Types of Tag Games and How to Play Them
Tag, that simple game where the person who’s “it” touches someone to pass on the role, is something just about everyone has played.
It’s said that if you trace it back, its origins lie in Heian-period rituals for driving away demons.
Today, it has evolved into many different variations.
This time, we’ll introduce some of those diverse forms of tag.
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Types of tag/oni games and how to play them (11–20)
Tickle demon
It’s a tag game called “Tickle Demon” or “Kochokocho Demon.” The demon chases the children, and when they catch one, they get to tickle them.
It’s a simple tag game that you can play with a small number of people or with young children who don’t yet understand the usual rules of tag.
Three-Color Tag
Ordinary tag works because there are two roles: the chasers and the runners.
So what happens if you split into three? It would surely become a more strategic and fun game of tag.
Let’s try a three-color tag game, an arrangement of the classic version.
First, divide into three color teams such as red, yellow, and blue.
Set it up so that red chases blue, blue chases yellow, and yellow chases red.
If you’re tagged by the color that’s chasing you, you’re captured and taken to the opposing team’s base.
You can add variations—like letting a teammate free you by tagging you, or allowing escapes when the number of people in the base reaches a certain amount—to make the game even more exciting.
Line Tag
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Here’s an introduction to a line tag game that can help improve attention by making you focus on two things at once.
As the name suggests, you draw lines on the floor or ground to play.
Use vinyl tape on floors, or draw white lines on the ground.
Both the tagger and the runners can move only along the lines.
Try to flee and chase while making sure your feet don’t step off the lines.
Because you have to avoid getting caught while also keeping your feet on the lines, it feels more thrilling than regular tag.
can-kicking tag
Prepare an empty can and let’s play “Kick the Can” tag.
First, choose one person to be “It,” then have one of the other children kick the empty can.
Place the can inside a circle drawn on the ground and give it a good kick.
While “It” is picking up the can and returning it to its original spot, the children can hide.
Try to hide where “It” won’t see you, like behind buildings or trees.
When “It” spots someone hiding, they say, “I found you, [name]!” and step on the can.
Anyone unlucky enough to be found is caught by “It” and must wait inside the circle.
But there’s a chance for rescue: if a hidden child kicks the can while “It” is searching, the captured children are freed and can run away.
It’s a fun game where the outcome—whether “It” wins or the kids win—keeps things exciting.
Spider Ogre Tag
Here’s an introduction to Spider Tag, a game that can help build stamina just by playing.
In regular tag, you run either to escape from the tagger or to catch someone, right? That alone uses up plenty of energy, but Spider Tag takes it up a notch! In Spider Tag, the tagger (the ‘spider’) moves on all fours, while the runners move using their hands and feet in a position similar to a back bridge, facing upward.
Many people might find the runners’ position even tougher.
It offers a different kind of fun compared to simply running to chase or escape.
It’s also recommended for kids who are bursting with energy but can’t play outside, like on a stretch of rainy days.
Gacchan Demon
Choose one person to be it (the chaser) and one person to be the runner.
The remaining people form groups of two or three.
The chaser can only tag the runner.
The runner can hold hands with someone in a group.
When they hold hands while saying “Gacchan,” the person on the opposite side becomes the new runner.
This is a variation of tag.
Types of Tag/Demon-Chasing Games and How to Play Them (21–30)
One high school girl vs. a horde of demons
Speaking of tag, the usual version is one demon and lots of kids, but in this version it’s a terrifying game where you’re the only kid and everyone else is a demon.
It feels like you wouldn’t be able to trust anyone.
It’s an online game, but it sounds like it would be fun to try in real life, too.
