How to Play Simon Says: A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic Game
Simon Says is a timeless children’s game that promotes listening skills, following directions, and having a whole lot of fun. Its simplicity is its genius, making it accessible to players of all ages and requiring no equipment. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play Simon Says, from understanding the basic rules to mastering advanced strategies and variations.
## What is Simon Says?
At its core, Simon Says is a game of commands. One person, designated as “Simon,” gives instructions to the other players. The catch? Players should only follow commands that begin with the phrase “Simon says…” If Simon gives a command without using that magic phrase, players who follow the command are out.
## The Basic Rules of Simon Says:
1. **Designate a Leader (Simon):** The first step is to choose one player to be “Simon.” This person will be responsible for giving the commands.
2. **Explain the Rule:** Clearly explain the main rule to all players: only follow commands that begin with “Simon says…”
3. **Simon Gives Commands:** Simon gives instructions, some starting with “Simon says…” and some without.
4. **Players Follow (or Don’t):** Players must only perform actions when the command is prefaced with “Simon says…” If Simon says, “Simon says touch your toes,” everyone should touch their toes. If Simon says, “Jump up and down,” players should remain still.
5. **Elimination:** Players who perform an action when Simon *didn’t* say “Simon says…” are eliminated from the game.
6. **Winning:** The last player remaining who has not been eliminated is the winner and becomes the new Simon for the next round.
## Detailed Steps to Play Simon Says:
Let’s break down the steps involved in playing Simon Says into more detail:
**Step 1: Choosing Simon and Establishing the Playing Area**
* **Selecting Simon:** The selection of Simon can be done in a multitude of ways. You could draw straws, flip a coin, use a rhyme like “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe,” or simply have the first person who volunteers take on the role. In subsequent rounds, the winner from the previous round usually becomes the new Simon.
* **Defining the Playing Area:** While Simon Says can be played virtually anywhere, it’s a good idea to define the boundaries of the playing area, especially when playing with younger children. This helps prevent players from wandering off and keeps everyone focused on the game. A living room, a backyard, or even a small classroom can serve as an ideal playing area.
**Step 2: Explaining the Rules Clearly**
* **The Core Rule:** The most crucial part of Simon Says is the “Simon says…” rule. Explain it thoroughly and ensure that everyone understands it before starting the game. Emphasize that actions should only be performed when the command is prefaced with those two magic words.
* **Demonstrating Examples:** Give a few examples of commands both with and without “Simon says…” Act out the commands yourself to help players visualize the difference. For instance, say “Simon says clap your hands” and clap your hands yourself. Then, say “Stomp your feet” without saying “Simon says,” and remain still to show players they shouldn’t follow the command.
* **Clarifying Elimination:** Explain how elimination works. Make it clear that if someone performs an action when Simon didn’t say “Simon says…,” they are out of the game and must sit down or step aside.
**Step 3: Simon Starts Giving Commands**
* **Variety of Commands:** Simon should start giving a variety of commands to keep the game engaging. These can be simple actions like “Simon says touch your nose,” “Simon says jump in the air,” or “Simon says turn around.” Introduce more complex commands as the game progresses.
* **Pace and Rhythm:** Vary the pace of the commands. Sometimes give them quickly in succession, and sometimes pause for a moment to create anticipation. This will keep players on their toes and make it harder for them to anticipate the correct response.
* **Using Voice Modulation:** Simon can use their voice to trick players. For example, they might say “Simon says…” in a quiet voice and then shout the command, or vice versa. This can make it more difficult for players to hear the critical phrase and can lead to accidental eliminations.
**Step 4: Players Respond (or Don’t!)**
* **Active Listening:** Players need to listen attentively to each command to determine whether or not it begins with “Simon says…” This requires concentration and focus.
* **Quick Reactions:** Once players have determined whether to follow the command, they need to react quickly. Hesitation can sometimes lead to confusion and incorrect responses.
* **Staying Alert:** Players should remain alert and avoid getting distracted. Simon may try to trick them with fast-paced commands or by repeating similar phrases.
**Step 5: Eliminating Incorrect Responses**
* **Observant Simon:** Simon needs to be observant and carefully watch the players to see who performs actions incorrectly. This requires good observation skills and attention to detail.
* **Fair Elimination:** It’s important to be fair when eliminating players. If a player is unsure whether they performed the action correctly, Simon should err on the side of caution.
* **Graceful Elimination:** Players who are eliminated should accept their defeat gracefully and avoid arguing with Simon. Remember, it’s just a game, and the goal is to have fun.
**Step 6: Determining the Winner and Restarting**
* **Last Player Standing:** The game continues until only one player remains. This player is declared the winner and becomes the new Simon for the next round.
