How to play Simon Says

The objective

Your goal is simple: follow commands only when they begin with Simon says. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

Open space.

How to set up

1. Choose Simon and give everyone room to move safely.
2. Explain that only commands beginning with Simon says should be followed.

How to play: step by step

1. Simon gives a mixture of valid and trick commands.
2. Players perform valid commands quickly.
3. A player who follows a command without Simon says receives a strike or sits out.
4. Last remaining player wins or play cooperatively for a group score.

Beginner strategies

• Listen to the full sentence before moving.
• Simon should keep commands safe and age appropriate.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using unsafe or embarrassing commands.
• Eliminating young players for too long.

Frequently asked questions