How to Play Simon Says Game the Complete Guide

Simon Says is a fun game that everyone can enjoy, no matter their age. It’s a great way to build listening skills. Most people play during gatherings of family or friends. 

The best part? You don’t need any special equipment. The game is easy to play. One person, called “Simon,” gives instructions to the other players. But there’s a twist: players should only follow the commands if they start with the words “Simon says.” 

Well no need to think over. I will tell you each detail in this article. So, keep reading!

How to Play Simon Says Game

Step 1: Gather Players and Choose a “Simon”

First step first, gather a group of players. This game works well with at least 3-5 people but can be even more fun with larger groups.

Gather a Group

Invite friends or family to play. Simon Says is suitable for kids and adults. It is a great choice for parties, family gatherings, or school activities.

Choose a Simon

Select one person to be “Simon.” You can choose Simon randomly, such as by picking the oldest player or drawing names.

Simon will be the leader who gives the commands. Have Simon stand in front, facing the group, while the rest of the players are called “listeners“. They stand facing Simon, ready to follow (or ignore!) the instructions.

With your players gathered and Simon chose, you’re ready to begin the game!

Step 2: Explain the Rules of Simon Says

Now that everyone is ready, it’s time to explain the rules of the game:

The “Simon Says” Rule

Simon will give commands to the listeners. The key rule is that players should only follow the command if it starts with “Simon says.”

For example, if Simon says, “Simon says touch your toes,” everyone must touch their toes. But if Simon just says “touch your toes” without saying “Simon says,” listeners should not follow the command.

Ignoring Commands Without “Simon Says”

If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says,” players who follow it will be out for the round. The goal is to listen carefully and only act when Simon gives the proper cue.

Tricking the Listeners

Simon will try to confuse the listeners by switching between commands with and without “Simon says.”

The game becomes more fun when Simon gives commands quickly to test everyone’s attention.

Paying Attention

Listeners need to stay alert! They must wait for Simon to say “Simon says” before following any command.

If Simon gives a command too fast or sneaky, players need to be careful and only act when they hear “Simon says” at the start.

These rules are the core of the game, so if someone is new in your circle, then tell him or her about the rules first.

Step 3: Start Playing Simon Says

Now that everyone knows the rules, it’s time to start the game!

Warm-Up Round

It’s a good idea to do a quick practice round to help everyone get the hang of the game, especially if there are younger players or kids.

Simon can start with simple commands, like “Simon says touch your nose” or “Simon says hop on one foot,” to make sure everyone understands how to play.

Give Commands

Once the practice round is over, Simon can start giving commands. Remember, Simon should mix things up by sometimes saying “Simon says” and sometimes not. For example:

“Simon says jump in place,” and then the players should jump.

“Touch your ears” Since Simon didn’t say “Simon says,” players should not touch their ears.

Keep It Fun and Fast

Simon should keep the game moving by changing commands quickly. The faster Simon gives instructions, the harder it is for listeners to stay focused! Some fun commands could include:

“Simon says do a silly dance”

“Simon says clap your hands”

“Jump like a frog”

The game gets more exciting when Simon adds surprises or tricky commands to confuse the players.

Stay Alert

Listeners must be careful and always listen for the phrase “Simon says.” If they act without hearing it, they’ll be out for the round.

As the game continues, Simon will keep giving commands until only one listener remains. That player will be the winner of the round and can become the new Simon for the next game!

Step 4: Play Until There’s One Winner

The game continues until only one player is left. Here’s how it works:

Keep Giving Commands

Simon will continue giving commands, switching between “Simon says” and commands without it.

Players who make a mistake (following a command without “Simon says”) are out for the rest of the round.

Eliminating Players

As players are eliminated for making mistakes, the group of listeners will get smaller.

Simon should keep the game moving by giving quick and fun commands, trying to trick the remaining players.

Last Player Standing

The game continues until only one player remains who hasn’t made a mistake. This player is the winner for the round!

New Round, New Simon

The winner of the round becomes the new Simon, and the game starts again with everyone back in. You can keep playing multiple rounds to see who can win the most times!

I hope you get an idea of how to play this game. Now let me tell you some important things that you can apply during the play.

Step 5: Add Variations to Keep It Interesting

To make Simon Says even more fun and challenging, try these exciting variations:

Themed Simon Says

Change “Simon” to fit different themes or events. This adds a fun twist to the game! For example:

• “Santa says” during the holidays
• “Birthday boy/girl says” at a party
• “Coach says” for a sports-themed game
• “Uncle Sam says” for a Fourth of July game

Add Sports Commands

For older kids or sports teams, you can incorporate sports moves into the game. Some examples include:

• “Simon says do a jumping jack” (for fitness)
• “Simon says slide to the left” (for basketball or soccer drills)
• “Simon says do a touchdown dance” (for football fun)

Strike System

Instead of eliminating players immediately, give each player a set number of “strikes.” For example, players can have three chances.

If they make a mistake, they get a strike. When a player reaches the limit of strikes, they’re out for the round.

Use Actions Instead of Commands

For younger kids or as a fun variation, Simon can use actions instead of words. For example, Simon can touch their nose, and everyone else must follow.

This version helps younger children practice mirroring actions and builds their attention skills.

Speed It Up

To make it more challenging, Simon can increase the speed of the commands, or switch up the pace between slow and fast commands to keep the players on their toes.

Benefits of Simon Says in Child Development

This game is fun, no doubt, but when kids play it, it helps them develop important skills, too. Here’s how playing Simon Says can help in a child’s growth:

Improves Listening Skills

The main rule of Simon Says requires children to listen carefully to instructions.

They improve their listening and attention skills by focusing on the commands and following them only when “Simon says.” 

Research also shows that the game Simon Says can help improve listening skills.

Source: The Use Of Simon Says Game To Improve Student’s Listening Skill

Enhances Focus and Concentration

The game helps children stay focused and practice concentrating.

They learn to tell the difference between commands to follow and those to ignore, improving their attention.

Boosts Physical Coordination

As children follow commands to jump, hop, or move in different ways, Simon Says helps develop motor skills and coordination.

It encourages physical activity, which is important for a child’s overall growth.

Promotes Cognitive Development

The game challenges children to think quickly and make decisions.

They need to remember the rules and react to commands fast, which supports cognitive skills such as memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.

This game is a simple yet powerful game that supports various aspects of a child’s development.

Conclusion

Simon Says is an easy game that everyone can enjoy. It’s simple to play, doesn’t require any special equipment, and works for all ages. The game helps improve listening skills and coordination while keeping players active.

The game has simple rules and lots of ways to make it fun. You can add different themes, challenges, or variations to keep things exciting. Each round brings more laughter as players try to stay focused and not make mistakes.

So, why not play today? Also share your feedback as we would like to hear!