How to Play Duck Duck Goose Game The Complete Guide

Duck Duck Goose is a simple game that kids have enjoyed for many years at schools, parties, and family gatherings. It doesn’t need any equipment, can be played almost anywhere, and is easy to set up.

As I played in school most, all you need is a group of players, some space, and a lot of energy!

This guide will explain the basic rules of Duck Duck Goose, share some fun ways to mix up the game, and give tips to make it enjoyable for all ages.

What is Duck Duck Goose?

This game is an easy, no-equipment game. Players sit in a circle, and one person is chosen as “it.” This person walks around, tapping each player on the head and saying “duck.”

When they say “goose,” that player jumps up and chases “it” around the circle!

The goal for “it” is to sit in the “goose’s” spot before being tagged. If successful, the “goose” becomes the new “it.”

If tagged, “it” sits in the middle until someone else is tagged. It’s fun game that just needs space and energy!

Still not get the idea? Well, no worries, we will discuss it in detail. Keep Scrolling!

Basic Rules of Duck Duck Goose

Set-Up

To start Duck Duck Goose, gather a group of players and have them sit in a large circle on the ground.

The players should face each other with enough space between them to avoid bumping during the game.

Choose one player to be “it” while everyone else stays seated.

Choosing the First “It”

There are a few fun ways to decide who will be “it” first. Players can use simple methods like rock-paper-scissors, drawing straws, or having someone volunteer.

Drawing straws would be effective if the group is large. I played many times but didn’t find someone who volunteered!

If a teacher or parent is overseeing the game, they can also pick a player to start as “it.”

Playing the Game Step-by-Step

Start the Tapping

The player who is “it” walks around the outside of the circle, gently tapping each seated player on the head.

Each time they tap, they say “duck.”

Choosing the Goose

When “it” is ready, they tap a player and say “goose” instead of “duck.”

This chosen “goose” has to jump up and chase “it” around the circle.

The Chase

“It” tries to run all the way around the circle and sit down in the empty spot before the “goose” can tag them.

Winning or Losing the Round

If “it” reaches the empty spot and sits down without being tagged, the “goose” becomes the new “it” for the next round.

If the “goose” tags “it” before they sit, “it” has to sit in the middle of the circle (often called the “mushpot” or “cooking pot”), and the “goose” becomes the next “it.”

The game keeps going, and each round brings fun and happiness.

Winning the Game and Switching Roles

The Goal of the Goose

The “goose” has one main job: to catch “it”! After being tapped and called “goose,” the goose must quickly jump up and chase “it” around the circle.

The goal for the goose is to tag “it” before they can sit in the empty spot left by the goose.

When “It” Escapes or Gets Caught

If “It” Escapes

If “it” manages to run around the circle and sit in the “goose’s” spot without getting tagged, the “goose” becomes the new “it” for the next round.

If “It” Gets Caught

If the goose tags “it” before they sit down, “it” has to sit in the middle of the circle (sometimes called the “mushpot” or “cooking pot”).

The goose then becomes the new “it.”

Starting a New Round

After either “it” escapes or gets caught, the game starts over. The “goose” who caught “it” or the one who got caught becomes “it” for the next round, and everyone else goes back to sitting in the circle, ready for the next chase!

The game keeps going in this way, and everyone gets a chance to be “it” or the “goose.”

Fun Variations of Duck Duck Goose

Duck Duck Splash

If you want to add a fun twist to the game, try Duck Duck Splash! Instead of just tapping each player’s head, the person who is “it” dips their fingers in a small cup of water and flicks a little water on each person while saying “duck.”

When they say “splash,” the “goose” gets a full cup of water poured over their head! Well, this is quite teasing, isn’t it?

This version is perfect for hot days or playing near water, but you can skip the water if you don’t want to get wet.

Cooking Pot Version

In the Cooking Pot Version, the game plays the same, but there’s a little twist. If “it” gets tagged, they have to go into the middle of the circle, known as the “cooking pot.”

The “cooking pot” player has to stay in the center until another round starts. Sometimes, they can rejoin the game after five people are tagged, but they must stay in the middle until that time.

Regional Variants

Different places have their own versions of Duck Duck Goose! For example, in Minnesota, they play Duck, Duck, Grey Duck.

The game works the same, but instead of just saying “duck,” the “it” player says “red duck,” “blue duck,” or other colors.

When “grey duck” is called, the chase begins! There are also international versions like Drop the Napkin in China, where players chase each other around the circle after a napkin is dropped behind them. Every region has its own fun twist!

Duck Duck Goose Game Variations

Benefits of Playing Duck Duck Goose

Physical Exercise

Playing Duck Duck Goose helps kids get moving! Running around the circle and chasing each other is a great way to burn off energy.

It helps with overall fitness by improving strength, balance, and coordination. It’s a fun way to get some exercise without feeling like a workout!

This is one of the best ways to improve motor skills like gross.

Social Skills and Group Coordination

The game encourages social interaction. Players need to take turns, cooperate, and communicate with each other.

It teaches kids how to follow rules, respect others, and share the spotlight. These social skills are important for building friendships and working well in groups.

Research also shows that children can learn to be kind and understand others’ feelings by playing this game. They also get better at interacting with others.

Source: The Power of Play: How Fun and Games Help Children Thrive

Creativity and Adaptability

Duck Duck Goose can also spark creativity. The variations of the game allow players to think of new ways to play, such as adding different actions or making up fun rules.

Kids also learn to adapt when playing with different people, whether they’re in a small group or a larger crowd.

Conclusion

This game brings enjoyment to everyone. It’s easy to play, doesn’t need any special equipment, and is great for groups of all sizes.

Not only kids, but others can also play this game outside with friends, at a party, or in a classroom.

If you have played this game, I would love to hear about your experience.

Duck Duck Goose Game for Kids

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