Kick the Can: A Comprehensive Guide to This Classic Game
Kick the Can is a timeless game, evoking memories of carefree childhood afternoons and spirited neighborhood rivalries. It’s a blend of tag, hide-and-seek, and strategy, offering fun for players of all ages. Simple to learn yet endlessly engaging, Kick the Can can be played with just a few players or a large group, making it a perfect activity for parties, family gatherings, or just a day in the park. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to organize and play a fantastic game of Kick the Can, from the basic rules to variations and strategies to enhance the fun.
## What You’ll Need
* **A Can:** An empty can, such as a soup can or a coffee can, is the central object of the game. The size and type of can don’t matter much, but something sturdy that can withstand being kicked is ideal.
* **A Playing Area:** A defined area is necessary to keep the game contained. This could be a backyard, a park, a street (with permission and supervision!), or even an indoor space with sufficient room to run. The size of the area should be proportional to the number of players.
* **Players:** At least three players are required, but the more, the merrier! Kick the Can is best enjoyed with a larger group.
## Basic Rules of Kick the Can
Here’s a breakdown of the fundamental rules of Kick the Can:
1. **Choosing “It”:** At the beginning of the game, one player is designated as “It.” This can be determined through various methods, such as drawing straws, eeny, meeny, miny, moe, or simply volunteering.
2. **Setting the Jail:** A designated area serves as the “jail.” This could be a tree, a porch, a swing set, or any other easily identifiable spot. The location of the jail should be clearly communicated to all players before the game begins.
3. **Placing the Can:** The can is placed in a central, easily accessible location within the playing area. This is the focal point of the game.
4. **The Count:** “It” stands near the can, closes their eyes, and counts to a predetermined number (usually 20, 50, or 100). The other players scatter and hide while “It” counts. The counting duration allows hiders sufficient time to find good hiding spots.
5. **Seeking and Tagging:** Once the count is finished, “It” opens their eyes and begins searching for the hidden players. If “It” spots a player, they must chase and tag them. If a player is tagged, they are sent to jail.
6. **Guarding the Jail:** “It” must guard the jail to prevent prisoners from escaping. However, they cannot stand directly next to the jail; they need to be within a reasonable distance to maintain a fair chance for other players to make a run for it.
7. **Kicking the Can:** The goal of the hiding players is to sneak out of their hiding places and kick the can before “It” can tag them. If a player successfully kicks the can, all the prisoners in jail are freed, and the game restarts with “It” counting again. The kicker must also escape being tagged after kicking the can. A successful kick and escape is a complete save.
8. **Becoming “It”:** If “It” tags all the players and no one kicks the can, the first person tagged becomes the new “It” for the next round. If someone kicks the can and frees the prisoners, the person who was “It” remains “It” for the next round.
## Detailed Gameplay Instructions
Let’s delve deeper into the step-by-step gameplay to ensure a smooth and enjoyable game of Kick the Can:
### 1. Preparation
* **Gather Players:** Assemble your group of players. As mentioned earlier, Kick the Can is more fun with a larger group.
* **Define the Playing Area:** Clearly mark the boundaries of the playing area. This is crucial for preventing players from wandering too far and ensuring the game remains contained.
* **Choose “It”:** Select the first player to be “It.” You can use any fair method for selection.
* **Establish the Jail:** Designate a specific location as the jail. Make sure all players are aware of its location.
* **Place the Can:** Position the can in a central location within the playing area, making it visible and accessible to all players.
* **Agree on the Counting Number:** Decide on the number to which “It” will count. A higher number gives hiders more time but also makes the game longer.
* **Clarify Rules:** Before starting the game, ensure everyone understands the rules, especially the boundaries, the jail location, and the consequences of being tagged or kicking the can.
### 2. The Counting Phase
* “It” stands next to the can, covers their eyes, and begins counting aloud to the agreed-upon number.
* The other players immediately scatter and find hiding places within the defined playing area.
* “It” must count loudly and clearly to ensure everyone knows when the counting is finished.
* No peeking! “It” must keep their eyes closed throughout the entire counting process.
### 3. The Seeking and Tagging Phase
* Once “It” reaches the agreed-upon number, they open their eyes and begin searching for the hidden players.
* “It” must stay within the boundaries of the playing area while searching.
* If “It” spots a hidden player, they must attempt to tag them.
* To tag a player, “It” must physically touch them while saying “Tagged!”
* If a player is tagged, they must go directly to the jail and remain there until they are freed.
### 4. Guarding the Jail
* “It” must guard the jail to prevent prisoners from escaping.
* “It” cannot stand directly next to the jail, as this would make it impossible for other players to free the prisoners.
* A reasonable distance (e.g., 5-10 feet) is recommended to maintain a fair balance between guarding and allowing opportunities for a rescue.
* “It” must remain vigilant and keep an eye on the jail while also searching for other hidden players.
### 5. Kicking the Can and Freeing Prisoners
* The hiding players must try to sneak out of their hiding places and kick the can without being tagged by “It.”
* A player can only kick the can if “It” is not actively chasing them. If “It” is in pursuit, the player must evade “It” before attempting to kick the can.
* To kick the can, a player must physically make contact with the can using their foot.
* A gentle tap is not sufficient; the can must be noticeably kicked.
