Prepare for a classic and thrilling outdoor game that will get your heart pumping and bring laughter to your day. 4 Corners is a vibrant and engaging game that ignites the competitive spirit within us all. Its straightforward rules and energetic gameplay captivate players of all ages, making it a timeless favorite for gatherings and events.
As the sun paints the sky with hues of gold and lavender, cast aside any hesitations and join the excitement that awaits. 4 Corners is calling, inviting you to leave your worries behind and embrace the joy of the moment. Let the sweet melody of laughter fill the air as you embark on this exhilarating adventure.
Understanding the Basic Rules
Setting Up the Game
4 Corners is a classic outdoor game that requires a minimum of four players. To set up the game, four players stand at each of the four corners of a square or rectangle, facing the center. Designate one player as the “caller.”
Gameplay
* The caller stands in the center of the square and gives a command, such as “Switch!” or “Red light, green light!”
* Players must follow the caller’s commands accordingly. For instance, in “Switch!,” players must quickly move to a different corner. In “Red light, green light,” players can move only during “green light” and must freeze in place during “red light.”
* The first player to reach a corner that is not their starting corner becomes the new caller.
* If a player hesitates or makes a mistake, they are out of the game.
Objective
The objective of 4 Corners is to be the last player remaining in the game. The last player standing is the winner.
Additional Rules
* Players cannot cut across the center of the square.
* Players must touch the corner they are moving to before moving on to the next corner.
* If the caller gives a command for two or more players to switch corners, they must do so simultaneously.
Setting Up the Game Area
Creating Boundaries
Divide the play area into four equal corners using cones, chalk, or tape. Each corner should be large enough to accommodate one player comfortably.
Numbering the Corners
Assign a number to each corner. Traditionally, the corners are numbered clockwise from 1 to 4. However, you can use any numbering system that works for you and your players.
Establishing a Home Base
Identify a central point as the “home base.” This is where players will start and end the game.
Determining the Caller
One player is designated as the “caller.” The caller will stand in the center of the play area and give instructions to the players.
Table: Corner Numbering and Locations
| Corner Number | Location |
|---|---|
| 1 | Top left |
| 2 | Top right |
| 3 | Bottom left |
| 4 | Bottom right |
Designating the Corners
The first step in playing Four Corners is to designate the four corners of the playing area. This can be done by placing four chairs, cones, or other markers in each corner. Each corner should be clearly marked so that players can easily identify them.
Once the corners have been designated, one player is chosen to be the “caller”. The caller stands in the center of the playing area and faces the players. The caller then calls out a number between 1 and 4. The players must then run to the corner that corresponds to the number that was called.
The following table shows the corresponding numbers to each corner:
| Number | Corner |
|---|---|
| 1 | Top left |
| 2 | Top right |
| 3 | Bottom left |
| 4 | Bottom right |
The first player to reach the correct corner wins the round. If a player reaches the wrong corner, they are out of the game. The game continues until only one player remains. That player is the winner of the game.
Selecting the “It” Player
The “It” player is the person who is responsible for catching the other players. There are several ways to select the “It” player. One common method is to use a counting-out rhyme. The players stand in a circle and recite the rhyme. The player who is pointing to when the rhyme ends is the “It” player. Another method is to have the players stand in a circle and count to a certain number. The player who says the number is the “It” player. A third method is to use a random object, such as a coin or a ball, to select the “It” player. The players sit in a circle and pass the object around. The player who has the object when the music stops or the countdown ends is the “It” player.
Counting-Out Rhymes
| Rhyme |
|---|
| Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, Catch a tiger by the toe. If he hollers, let him go, Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. |
| One, two, three, four, five, Once I caught a fish alive. Six, seven, eight, nine, ten, Then I let him go again. |
| I spy with my little eye, Something beginning with… (a letter). |
Playing the Game: Chasing and Tagging
Once the players are in place at their corners, the game begins. One player, designated as “it,” starts in the center of the square and calls out, “Change!” All the players must then quickly move to a new corner, while the player who is “it” tries to tag one of them before they reach their new corner.
