people is a great place to start! Work on your running, too. See Get Faster at Running .

Yes. See Play Marco Polo .

If someone who is "it" tags you, you are "it." If the “no tagbacks” rule is in force, you are the new tagger trying to tag a new "it."

If the tagger touches you -- or you touch the tagger -- that's a tag. You're "it." So no, you can't block a tag.

When playing tag, it is nearly impossible to avoid getting tagged. If you are it, however, you may not get tagged because you are the one tagging people. The first person you tag is the new it.

When falling down in a game of tag, pause the game for a second. Make sure that the person that fell is not hurt or injured. Once that is confirmed, you may resume. If the person is hurt, go inform an adult right away.

You yourself will get dizzy too, so no, you should not try this technique.

Normally you would be it because you would be coming in contact with the "it" person. But if the rules state otherwise, then follow those instead.