* If a player successfully kicks the can, all the players in jail are immediately freed and can run and hide again.
* The player who kicked the can is not automatically safe. “It” can still tag them after they kick the can. The kicker must evade “It” to complete the save.
### 6. Restarting the Game
* If a player successfully kicks the can and frees the prisoners, the game restarts immediately.
* “It” closes their eyes and counts again to the agreed-upon number.
* The freed prisoners and any other remaining hidden players scatter and find new hiding places.
* If “It” tags all the players and no one kicks the can, the first person tagged becomes the new “It” for the next round.
## Strategies for Playing Kick the Can
To become a master of Kick the Can, consider these strategies:
* **Hiding Strategies:**
* **Blend In:** Choose hiding spots that blend in with your surroundings. Camouflage is your friend!
* **Strategic Positioning:** Select locations that provide a clear view of the can and “It,” allowing you to time your run effectively.
* **Unexpected Places:** Think outside the box. “It” will likely check the obvious spots first, so consider less conventional hiding places.
* **Move Quietly:** Avoid making noise while moving to and from your hiding spots.
* **Teamwork:** Coordinate with other hiders to distract “It” or create opportunities to kick the can.
* **”It” Strategies:**
* **Divide and Conquer:** Systematically search the playing area, focusing on one section at a time.
* **Listen Carefully:** Pay attention to any sounds that might give away the hiders’ locations.
* **Anticipate Movement:** Try to predict where the hiders might be moving and intercept them.
* **Guard the Can Strategically:** Position yourself to guard the can effectively while still being able to search for hidden players.
* **Vary Your Search Pattern:** Don’t follow the same search pattern every round, as this will make it easier for the hiders to anticipate your movements.
* **Kicking Strategies:**
* **Timing is Key:** Wait for the opportune moment when “It” is distracted or far away from the can.
* **Diversion:** Coordinate with other players to create a diversion that distracts “It” while you attempt to kick the can.
* **Speed and Agility:** Be quick and agile when running towards the can and kicking it. A swift kick can make all the difference.
* **Don’t Get Greedy:** Focus on the kick and immediate escape, not on admiring your work. The goal is to free everyone *and* avoid being tagged.
## Variations of Kick the Can
To keep the game fresh and exciting, try these variations:
* **Teams:** Divide the players into two teams. One team hides, and the other team is “It.” If a hider kicks the can, only their team members are freed. This adds a layer of teamwork and strategy to the game.
* **Handicaps:** To level the playing field, give less experienced players a head start or allow them to have a designated “safe zone” where they cannot be tagged.
* **Sound Effects:** Add sound effects to the game, such as a whistle or a shout, to signal the start of the counting phase or when the can has been kicked.
* **Creative Jails:** Instead of a designated area, make the jail a specific task or challenge. For example, tagged players might have to perform a silly dance or solve a riddle before they can be freed.
* **Multiple Cans:** Use multiple cans to make the game more challenging for “It.” This forces “It” to guard multiple locations and creates more opportunities for the hiders.
* **Reverse Kick the Can:** In this version, the hiders try to bring “It” to the can. If a hider leads “It” to the can and touches it while “It” is close by, “It” becomes frozen. Another hider can then kick the can to free “It”, who then becomes a hider. The first person tagged becomes the new “It”. This variation relies heavily on misdirection and trickery.
* **Silent Kick the Can:** Hiders cannot make any noise at all, adding another layer of difficulty. “It” has to rely more on sight and listening for very subtle sounds.
## Safety Considerations
While Kick the Can is a fun and engaging game, it’s important to prioritize safety:
* **Define Boundaries:** Clearly define the playing area to prevent players from wandering into dangerous areas, such as streets or construction sites.
* **Supervision:** Ensure that children are supervised by an adult, especially when playing in public areas.
* **Appropriate Attire:** Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that allow for easy movement.
* **Hydration:** Stay hydrated, especially during warm weather. Bring water bottles and encourage players to take breaks to drink.
* **Awareness:** Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for obstacles, such as rocks, tree roots, or uneven surfaces.
* **Respect for Property:** Ensure that the game is played in a way that respects private property and does not cause damage.
* **First Aid:** Have a basic first-aid kit available in case of minor injuries.
## Why Kick the Can is a Great Game
Kick the Can offers numerous benefits beyond just being a fun pastime:
* **Physical Activity:** It encourages physical activity and exercise, promoting cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
* **Social Interaction:** It fosters social interaction and teamwork, helping players develop communication and cooperation skills.
* **Strategic Thinking:** It requires strategic thinking and problem-solving, as players must plan their hiding spots and kicking strategies.
* **Creativity and Imagination:** It stimulates creativity and imagination, as players come up with unique hiding places and game variations.
* **Nostalgia:** It evokes feelings of nostalgia and childhood memories, providing a sense of connection to simpler times.
* **Adaptability:** The game can be adapted for different skill levels and group sizes.
## Conclusion
Kick the Can is a classic game that provides endless hours of fun and entertainment for players of all ages. With its simple rules, strategic gameplay, and opportunities for variation, it’s a perfect activity for parties, family gatherings, or just a day in the park. By following this comprehensive guide, you can organize and play a fantastic game of Kick the Can that everyone will enjoy. So gather your friends, grab a can, and get ready to kick up some fun!