Official Tag Rules

Last Updated on July 22, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Tag is a simple playground game involving chasing and tagging other players. It requires no equipment and can be played almost anywhere. Here’s a breakdown of the rules of tag and how to play:

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How to Play Tag

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Objective

Avoid being “It” by not getting tagged. If you are “It,” try to tag another player to pass on the role.

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Setup

• Players: 2 or more
• Space: Open area, such as a yard, playground, or park
• Equipment: None needed

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Basic Rules

1. Choose One Player to Be “It”
   Randomly select or volunteer someone to start as “It.”
2. Start the Game
   “It” counts down (e.g., “3, 2, 1, go!”) while other players begin running.
3. Tagging
   “It” chases the others and tries to tag one by touching them lightly on the body.
4. Switch Roles
   The player who is tagged becomes the new “It,” and the previous “It” resumes running to avoid being tagged again.
5. No Tag-Backs (Optional Rule)
   Some versions forbid tagging the same person back immediately after being tagged.
6. Boundaries and Safe Zones (Optional)
   You may define boundaries where players must stay within, or designate a “safe zone” where players cannot be tagged (e.g., for 5 seconds at a time).
7. End the Game
   Tag is often played until players get tired, agree to stop, or a timer ends the game.

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Common Variations

Shadow Tag: Instead of tagging the body, “It” tags others’ shadows with their foot.

Freeze Tag: When tagged, a player must freeze. Others can unfreeze them by tagging them again.

Blob Tag: When tagged, players join hands with “It,” forming a growing “blob.”

TV Tag: When someone is about to be tagged, they can yell a TV show name to be safe—only once per game.