Objective

The objective of Musical Chairs is to be the last player remaining in the game after all others have been eliminated by failing to find a chair to sit in when the music stops.

Setup

1. Players and Chairs: Arrange chairs in a circle or line with the seats facing outward. The number of chairs should be one less than the number of players. For example, if there are 10 players, arrange 9 chairs.

2. Music: Prepare a device to play and pause music easily.
   

Basic Rules

1. Starting the Game: Players stand in a circle around the chairs. The game leader starts playing the music, and players begin walking around the chairs in a clockwise direction.

2. Stopping the Music: At random intervals, the game leader stops the music. When the music stops, each player must quickly find a chair to sit in.

3. Elimination: The player who does not find a chair is eliminated from the game.

4. Removing Chairs: Remove one chair from the circle, reducing the number of chairs to be one less than the remaining players. For example, if 9 players remain, there should be 8 chairs.

5. Continuing the Game: Repeat the process of playing and stopping the music, and eliminating the player who fails to find a chair each round.

6. Winning the Game: The game continues until only one player remains. This player is the winner.
   

Additional Rules

1. Fair Play: Players must walk around the chairs; running or pushing is not allowed. Any player who breaks this rule may be eliminated at the discretion of the game leader.

2. Chair Contact: Players must wait until the music stops before attempting to sit down. Leaning on or touching the chairs while the music is playing is not allowed.

3. No Reserved Chairs: Players cannot reserve a specific chair. All players must move and circle around the chairs until the music stops.
   

Variations

1. Musical Statues: Instead of sitting down, players must freeze in place when the music stops. The last player to freeze is eliminated.

2. Themed Chairs: Use chairs decorated according to a theme (e.g., birthday, holiday) to add a festive touch to the game.

3. Non-Elimination Rounds: For a more inclusive game, allow eliminated players to re-enter the game after performing a fun challenge or task.

4. Partner Chairs: In larger groups, two players can share one chair, making the game more collaborative.

5. Silent Chairs: Players must stay completely silent while the music is playing. Any player who makes a noise is eliminated.