Q&A for How to Play Musical Chairs

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What if two people sit in the same chair? How would I determine possession?
    Community Answer
    You could try to see who has less space in the chair; otherwise, you'll have to do the round over.
  • Question
    How long should the music be played before stopping it?
    Community Answer
    You should probably stop the music at different times between 30 seconds and 1 minute. If you always stop it after the same amount of time, the players will be able to predict it.
  • Question
    What are the rules for playing musical chairs during a marathon?
    Community Answer
    The rules won't change during a marathon.
  • Question
    What items are needed besides chairs to play the game?
    Sofia C.
    Community Answer
    Besides chairs, musical chairs requires only 3+ friends and a radio or something to play music with.
  • Question
    Do we move the chairs closer after the removal of a chair?
    Community Answer
    That isn't a traditional rule, but you can do it if you want to, or if it makes the game easier/more fun.
  • Question
    What should be the distance between chairs and participants?
    Community Answer
    Two feet would be good, but you can make it more challenging and expand the distance. (That's optional, though.)
  • Question
    Where position should the last chair be in?
    Community Answer
    The last chair is usually just facing forward, so if you take away the chair behind it, you should have your final set up.
  • Question
    Besides chairs, what else can be used to sit on?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    Bean bags, benches, crutches, stools, thrones, swings, yoga balls, medicine balls, tripods, footrests, sofas, chaise lounges, coffee tables, regular tables, bar stools, hammocks, cardboard boxes, folding chairs, balled up sweaters, pillows, stuffed animals, sofa cushions, church pews, garden knee tiles, floating planks, car seats, towels, office chairs, horse saddles, camping chairs, footrests, plastic bags, paper bags, pieces of cardboard, wooden planks, sleds, yoga mats, mattresses, bed sheets, pillowcases, roof tiles or palm leaves. But you must change the name of the game to whatever you're using.
  • Question
    Once music stops, can a player move the chair by hand from under another player who is about to sit on it?
    Tom De Backer
    Top Answerer
    No. This is against the rules. The chairs are where they are, and whoever sits in them first stays in the game. Pulling away a chair is cheating, childish, unfair, unkind and also very dangerous, as people can get seriously hurt. Pelvis fractures, tailbone fractures, spine injuries, head injuries, skull fractures, concussions, elbow fractures, wrist fractures, you get the picture. Never pull away anyone's chair, whether in musical chairs or not.
  • Question
    What should I do if someone site while the music is still playing?
    Community Answer
    They would most likely be eliminated, but it depends on the game. They maybe would have to stand still for 5 seconds, hop for the rest of the game, etc. But in most versions, the person is simply eliminated.
  • Question
    Can one overtake another contestant?
    Community Answer
    You can remove chairs while playing. If somebody is standing and cannot find a chair, they are out. If two people are in a seat at one time, see which person takes up more space on the chair or who got there first.
  • Question
    Can you touch the chair while the music is still playing, and the kids are around the chair are not touching it?
    Top Answerer
    You should not touch the chair while the music is playing - just keep walking until the music stops!
  • Question
    How do players move around the chairs?
    Otterly Badgerific
    Top Answerer
    This depends on the space available but usually players walk quickly around the chairs in a circular fashion. If it's played with enough space, players could run, skip or hop as alternatives to walking. Whatever movement used, when the music stops, it's a rushed dash to claim a seat, going in any order.
  • Question
    If the player is eliminated, what can they do as they wait?
    Otterly Badgerific
    Top Answerer
    It's fun to watch the players who are still in the game, cheer and shout out where to sit when the music stops. Just get caught up in the moment and enjoy yourself as you watch them run and struggle for seating!
  • Question
    How long does it take to play musical chairs?
    Otterly Badgerific
    Top Answerer
    Musical chairs is usually a short game of around 3 to 5 minutes duration. However, the length of time depends on how many people are playing it - more players and chairs means it'll take longer to play. It is also fun to play it several times over when it is short, so that various players get the chance to win.
  • Question
    What if somebody changes the direction rather than moving the same way like others, will he or she be eliminated?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they would but if you want to make the game harder or more interesting, then you can make this a rule that you could do this.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article