Do you know these kinds of tag? The rules and how to play various versions of tag
Did you know that the classic children’s game “tag” actually has many different ways to play? By tweaking the rules a bit—like with Color Tag, Freeze Tag, or Shadow-Stepping Tag—you can enjoy a fresh twist on the usual game.
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of tag games that kids can’t get enough of, along with their rules and how to play.
It’s packed with versions you can enjoy in the schoolyard, at the park, or even indoors! Not just for kids—adults can have fun too! Why not try these lively tag games together and get the whole group excited?
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Do you know these kinds of tag? Rules and how to play various tag games (11–20)
High Tag
In parks and schoolyards, there are usually curbs, playground equipment, or other places you can climb.
In “Taka-oni” (high tag), there’s a rule that if someone is higher than ground level, the chaser can’t tag them.
Climb onto playground equipment or big rocks to escape the chaser.
If everyone stays up high, no one can be tagged, so try adding a rule like only being allowed to stay up high for up to 10 seconds.
Tag (growing variant)
At first, it starts as a regular game of tag, but even if the demon (it) chases a child and tags them, their roles don’t switch—the original demon stays the demon.
The simple rule is that being tagged just increases the number of demons.
The game keeps adding demons and doesn’t end until the last child is caught.
Being chased by a whole crowd of demons can be pretty scary, right?
lecher; sex maniac; satyr
As its name suggests, “Color Tag” is a game of tag that uses colors.
The tagger calls out a color, and while you’re touching something of that color, you can’t be tagged—simple as that.
Once everyone has found the color and can’t be tagged, you move on to the next color.
It’s a great variation of tag for young children to help them learn colors.
Cops and Robbers
Kids of different ages sometimes play together, right? Some games are hard to play together because the rules are complicated or physical abilities differ.
But Cops and Robbers (Keidoro) is a game that a wide range of ages can enjoy.
First, split into robbers and police.
It’s a good idea to make the robber team larger.
The police count to 10 while the robbers run away.
When the police finish counting, they go after the fleeing robbers.
Robbers tagged by the police are put in jail, but they can call for help from teammates who haven’t been caught yet.
If a teammate tags a jailed robber, that robber is freed and can start running again.
If the police catch all the robbers, the police win; if any robbers manage to keep escaping, the robbers win.
Keidoro is a game where the outcome keeps you on edge every time you play.
Banana Tag
It’s a game of tag with a silly rule: if the tagger touches you, you turn into a banana.
If you’re tagged, act like a banana and raise both hands.
A child who has turned into a banana can be revived if another child pretends to peel their banana while saying “muki, muki” (peel, peel).
Tail Tag
It’s a game where you split into several teams—two or more—and try to grab the tails attached to each other’s backs.
If there are two teams, you tuck red-and-white caps into your pants; for more teams, you use headbands or crepe tape and color-code them.
Everyone except yourself is an opponent, and it’s also fun to play with the rule that the person who grabs the most tails wins.
Tag, child-catching demon (a variant of tag called “Kotorooni”/“Kotoro-oni”).
It’s a game played with an “it” (oni) and a line of children.
In regular tag, you run away so you don’t get caught by the tagger, right? In Kotorogui, the oni targets the child at the end of a single-file line.
The oni moves to try to tag the last child with a ball.
The child at the front of the line spreads their arms to guard the last child from the oni.
It’s surprisingly strenuous, making it perfect for kids who want to be active.
As the line gets longer, it becomes easier for the oni to exploit gaps in the guard.
Sitting tag
How about trying a seated game of tag that you can play indoors? First, choose who’s “it,” and have everyone—including the tagger—start in a seated position.
It’s best if people are spaced a little apart.
The rule is that everyone must keep their bottoms on the floor even while moving.
Moving while your bottom stays on the floor is tricky and slows you down more than you’d think—that frustrating feeling is what makes it so fun.
Since you can’t move very far, you can enjoy it in a small space.
Give it a try!
In conclusion
We introduced different types of tag games that everyone can play and explained their rules. Tag is simple, but having everyone run around and move their bodies makes it perfect for developing children’s athletic ability and teamwork. You might also enjoy playing with the kids while customizing the rules even further. Let’s share the many fun ways to enjoy tag with everyone!