Official SPUD Rules

Last Updated on February 20, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

SPUD is a fun and active outdoor game that combines elements of tag and dodgeball. Players stand in a circle while one person is chosen to be “it.” The player who is “it” calls out a number and throws a ball into the air. Everyone else must run and scatter, but when “it” calls out “SPUD,” players must freeze in place. The person who is “it” then tries to tag another player, and if they succeed, that player becomes “it.” The game is fast-paced, promoting movement, alertness, and teamwork.

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How to Play SPUD:

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1. Set Up

Gather a group of players and select one person to be “it.” Players should form a circle or spread out in a designated playing area.

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2. The Start

The player who is “it” throws a ball into the air and calls out a number (usually between 1 and 5).

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3. Run

Once the ball is thrown, all other players must run and scatter in any direction, avoiding the ball.

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4. Freeze Command

After a moment, the player who is “it” calls out “SPUD!” At this signal, all players must freeze in place immediately.

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5. Tagging

The player who is “it” has a set amount of time to try and tag another player. They can only move towards the player they’re trying to tag, and they must tag the frozen player before being tagged themselves.

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6. Becoming “It”

If the player who is “it” successfully tags someone, that tagged player becomes the new “it” for the next round. If they fail to tag anyone, they stay “it” for the next round.

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7. Repeat

Continue the game until everyone has had a turn being “it,” or until players are ready to switch up the rules for a new variation.

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Tips

Vary the distances or playing area size for added challenge!

Keep a safe distance to avoid collisions while running.