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Official Squid Game (Korean) Rules

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Ojingŏ, often referred to as the Korean Squid Game, is a traditional Korean children's game that involves skill, strategy, and agility. Players aim to score points by crossing into their opponent's territory while defending their own. Here are the detailed rules for playing Ojingŏ:

Equipment:

  • Play Area: A flat and open space large enough for players to move around freely.

  • Boundary Lines: Lines or markers to designate the playing area and separate the two teams' territories.

  • Squid Marker: A central marker placed in the center of the play area to represent the squid.

Setup:

  1. Divide Players into Teams:

    • Divide players into two teams, with an equal number of players on each team.

    • Designate each team's territory on opposite sides of the play area.

  2. Mark Boundaries:

    • Use lines or markers to designate the boundaries of each team's territory within the play area.

    • Ensure the boundary lines are clearly visible and evenly spaced.

  3. Place the Squid Marker:

    • Place the squid marker in the center of the play area, equidistant from both teams' territories.

Gameplay:

  1. Starting the Game:

    • Determine which team starts the game, either through a coin toss or mutual agreement.

    • The starting team begins the game by trying to invade the opposing team's territory.

  2. Crossing into Opponent's Territory:

    • Players from the starting team attempt to cross into the opposing team's territory without being tagged by defenders.

    • Players must avoid stepping out of bounds or violating any other rules of the game.

  3. Defending Territory:

    • Players from the defending team try to tag invading players before they reach their territory.

    • Defenders must stay within their territory and cannot cross into the opponent's territory.

  4. Scoring Points:

    • Players score points for successfully invading the opposing team's territory and returning to their own territory without being tagged.

    • Points may be tallied based on the number of successful invasions or other predetermined criteria.

  5. End of Round:

    • The round ends after a set time limit or when all players have had a chance to invade and defend.

    • Teams may switch roles (invading or defending) for the next round.

  6. Winning the Game:

    • The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

    • Alternatively, the game may be played in multiple rounds, with the overall winning team determined by the total score accumulated over all rounds.

Additional Rules and Tips:

  • Fair Play: Encourage sportsmanship and fair play among players, emphasizing respect for opponents and adherence to the rules.

  • Communication: Effective communication and teamwork are essential for coordinating invasions and defenses.

  • Agility and Strategy: Players should use agility and strategic thinking to outmaneuver opponents and score points.

Ojingŏ, or the Korean Squid Game, is a traditional Korean children's game that provides fun and excitement while promoting physical activity and teamwork. Whether played casually for recreation or competitively in organized events, Ojingŏ offers a thrilling experience for players of all ages.

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