Simon Says
GAME SUMMARY
Simon Says is one of those classic indoor games that is simple, timeless, and capable of bringing a surprising amount of laughter and confusion to any gathering. It’s a game that combines listening skills, lightning-fast reflexes, and just a touch of trickery, where following the leader’s commands is key—but only if “Simon” gives the word first! The game can get hilariously tricky as players second-guess themselves and attempt to avoid making a wrong move, all while trying to keep up with increasingly complicated instructions.
What makes Simon Says so fun is that it’s a perfect game for all ages. Whether you’re wrangling a group of energetic kids or engaging in a light-hearted challenge with friends or family, Simon Says provides the right amount of chaos, competition, and, most importantly, fun.
SET UP & RULES
The beauty of Simon Says is that you don’t need any equipment, props, or fancy gadgets to play. All you need is a leader (the all-powerful “Simon”) and a group of players ready to listen carefully and follow instructions.
Here’s how you set up:
Choose Your Simon: One person is chosen to be "Simon." Simon is the leader, and their job is to give commands to the other players. Simon should be prepared to be a little sneaky and throw in a few tricks to catch players off guard.
Gather the Players: Everyone else stands in front of Simon, ready to follow directions. The goal is for the players to do exactly what Simon says—but only if the command starts with "Simon says."
Objective: The goal for players is to stay in the game as long as possible by listening carefully and following only the commands that start with "Simon says." The last player remaining wins and often gets to be the next Simon.
How to Play Simon Says
The rules are easy to understand, but don’t be fooled—playing the game can be harder than it looks when Simon starts getting creative!
Simon Gives Commands: Simon starts the game by giving instructions, such as “Simon says, touch your nose,” or “Simon says, jump up and down.” If Simon prefaces the command with “Simon says,” the players must follow it. But if Simon simply says “Jump up and down” without “Simon says,” any players who follow that command are out of the game.
Tricking the Players: The fun of the game comes from Simon trying to trick the players into following commands they shouldn’t. For example, Simon might quickly mix up commands like “Simon says spin around” and “Clap your hands.” Players who aren’t paying close attention might fall into the trap of following a non-Simon command and get eliminated.
Players Get Eliminated: If a player follows a command that Simon didn’t start with “Simon says,” they’re out of the game. The goal is to listen closely and act only when Simon gives the proper cue.
Winning the Game: The game continues until only one player remains, making them the winner. That player can then take over as Simon for the next round. Alternatively, you can rotate who gets to be Simon after each round to keep things fun and fair.
The game is simple, but that’s what makes it so effective. Simon Says is all about listening, concentration, and reacting quickly—but only when the time is right. And there’s always that moment when a player second-guesses themselves and freezes, unsure whether they should act or stand still.
SIMON SAYS IN DETAIL
A Brief History of this Fun Game
The history of Simon Says is somewhat murky, though it’s believed to have roots in Roman times. One theory is that it may have been inspired by the Roman military commander Simon bar Kokhba, who was known for his strict leadership and commands. However, over the centuries, the game has evolved into the playful version we know today.
While the original Simon may be lost to history, the game has stuck around as a universal favorite in classrooms, family gatherings, and even team-building exercises. The simple structure of listening to commands—but only if they’re prefaced by “Simon says”—is where the fun lies. It’s a game of focus, and in a world full of distractions, sometimes staying focused is harder than it seems!
Tips for Playing Simon Says
While Simon Says is largely about paying attention, there are a few tricks that can help you stay in the game longer and outsmart Simon’s attempts to trip you up.
Stay Focused: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and jump to follow every command, but staying focused is the key to survival. Always listen carefully to the beginning of each command and take a split second to process whether Simon actually said "Simon says" before acting.
Watch Other Players: If you’re unsure whether Simon said the magic words, glance at the other players. Sometimes a quick look at the group can clue you in on whether or not you should follow the command. But be careful—if everyone’s wrong, you could be following them straight out of the game!
Simon’s Tone is Key: A tricky Simon will try to rush commands or say them in a way that makes you instinctively want to act. Pay attention to Simon’s tone, and don’t let a fast command throw you off balance.
Practice Quick Reflexes: Simon might give multiple commands in rapid succession, so the faster you can react (or stop yourself from reacting), the better your chances are of staying in the game.
Fun Variations of Simon Says
While the traditional version of Simon Says is endlessly entertaining, there are a few fun twists you can add to the game to keep it fresh and challenging. Here are some creative variations you can try:
Reverse Simon Says: In this version, players must do the opposite of what Simon says! If Simon says, “Raise your left hand,” players must raise their right hand. If Simon says, “Sit down,” players must stand up. It’s a fun way to challenge players to think quickly and keep their brains working hard.
Simon Doesn’t Speak: For a hilarious twist, Simon can give commands without saying anything at all—using only hand motions or gestures. Players must follow Simon’s movements only if they’re accompanied by “Simon says.” It adds a whole new layer of difficulty as players try to match the right actions with the right commands.
Physical Fitness Simon Says: Want to mix in some exercise? Try a fitness-themed Simon Says. All the commands are physical activities—like jumping jacks, lunges, or push-ups. This version is great for burning off energy while keeping the game playful.
Musical Simon Says: Turn on some music in the background and have Simon give commands that fit the rhythm or tempo of the music. For example, Simon might say, “Simon says, dance in slow motion,” or “Simon says, hop to the beat.” This version is perfect for adding a little groove to your Simon Says session.
Animal Simon Says: In this variation, all the commands are related to animals. Simon might say, “Simon says, crawl like a bear,” or “Simon says, fly like a bird.” It’s a great option for younger children who love to move around and pretend to be animals.
Group Simon Says: Instead of playing individually, divide players into teams. Simon gives commands, and each team has to work together to follow them. If one player on the team makes a mistake, the whole team is out. It encourages teamwork and adds a little extra challenge to the game.
Silent Simon Says: In this ultra-challenging version, Simon only gives silent commands through gestures and body language. Players must stay extra focused and alert, as no words are spoken during the game.
Conclusion
Simon Says is one of those timeless games that never fails to entertain. Whether you’re playing with a group of kids or looking for a fun icebreaker for adults, Simon Says offers endless possibilities for creativity, laughter, and a few well-timed tricks. It’s a game that challenges players to stay focused and think quickly, all while having fun following (or not following) Simon’s sneaky commands.
What makes Simon Says even better is its versatility. You can play it anywhere, with any number of people, and it doesn’t require anything other than a good sense of humor and some fast reflexes. And with all the fun variations available, you’ll never run out of ways to keep the game fresh and exciting.
So, gather your friends, family, or teammates, and get ready to follow Simon’s lead—but only if Simon says!