Tagging
If the player who is “it” tags a player before they reach their new corner, that player becomes “it.” The game continues in this manner until every player has been tagged.
Chasing
If the player who is “it” does not tag any players before they reach their new corners, they must chase after them and try to tag them before they can reach their original corner.
Variations
There are many variations of the game of 4 Corners. Some common variations include:
- Changing the number of corners
- Changing the size of the playing area
- Adding obstacles to the playing area
- Allowing players to tag each other as well as the player who is “it”
Skills Developed
The game of 4 Corners helps to develop a variety of skills, including:
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Agility | The ability to move quickly and easily |
| Speed | The ability to move quickly |
| Coordination | The ability to use the body effectively and efficiently |
| Spatial awareness | The ability to understand the position of objects in space |
| Strategy | The ability to plan and execute a course of action |
Switching Corners
Once the “It” player begins chasing another player, the rest of the players must quickly switch corners. They can run to any empty corner, but they cannot stay in the same corner for two consecutive turns.
Avoiding the “It” Player
To avoid being caught by the “It” player, players must be quick and agile. Here are some tips:
- Stay alert and pay attention to the “It” player’s movements.
- Keep a safe distance from the “It” player while running to a new corner.
- Zigzag or change direction frequently to make it harder for the “It” player to catch you.
- If you’re about to be caught, try to force the “It” player into a corner or against a wall.
- Call out if you’re close to being caught to warn other players.
Table: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing 4 Corners
| Mistake | Reason |
|---|---|
| Staying in the same corner twice | Makes it easier for the “It” player to catch you |
| Running too slowly | Gives the “It” player more time to catch you |
| Not paying attention to the “It” player | Increases your chances of being caught |
| Not switching corners quickly enough | Could result in multiple players being caught at once |
Deciding the Number of Corners
The number of corners required for 4 Corners can vary from 4 to 10 or even more, depending on the size of the group and the space available. Here’s a table with recommended corner numbers for different group sizes:
| Group Size | Recommended Number of Corners |
|---|---|
| 4-8 | 4 or 5 |
| 9-12 | 5 or 6 |
| 13-16 | 6 or 7 |
| 17 or more | 7 or more |
For groups with 7 or more players, 7 corners is a good choice as it provides a balance between having enough corners to make the game challenging while not making it too difficult.
Choosing Seven Corners for Different Group Sizes
If you have a group with 7 or more players, here are some options for choosing 7 corners:
* 4 Corners + 3 Designated Safe Zones: Designate 3 specific areas of the playing space as safe zones.
* 7 Walls: Use 7 objects or lines to create “walls” that divide the playing space into 7 sections.
* 7 Mini Hoops: Hang 7 mini basketball hoops around the perimeter of the playing area.
* 7 Cones or Markers: Place 7 cones or markers evenly spaced around the playing area.
* 7 Chalk or Tape Lines: Draw 7 lines on the ground or mark them with tape to create 7 segments of space.
Modifying Rules for Different Ages and Skill Levels
To ensure that 4 Corners remains enjoyable and engaging for players of all ages and skill levels, several modifications can be made to the rules:
Ages 4-6
- Reduce the number of corners to 3.
- Make the corners larger and more visible.
- Provide visual cues, such as different colors or shapes, to help players remember their corners.
Ages 7-9
- Keep the number of corners at 4.
- Increase the distance between the corners to make the game more challenging.
- Introduce obstacles, such as cones or other players, to add an element of difficulty.
Ages 10+
- Increase the number of corners to 5 or even 6.
- Shorten the time limit for each round to increase the pace of the game.
- Allow players to switch corners more than once per round to add complexity and strategy.
- Introduce a points system to keep score and add a competitive element.
Special Rules for Advanced Players
- Blindfold Variation: Players must wear blindfolds while playing.
- Handicap Start: Some players may start the game with a handicap, such as starting further away from their corners or having to run backwards.
