Dive In! A Comprehensive Guide to Playing Marco Polo: Rules, Variations, and Tips for Fun

Marco Polo. The name alone conjures up images of splashing, laughter, and the thrill of the chase. This classic pool game, beloved by generations, is more than just a way to cool off on a hot day; it’s a fantastic exercise in listening, strategy, and good old-fashioned fun. Whether you’re a seasoned Marco Polo pro or a complete newbie, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know to dive in and enjoy this timeless aquatic adventure.

What is Marco Polo?

At its heart, Marco Polo is a simple game of tag played in the water. However, instead of relying on sight, players must use their sense of hearing to locate and tag the person who is ‘it’. This twist makes it not only physically engaging but also mentally stimulating, requiring focus, spatial awareness, and a dash of cunning. The game fosters a wonderful sense of community and is suitable for a wide range of ages, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, pool parties, or even a casual afternoon at the beach.

The Basic Rules: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you jump in, let’s break down the essential rules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable game:

1. Selecting ‘It’: The game begins with choosing one person to be ‘it’. This can be done using various methods, such as drawing straws, eeny meeny miny moe, or simply volunteering. The person who is ‘it’ will be the one who searches for the other players.
2. Closing Your Eyes: The person who is ‘it’ must close their eyes (or keep them tightly shut) throughout the game. This is a crucial rule and must be strictly adhered to. Peeking will ruin the fun and defeat the purpose of the game. It is a matter of trust that you do not peek!
3. The ‘Marco’ Call: The person who is ‘it’ yells out, “Marco!” This is their cue to begin the hunt.
4. The ‘Polo’ Response: All other players must respond with “Polo!” when they hear “Marco!”. The ‘Polo!’ response is vital because it gives the person who is ‘it’ clues as to their location by hearing the sound of their voices.
5. The Chase: Using only their hearing and a bit of intuition, the person who is ‘it’ must navigate the pool and attempt to tag another player.
6. Tagging: Once a player is tagged, they become ‘it’, and the game restarts. Remember that a tag must be legitimate. It can only happen once the person who is ‘it’ has made physical contact with the person who is being tagged.
7. No Exiting the Pool: Once the game starts, players can not exit the pool area until a new “It” is chosen. Players can move around the pool but can’t exit it in order to avoid being tagged.

Detailed Instructions: Getting Started

Now that you know the basic rules, here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up and playing a successful game of Marco Polo:

1. Gather Your Players: You need at least three people to play Marco Polo, but the more, the merrier! This game is very enjoyable for bigger groups!
2. Find a Safe Play Area: Choose a pool or shallow water area that is free of obstacles and large enough for players to move around comfortably without bumping into anything or hurting themselves. Avoid playing near sharp objects or pool equipment. If you are playing in the sea or lake, be sure to be aware of tides, currents, wildlife and any other potential hazards. Be certain the area is supervised if children are playing.
3. Select ‘It’: As mentioned earlier, use a method of your choice to select the first person to be ‘it’. Make sure they are aware of the rules and are committed to keeping their eyes closed.
4. Explain the Rules: Remind everyone of the rules of the game, especially the importance of not peeking and calling out “Polo!” when they hear “Marco!”. Set a clear expectation of fair play and respect for other players.
5. The First ‘Marco’: The person who is ‘it’ closes their eyes, calls out “Marco!” to start the game, and everyone else yells out “Polo!”.
6. The Chase Begins: ‘It’ tries to locate and tag other players using only the sound of their voices. The other players should move around in the pool to avoid being tagged, but not exit the pool area! If the person who is “it” hears silence, they may call out “Marco!” again in order to get an update on the player positions.
7. Tagging and Restarting: When ‘it’ tags another player, that player becomes the new ‘it’ and the game continues from that point.
8. Keep Playing: Continue playing for as long as you want or until everyone is tired and out of energy.

Strategies and Tips for Winning (or Just Having Fun)

While Marco Polo is primarily a game of chance and listening, there are a few strategies and tips you can use to enhance your experience:

• For ‘It’:
  • Vary Your ‘Marco’ Calls: Don’t always call out “Marco!” in the same location or with the same tone. Change it up to throw the other players off.
  • Move Strategically: Avoid simply wandering around aimlessly. Move towards the direction where you last heard voices.
  • Listen Carefully: Focus on the subtle nuances in the responses, such as volume and direction. A louder “Polo!” might indicate a player is closer.
  • Use Your Hands: Use your hands to feel around the pool area cautiously. This can help you locate players or the sides of the pool.
  • Try a Fakeout: You can pretend to be going in one direction but quickly change direction when you think a player is close.
• For Players Avoiding ‘It’:
  • Vary Your Response: Don’t always respond with “Polo!” at the same volume or from the same location. Try to disguise the sound of your voice.
  • Move Silently: Move carefully to avoid creating splashing sounds that could give away your position.
  • Use the Pool’s Perimeter: The edges of the pool can be a good place to hide, but be aware that ‘it’ might be looking there as well.
  • Change Directions: When you hear the “it” player get closer, try changing direction so they don’t know exactly where you are.
  • Listen to ‘It’: Pay attention to where ‘it’ is moving and try to anticipate their path.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Marco Polo is a simple game, but it can be easily adapted to keep things interesting. Here are a few popular variations:

• Sharks and Minnows: Instead of calling “Marco!” and “Polo!”, the person who is ‘it’ is a ‘Shark’ and calls out “Shark!” while everyone else is a ‘Minnow’ and must respond with “Minnow!”. It is played exactly the same way as standard Marco Polo.
• Octopus: The person who is ‘it’ is called an Octopus, and has their arm stretched out like a tentacle, and they will tag other people with their hand like a tentacle reaching out.
• Blindfolded Tag Team: Pair up the players. One player from each team is blindfolded and must tag the other team. The other partner in the team guides the blindfolded teammate with the help of verbal cues, but can not tag the other player themselves.
• Silent Marco Polo: In this variation, the ‘it’ does not call out “Marco!” and the other players do not say “Polo!”. The game relies solely on sound of movement and splashing.
• Underwater Marco Polo: All players go underwater, the “it” player calls out “Marco!” while underwater and the other players respond with a sound, such as a clap under water, to give their location.
• Number Polo: Instead of “Marco!” and “Polo!”, the ‘it’ calls out a number (e.g., “Seven!”) and the other players respond with a different number (e.g., “Three!”). This can help make the game more confusing.
• Object Polo: The person who is ‘it’ has to locate an object that has been hidden in the pool, such as a toy or swimming ring, instead of locating people.
• Color Polo: A designated color is given by the ‘it’ player before the “it” player closes their eyes. For example, they might say “blue!” and all players must be wearing some kind of blue object, for example, a blue bathing suit or a blue swim cap. The person who is “it” must locate another player who is wearing a blue object.
• Boundary Polo: The play area is restricted and the person who is “it” must locate people within those boundaries.

Safety First: Precautions to Take

While Marco Polo is a fun and engaging game, it’s essential to prioritize safety:

• Supervision: Children should always play Marco Polo under adult supervision, particularly in the water.
• Shallow Water: Ensure the pool or play area is shallow enough for all players to stand comfortably. Avoid deep water or areas where players cannot touch the bottom.
• No Running: Enforce a ‘no running’ rule around the pool to prevent slips and falls.
• Clear the Area: Remove any obstacles, toys, or sharp objects from the play area.
• Be Aware of Swimmers: Before starting the game, make sure all swimmers are aware of the game and understand they are not participating.
• No Pushing or Dunking: Insist that players avoid pushing, dunking, or any other rough physical contact.
• Sun Protection: If playing outdoors, apply sunscreen and wear hats to protect against sun exposure.
• Stay Hydrated: Encourage players to drink plenty of water, especially on hot days.
• Stop If Tired: If players become too tired or cold, stop the game and take a break.
• Pool Rules: Be sure to follow any specific pool rules in the area you are playing.

Why Play Marco Polo? The Benefits of This Classic Game

Beyond just being a fun way to cool off, Marco Polo offers several developmental and social benefits:

• Sensory Development: The game primarily relies on auditory skills, helping players to hone their listening abilities and spatial awareness.
• Physical Activity: Marco Polo is a great way to get some exercise. Chasing, moving through the water, and maintaining balance are all physically beneficial.
• Social Interaction: The game encourages teamwork, communication, and interaction among players. It’s a great way to build friendships.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Players develop problem-solving skills as they try to figure out how to find or avoid the person who is ‘it’.
• Fun and Relaxation: Most importantly, Marco Polo is an enjoyable way to spend time with others and relax. It reduces stress and allows people to forget about their worries for a while.

Conclusion

Marco Polo is a timeless classic that continues to bring joy and laughter to people of all ages. Its simple rules, versatility, and numerous benefits make it an excellent choice for summer fun, pool parties, or a casual game with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a first-timer, grab your swimwear, gather some friends, and dive into a world of splashes, laughter, and the thrill of the chase. Now that you have this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to play Marco Polo like a pro. So, go ahead and make some waves!