This is one of the oldest known games and has been played by kids throughout the world for centuries. There are versions of it played in Russia, Japan, Italy and other parts of the world. It’s a great kid’s party game.
Number of players 8+
Ages: 4+
Space required: large living room, small+ back yard, playground or gym.
Materials: a handkerchief, washcloth, or something like it.
To begin, all the players except one stand in a circle. The odd player runs around on the outside of the circle carrying a handkerchief, which he will eventually drop behind one of the circle players.
The main idea of the game is to drop the handkerchief without the other players knowing. The players in the ring must look toward the center at all times, and can’t turn their heads to watch the runner behind them. If the runner is creative, they can try to trick the other players. For instance, they may speed up the pace after the drop, or not vary in pace at all to leave no clue. The runner can also make a lot of noise to distract the other players.
As soon as the player in the circle discovers that the handkerchief has been dropped behind him, he must pick it up and chase the runner who dropped it. The runner may run around the outside of the circle, or at any point through or across the circle. The goal is to reach the vacant space left by the person chasing.
The circle players should lift their hands to allow both runners to pass freely through the circle. Whichever player reaches the vacant space first stands there, the one left out taking the handkerchief for the next round.
With ancient games like this one, the players are sometimes excited to participate in a game that goes so far back in history. Imagine young Japanese or Italian children playing it hundreds of years ago. It’s a great way to connect to the past.