- Multiple Corners per Player: Players are assigned multiple corners and must protect all of them.
- Tag Variation: When a player is tagged, they must switch corners with the player who tagged them.
Variations in Corner Design
In addition to modifying the rules, variations in the corner design can also enhance the game’s appeal for different ages and skill levels:
| Corner Design | Description |
|---|---|
| Raised Platform: | Elevating the corners makes them more challenging to reach and requires players to jump or climb. |
| Parallel Lines: | Creating parallel lines between the corners encourages players to run in a straight path and reduces the risk of collisions. |
| Obstacle Course: | Incorporating obstacles, such as cones, hurdles, or tunnels, adds a physical challenge and makes the game more demanding. |
Variations of the Game: “No Safe Zone” or “Musical Corners”
No Safety Zone
In this variation, there is no designated safe zone in the middle of the court. Instead, players must be constantly moving and trying to avoid being caught out. The game is played with a slightly smaller court size, and the number of corners is reduced to three. The game ends when all but one player has been caught in a corner.
To play “No Safe Zone”:
– Designate a smaller court area and set up three corners.
– Have all players stand at one corner.
– One player starts as the “it” player and calls out “Go!”
– Players must run to any corner, avoiding the “it” player.
– The “it” player tries to catch players who are not in a corner.
– Players who are caught become new “it” players.
– The game continues until only one player remains.
Musical Corners
This variation adds an element of music to the game. A designated person plays music while players run around the court. When the music stops, players must quickly find a corner and occupy it. Any player who fails to reach a corner is eliminated from the game. The game continues until only one player remains.
Benefits of Playing 4 Corners: Socialization and Development
Encourages Social Interaction
The game requires players to move around and communicate with each other, promoting social interactions and teamwork.
Develops Communication Skills
Players need to clearly express their intentions and listen attentively to instructions, enhancing their communication abilities.
Improves Reaction Time
The fast-paced nature of the game helps players improve their reflexes and reaction times.
Enhances Decision-Making
Players must quickly make decisions about where to run and tag opponents, developing their decision-making skills.
Promotes Physical Activity
The game involves running and chasing, providing a playful way to engage in physical activity.
Fosters Strategic Thinking
Players need to think strategically about their movement and how to tag or evade opponents, improving their problem-solving abilities.
Develops Spatial Awareness
The game requires players to be aware of their surroundings and the location of others, enhancing their spatial awareness.
Encourages Inclusiveness
4 Corners is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, promoting inclusivity and a sense of belonging.
Improves Attention Span
The game requires sustained attention and focus, helping players improve their attention spans.
Provides a Safe and Fun Social Environment
4 Corners is a low-impact game that provides a safe and enjoyable social environment for children and adults.
How To Play 4 Corners
Four Corners is a classic children’s game that is both fun and easy to play. It is a great way to get kids moving and active, and it can also help them develop their coordination and spatial awareness.
To play Four Corners, you will need four players and a playing area that is large enough to accommodate them. The playing area can be a square, rectangle, or any other shape. The players will each stand in one of the four corners of the playing area.
One player will be chosen to be the “caller.” The caller will stand in the center of the playing area and will call out different commands. The players will then have to follow the commands as quickly as possible.
The caller can call out any of the following commands:
- “Change corners!”
- “Switch places with the person across from you!”
- “Turn around!”
- “Jump up and down!”
- “Run in place!”
The players will have to follow the commands as quickly as possible. If a player makes a mistake, they will have to sit out for the rest of the round.
The game continues until only one player is left standing. That player is the winner.
People Also Ask
What is the objective of Four Corners?
The objective of Four Corners is to be the last player standing.
What are the rules of Four Corners?
The rules of Four Corners are simple. Players must follow the commands of the caller as quickly as possible. If a player makes a mistake, they will have to sit out for the rest of the round.
What is a good way to play Four Corners with young children?
A good way to play Four Corners with young children is to use simple commands that they can easily understand. For example, you could call out commands like “change corners!” or “switch places with the person across from you!”