* **Congratulating the Winner:** Congratulate the winner and thank all the players for participating.
* **Starting a New Round:** After selecting the new Simon, explain the rules again briefly to ensure everyone is on the same page. Then, start a new round of Simon Says.
## Variations and Advanced Strategies for Simon Says:
Once you’ve mastered the basic rules of Simon Says, you can introduce variations and advanced strategies to make the game even more challenging and exciting. Here are some ideas:
* **Action Chains:** Instead of giving single commands, Simon can string together a series of actions. For example, “Simon says touch your head, then Simon says touch your toes, then Simon says jump up and down.” This requires players to remember the sequence of actions and perform them in the correct order.
* **Adding Sound Effects:** Simon can incorporate sound effects into the commands. For example, “Simon says make a dog bark” or “Simon says make a car noise.” This adds a sensory element to the game and can be particularly engaging for younger children.
* **Speed Rounds:** Introduce speed rounds where Simon gives commands at a faster pace. This increases the difficulty and requires players to react even more quickly.
* **Reverse Simon Says:** In this variation, players should *do* the opposite of what Simon says. If Simon says “Simon says stand up,” players should sit down. This is a mind-bending twist that can be a lot of fun.
* **Themed Simon Says:** Choose a theme for the game, such as animals, sports, or holidays. All the commands should relate to the chosen theme. For example, if the theme is animals, commands could be “Simon says waddle like a penguin” or “Simon says roar like a lion.”
* **Silent Simon Says:** Simon gives commands without speaking, using only gestures and facial expressions. This requires players to pay close attention to nonverbal cues.
* **Team Simon Says:** Divide the players into teams and have them compete against each other. The team with the most players remaining at the end of the game wins.
* **Simon Says with Props:** Incorporate props into the game, such as balls, scarves, or hula hoops. Simon can give commands that involve using the props. For example, “Simon says throw the ball in the air” or “Simon says twirl the hula hoop around your waist.”
## Tips for Being a Great Simon:
Being a good Simon is crucial for a fun and engaging game. Here are some tips to help you excel in this role:
* **Be Clear and Concise:** Give commands that are easy to understand. Avoid using ambiguous language or overly complicated instructions.
* **Vary Your Commands:** Mix up the types of commands you give to keep players on their toes. Don’t just stick to the same few actions.
* **Use Voice Modulation:** Vary your tone of voice to trick players. Speak quickly, slowly, loudly, or quietly to create confusion.
* **Be Observant:** Pay close attention to the players to see who is making mistakes. Don’t be afraid to eliminate players who are not following the rules.
* **Be Fair:** Be fair in your eliminations. If you’re not sure whether a player made a mistake, give them the benefit of the doubt.
* **Be Engaging:** Keep the game fun and engaging by using humor and enthusiasm. Encourage players to participate and have a good time.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Be Tricky:** Part of the fun of Simon Says is trying to trick the players. Use your creativity to come up with clever ways to catch them off guard.
* **Adapt to Your Audience:** Adjust the difficulty of the game to suit the age and skill level of the players. Don’t make it too easy or too difficult.
## Benefits of Playing Simon Says:
Beyond being a fun and entertaining game, Simon Says offers several cognitive and developmental benefits:
* **Improves Listening Skills:** Players must pay close attention to the commands to determine whether or not to follow them. This helps improve their listening comprehension and attention span.
* **Enhances Cognitive Skills:** The game challenges players to think quickly and react appropriately. It improves their cognitive processing speed and decision-making abilities.
* **Develops Impulse Control:** Players must resist the urge to perform actions unless instructed to do so. This helps develop their impulse control and self-regulation skills.
* **Promotes Physical Activity:** Simon Says can involve a variety of physical actions, such as jumping, running, and touching different body parts. This encourages physical activity and helps improve gross motor skills.
* **Boosts Memory:** In variations like Action Chains, players must remember a sequence of actions and perform them in the correct order. This helps improve their memory and recall skills.
* **Encourages Social Interaction:** Simon Says is a great way for children to interact with each other and learn to follow rules in a group setting. It promotes social skills and cooperation.
## Simon Says: A Game for All Ages
Simon Says isn’t just for children; it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a great activity for family gatherings, parties, and even team-building exercises. The simplicity of the game makes it easy to learn and play, while the variations and advanced strategies offer endless possibilities for challenge and fun.
## Conclusion
Simon Says is a classic game that continues to entertain and challenge players of all ages. By understanding the basic rules, exploring variations, and practicing advanced strategies, you can become a master of this timeless game. So gather your friends and family, choose a Simon, and get ready for hours of laughter and fun. Remember, only follow commands that begin with “Simon says…” and get ready for a mental and physical workout!