How to Play Ghost in the Graveyard: The Ultimate Guide
Ghost in the Graveyard is a classic outdoor game, perfect for a dark evening or a summer night gathering with friends. It combines elements of tag and hide-and-seek, creating a thrilling and suspenseful experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play, from the basic rules to variations and tips for a spooktacular time.
## What is Ghost in the Graveyard?
At its core, Ghost in the Graveyard is a nighttime hide-and-seek game with a spooky twist. One person is designated as the ‘Ghost’ and hides. The other players, the ‘Seekers,’ try to find the Ghost. When the Ghost is found, they yell “Ghost in the Graveyard!” and everyone, including the Ghost, races back to a designated ‘safe zone’ or ‘home base.’ The first Seeker tagged by the Ghost becomes the new Ghost in the next round. It’s a simple concept, but the darkness and anticipation amplify the excitement.
## What You’ll Need:
* **A group of players:** The more players, the better the game! Aim for at least 4-5 players for a good experience. More players create more hiding options and a more intense chase.
* **A large, dark outdoor space:** This is crucial. A backyard, park, or even a quiet street (with appropriate adult supervision and safety considerations) will work. The area should have plenty of hiding spots like trees, bushes, sheds, and dark corners.
* **A designated ‘home base’ or ‘safe zone’:** This is where the Seekers start and where they run to after the Ghost is revealed. It could be a porch, a lamppost, a specific tree, or any clearly defined area.
* **A source of dim light (optional but recommended):** A single flashlight, a porch light, or even the moonlight can add to the atmosphere. Avoid bright lights, as they will diminish the spooky effect. Red or blue colored lights can add to the atmosphere too.
* **Appropriate clothing:** Dark clothing is ideal for Seekers to blend into the shadows. The Ghost might consider wearing white or light colors to be more visible when they jump out.
* **A timer or a watch (optional):** Some variations use a timer to limit the Ghost’s hiding time.
* **Adult supervision (especially for younger players):** This is important for safety, especially in unfamiliar or potentially hazardous areas. Supervision ensures everyone plays fairly and stays within the designated boundaries.
## How to Play Ghost in the Graveyard: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Choose the First Ghost:**
* There are several ways to select the first Ghost. You can draw straws, play rock-paper-scissors, or simply volunteer. The person chosen will be the first to hide.
2. **Designate the Home Base:**
* Before the Ghost hides, everyone needs to agree on the location of the home base or safe zone. Make sure it’s a clearly defined area that everyone can easily identify. This could be a porch, a specific tree, a lamppost, or any other agreed-upon landmark.
3. **The Ghost Hides:**
* The chosen Ghost goes to hide while the other players (the Seekers) stay at home base and count to a predetermined number. A common counting sequence is to 100, but this can be adjusted based on the size of the playing area and the age of the players. For younger players, counting to 50 might be sufficient. For larger areas, you might count to 150 or 200. The Ghost should try to find a good hiding spot that’s not too easy to find but also allows them to quickly emerge and tag someone.
4. **The Seekers Search:**
* Once the counting is finished, the Seekers venture out to search for the Ghost. They should move quietly and carefully, scanning the environment for any signs of the Ghost. This is where the suspense builds! Encourage Seekers to spread out and check different areas to increase their chances of finding the Ghost. Communication among the Seekers can be helpful, but be careful not to give away your position to the Ghost.
5. **”Ghost in the Graveyard!”**
* If a Seeker spots the Ghost, they yell out “Ghost in the Graveyard!” as loudly as possible. This signals to everyone that the Ghost has been found.
6. **The Chase Begins!**
* As soon as “Ghost in the Graveyard!” is called, everyone, including the Ghost and the Seeker who spotted them, races back to home base. The Ghost tries to tag one of the Seekers before they reach the safe zone.
7. **Tag and New Ghost:**
* If the Ghost successfully tags a Seeker before they reach home base, that tagged Seeker becomes the new Ghost for the next round. If the Ghost doesn’t tag anyone, the same person remains the Ghost for the next round.
8. **Repeat!**
* The game continues with the new Ghost hiding, the Seekers counting, and the search beginning again. The cycle repeats as long as everyone is enjoying the game.
## Rules and Guidelines
* **Stay within Boundaries:** Before starting, clearly define the boundaries of the playing area. This prevents players from wandering too far and ensures everyone’s safety. Make sure everyone understands these boundaries and agrees to stay within them.
* **No Hiding in the Home Base:** The Ghost cannot hide within the designated home base area. This ensures that the Seekers have a safe place to retreat to.
* **No Peeking While Counting:** The Seekers must not peek while counting. This gives the Ghost a fair chance to find a good hiding spot.
* **Honesty is Key:** Players should be honest about whether they were tagged or not. Arguing over tags can ruin the fun of the game.
* **Be Respectful of Property:** Remind players to be respectful of other people’s property while searching for the Ghost. Avoid trampling gardens or damaging anything.
* **Safety First:** Ensure the playing area is free of hazards. Watch out for holes, uneven ground, and other potential dangers. Consider playing in well-lit areas to improve visibility.
