Duck Duck Goose is a classic, high-energy children's game that involves players sitting in a circle while one person, known as "It," walks around, tapping heads and calling out "Duck," until they choose one player to be the "Goose," initiating a lively chase. It's a simple game, perfect for groups of children, promoting physical activity and social interaction.
Setting Up the Game
Getting started with Duck Duck Goose is straightforward and requires no special equipment, just a group of enthusiastic players and an open space.
1. Gather Your Players
- Minimum Players: Typically, you need at least 5-7 players for the game to be engaging, but more can always join.
- Choose "It": Select one player to be "It" for the first round. This can be done by counting off, drawing straws, or simply by volunteer.
2. Form the Circle
All players, except for "It," should sit in a circle, facing inwards. Ensure there's enough space between each player for "It" to walk comfortably around the outside.
Playing Duck Duck Goose: Step-by-Step
The game follows a simple, repetitive cycle that keeps players active and engaged.
The "Duck" Phase
- "It" Begins Walking: The player who is "It" starts walking around the outside of the seated circle.
- Tapping and Naming: As "It" walks, they gently tap each other player in turn on the head or shoulder. For each tap, "It" says "Duck." This continues until "It" decides to choose a "Goose."
- Tip: Encourage "It" to vary the speed at which they walk or the players they tap to build suspense!
Choosing the "Goose"
- Select the "Goose": When "It" is ready, they choose one player only to be the "Goose." "It" taps that player on the head (or shoulder) and clearly says, "Goose!"
The Chase Begins!
- Goose Stands Up: The player designated as "Goose" must immediately stand up and begin to chase "It" around the circle.
- "It"'s Objective: "It"'s goal is to run around the entire circle and sit down in the empty spot left by the "Goose" before the "Goose" can tag them.
- "Goose"'s Objective: The "Goose" tries to tag "It" before "It" reaches and sits in the "Goose"'s original spot.
What Happens Next? (Game Outcomes)
The outcome of the chase determines who becomes "It" for the next round.
- If "It" Sits Down Safely: If "It" successfully runs around the circle and sits in the empty spot without being tagged by the "Goose," then the player who was the "Goose" becomes the new "It" for the next round.
- If "It" Is Tagged: If the "Goose" successfully tags "It" before "It" can sit down in the spot, the tagged "It" must go and sit in the center of the circle (often jokingly called the "mushy pea" or "soup" spot). The player who was the "Goose" then becomes the new "It" for the next round.
- Note: The player in the center waits for a new "It" to be chosen in a subsequent round and then can rejoin the circle.
Game Flow Summary
This table outlines the typical progression of a single round of Duck Duck Goose:
| Step | Player Role | Action |
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