5 Simple Steps to Play Four Corners

Four Corners game

four corners game

Four Corners is a classic children’s game that is both fun and easy to play. It is a great game for small groups of children, and it can be played indoors or outdoors. In this game, players take turns running around the playing area and trying to find a free corner. The first player to find a free corner wins the round.

Transition: To play Four Corners, you will need a playing area, which can be a square or a rectangle. The area should be large enough for the players to run around in, but it should not be too large. You will also need four markers, such as cones or bean bags. These markers will be placed in the corners of the playing area.

The Basics of Four Corners

Four Corners is an old English game of skill and chance, usually played by children. The game is similar in some ways to musical chairs, but instead of chairs, the players stand in the four corners of a square or rectangle. One player, known as the “caller,” stands in the middle of the playing area and calls out different actions, such as “Hop on one foot,” or “Spin around three times.” The other players must perform the action that the caller calls out, and the last player to do so is eliminated from the game. The game continues until only one player remains, who is declared the winner.

The game can be played with any number of players, but it is most fun with at least four or five. The playing area should be a square or rectangle, with enough space for the players to stand in the corners and move around freely.

The caller can use any verbal command to call out different actions, but some popular commands include:

Command	Description
Hop on one foot	Hop on one foot until the caller calls out another command
Spin around three times	Spin around three times and then face the caller
Touch your toes	Touch your toes and then stand up straight
Jump up and down	Jump up and down ten times

Gameplay

Four Corners is a classic children’s game that is both fun and easy to learn. It can be played with any number of players, but four is ideal. The game is played on a square or rectangular area, with each corner marked with a different color.

Rules

To play Four Corners, the players stand in the center of the playing area. The caller then calls out a color. The players must then run to the corner that matches the color called out. The last player to reach the correct corner is out of the game. The game continues until only one player is left, who is the winner.

Variations

There are many different variations of Four Corners. In one variation, the caller can call out two colors at once. The players must then run to the corner that matches the combination of colors called out. In another variation, the players can be required to run to the corner in a certain way, such as skipping or hopping.

Tips

Here are a few tips for playing Four Corners:

Be quick on your feet! The first player to reach the correct corner wins.
Pay attention to the caller. If you miss a color, you’ll be out of the game.
Have fun! Four Corners is a great game for kids of all ages.

Variations of Four Corners

Classic Four Corners

This is the standard version of the game, played with four bases (corners) arranged in a square or rectangle formation. Players must run from one corner to another when the caller states “change corners.” The last player to reach a corner is eliminated.

Musical Corners

This variation adds a musical element to the game. A speaker or DJ plays music while players walk around the outside of the corners. When the music stops, the players must quickly find a corner. Anyone who fails to reach a corner is eliminated.

Numbered Corners

This variation assigns a number to each corner. The caller calls out a number, and players must run to the corresponding corner. The player who arrives first earns a point. The first player to reach a predetermined number of points wins the game.

Theme Four Corners

This variation incorporates a theme into the game. For example, if the theme is “animals,” the corners could be labeled with different animal names. The caller would then give commands related to the theme, such as “All dogs go to Corner 1” or “All cats walk to Corner 2.”

Mixed-Up Corners

This variation allows players to change the arrangement of the corners during the game. This adds an element of unpredictability and makes the game more challenging. Players must be aware of the changing corner positions and react quickly to the caller’s commands.

Multiple Corners

This variation uses more than four corners, creating a larger playing field. This makes the game more challenging and requires players to have excellent endurance and spatial awareness. The number of corners can be adjusted to suit the size of the group.

Strategies for Success

1. Be Quick and Agile

The key to success in Four Corners is being quick and agile. When the caller says “Change!”, you need to be ready to move to another corner as quickly as possible. The faster you can move, the more likely you are to get a corner before someone else does.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings when playing Four Corners. This means paying attention to where the other players are and what they are doing. The more aware you are, the better you can anticipate their moves and move to a corner before they do.

3. Communicate with Your Teammates

If you are playing with a team, it’s important to communicate with your teammates. This will help you coordinate your movements and increase your chances of getting a corner.

4. Be Patient

Four Corners can be a frustrating game, but it’s important to be patient. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a corner right away. Just keep playing and eventually you will get your turn.

5. Learn the Advanced Strategies

Once you have mastered the basics of Four Corners, you can start learning some more advanced strategies. These strategies can give you an edge over your opponents.

One advanced strategy is to fake a move. When the caller says “Change!”, pretend to move to one corner, but then quickly move to another corner. This can confuse your opponents and give you a chance to get a corner before they do.

Another advanced strategy is to team up with another player. This can help you increase your chances of getting a corner. If you are playing with a team, you can agree to work together to get each other corners.

Strategy	Description
Fake a Move	Pretend to move to one corner, but then quickly move to another corner.
Team Up	Agree to work together with another player to increase your chances of getting a corner.

Safety Considerations

Before playing Four Corners, it’s essential to take necessary safety measures to minimize risks and ensure a safe playing environment. Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind:

1. Choose a Safe Location

Select a spacious area with minimal obstacles, such as a park or school playground, to avoid collisions and injuries.

2. Establish Clear Boundaries

Define the game’s boundaries clearly and ensure there are no potential hazards in the surrounding area.

3. Supervise Younger Players

If young children are participating, have an adult supervise the game to ensure their safety and adherence to the rules.

4. Avoid Rough Play

Encourage players to play respectfully and avoid any overly aggressive behavior or physical contact that could lead to injuries.

5. Provide Proper Footwear

Instruct players to wear comfortable and appropriate footwear that provides adequate support, especially if the game is played on uneven or slippery surfaces.

6. Stay Hydrated

Remind players to bring water and stay hydrated, particularly if the game is played during warm or sunny weather.

7. Specific Precautions for Corner Safety

Pay special attention to the corners of the playing area, as they can pose additional safety risks. Consider the following measures:

Precaution	Details
Use Soft Surfaces	Place soft mats or cushions at the corners to reduce the risk of injuries if players fall.
Establish a Safe Zone	Designate a small safe zone within each corner where players can stand securely without being pushed.
Ensure Corner Visibility	Keep the corners well-lit or use reflective markers to make them easily visible to all players.

Variations for Different Ages and Abilities

Ages 4-6

Use a smaller play area and make it clear that players must stay within the boundaries. Start with a slower pace and shorter rounds.

Ages 7-9

Increase the speed and add obstacles to the play area, such as cones or chairs that players must avoid.

Ages 10 and Up

Implement advanced rules, such as:

Rule	Description
No peeking	Players cannot look at their hands while hiding them behind their backs.
Blindfold	Players are blindfolded while chasing.
Musical chairs	Place one less chair than the number of players and play music. When the music stops, players scramble to sit down.
Color switch	Designate a secret color. If the caller says the color, players must switch corners instead of chasing.
Tag out	The player chasing can tag the caller, who then becomes the chaser.

Adults

Increase the intensity with physical challenges, such as requiring players to do jumping jacks or push-ups before returning to their corners.

How To Play Four Corners

Four Corners is a classic playground game that is easy to learn and fun to play. It can be played with any number of players, but it is best with four or more. To play, you will need a large, open area, such as a playground or a field.

To start the game, one player is chosen to be the “it” player. The other players stand in a circle, facing outward. The “it” player stands in the center of the circle and calls out the name of one of the other players. The player who is called out must then run to one of the four corners of the area. The “it” player then tries to catch the player before they reach a corner. If the “it” player catches the player, they switch roles. If the player reaches a corner safely, they are safe and the “it” player must call out the name of another player.

The game continues until all of the players have been caught or have reached a corner safely. The last player to be caught is the winner.