* **Agree on Tagging Rules:** Clarify what constitutes a valid tag. Does it require a full hand touch, or is a fingertip touch sufficient? Agreeing on this beforehand can prevent confusion and disputes.
* **Consider Age Appropriateness:** Adjust the rules and playing area based on the age and abilities of the players. Younger children might need a smaller playing area and simpler rules.
## Variations of Ghost in the Graveyard
To keep the game fresh and exciting, try incorporating these variations:
* **Timed Hiding:** Set a time limit for the Ghost to hide. If the Ghost isn’t found within the time limit, they reveal themselves and everyone chases them to home base.
* **Multiple Ghosts:** For larger groups, consider having two or more Ghosts. This increases the challenge for the Seekers and adds to the chaos.
* **The Graveyard:** Designate a specific area as the ‘graveyard.’ If a Seeker is tagged by the Ghost, they become a ghost and must help the original Ghost tag other Seekers. The last Seeker not tagged becomes the new Ghost in the next round.
* **Sound Effects:** Encourage the Ghost to make spooky sounds while hiding, like moans, groans, or whispers. This adds to the atmosphere and can help (or hinder) the Seekers.
* **Clues:** The Ghost can leave subtle clues to their location, such as a small object or a written note. This adds a puzzle-solving element to the game.
* **Flashlight Tag:** Instead of tagging with their hand, the Ghost tags Seekers with a flashlight beam. This can be particularly fun in very dark environments. Be mindful of pointing the flashlight directly into people’s eyes.
* **Reverse Ghost:** The Seekers hide, and the Ghost seeks. When the Ghost finds a Seeker, that Seeker becomes a ghost and helps the original Ghost find the remaining Seekers. The last seeker found becomes the next Ghost.
* **Glow Stick Ghost:** Give the Ghost a glow stick to wear. This makes them more visible but also adds a spooky effect. Seekers can also be given glow sticks for added visibility and safety.
## Tips for Playing Ghost in the Graveyard
* **For the Ghost:**
* **Choose your hiding spot carefully:** Look for spots that provide good concealment but also allow you to quickly emerge and tag someone.
* **Be patient:** Don’t reveal yourself too early. Wait for the Seekers to get close before making your move.
* **Use misdirection:** Make noise in one area to draw the Seekers’ attention, then sneak out and hide in another area.
* **Practice your sprinting:** You’ll need to be fast to tag someone before they reach home base.
* **Vary your hiding spots:** Don’t hide in the same place every time. Keep the Seekers guessing.
* **Embrace the spookiness:** Add to the atmosphere by making spooky noises or wearing a costume.
* **For the Seekers:**
* **Move quietly and cautiously:** Avoid making noise that could alert the Ghost to your presence.
* **Use teamwork:** Work together to search the area efficiently.
* **Communicate effectively:** Let your teammates know if you see anything suspicious.
* **Don’t be afraid to take risks:** Sometimes the best hiding spots are in unexpected places.
* **Be aware of your surroundings:** Watch out for obstacles and potential hazards.
* **Listen carefully:** The Ghost might make a noise that gives away their position.
* **Use your peripheral vision:** Scan the edges of your vision for movement.
## Safety Considerations
* **Lighting:** Play in an area with some ambient light, or use a flashlight to illuminate potential hazards. Avoid playing in complete darkness.
* **Terrain:** Choose a playing area with relatively flat and even terrain to minimize the risk of trips and falls.
* **Obstacles:** Be aware of any obstacles in the playing area, such as trees, rocks, or fences. Avoid running into them.
* **Boundaries:** Clearly define the boundaries of the playing area and ensure everyone understands them.
* **Supervision:** Adult supervision is essential, especially for younger players. Supervisors can help ensure that everyone plays safely and fairly.
* **Communication:** Establish a way for players to communicate if they need help or get lost. A whistle or a designated meeting point can be helpful.
* **First Aid:** Have a first-aid kit readily available in case of minor injuries.
* **Emergency Plan:** Develop an emergency plan in case of a more serious injury or situation.
* **Weather:** Avoid playing in inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or extreme heat.
* **Personal Safety:** Remind players to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to an adult.
## Why Ghost in the Graveyard is a Great Game
Ghost in the Graveyard offers numerous benefits:
* **Encourages physical activity:** Running, hiding, and chasing provide a great workout.
* **Promotes teamwork:** Players need to cooperate to find the Ghost.
* **Develops strategic thinking:** Players must think strategically about where to hide and how to find the Ghost.
* **Enhances social skills:** Players learn to communicate and cooperate with each other.
* **Provides a fun and exciting experience:** The suspense and thrill of the game make it a memorable experience.
* **Cost-effective:** The game requires minimal equipment, making it an affordable activity.
* **Adaptable:** The rules can be adapted to suit different age groups and playing environments.
* **Nostalgic:** It’s a classic game that many adults remember fondly from their childhoods.
## Conclusion
Ghost in the Graveyard is a fantastic game for kids and adults alike. It’s a fun, active, and suspenseful way to spend an evening outdoors. By following these instructions, variations, and tips, you can create a memorable and spooky experience for everyone involved. So gather your friends, find a dark place, and get ready for a night of thrills and chills! Just remember to stay safe and have fun!