Rules For Capture The Flag

Rules For How To Play:

“Capture the Flag”

Objective: Successfully return the opposing teams flag back to your base to score points. First to the pre-determined number of points wins.

Number of Players:

The number of players in capture the flag varies, but can be played appropriately with any amount from a minimum of 4 people, to a large group varying from 10 to 20 or even higher. A large group of 6-10 though is preferred for optimum play.

Materials Needed:

Improvised flagpoles consisting of a pole or stick, and a flag that can be fashioned out of a number of things; a bandanna for example.

Setting up the game:

To play, a large area of space is required, to create distance between the players, and a opportunities for players to cover and hide. A forested area or location with multiple obstacles and obstructions to hide behind and play around is preferred. This allows teams to sneak their way to the opposing flag, instead of just running in a straight path to be caught. Divide the players into even teams, and assign them team names. Split the two teams up to their respective areas on the field of play. They should be separated by a great distance and preferably not directly visible. Players should have an even distance apart. Each team must also designate a spot to serve as a jail. This can be anything like a rock or tree that a prisoner has to touch and stay by. Another decision that must be made is how large the designated safety zone around the flag should be. Its an area where players cannot be captured and sent to jail, due to them being inside their flags safety zone.

Playing the Game:

When the game begins, each team must decide where to place its flag in their territory. Once placed, it cannot be moved, although it can be guarded. Those guarding their own flag may not enter the safety zone around the flag unless in pursuit of an opposing team member. Once the flag is placed, team members are assigned to guard their own flag or to enter enemy territory to try to capture the other team’s flag. Any player in enemy territory can be caught and put in jail. This is done by tagging the other player. Prisoners can be released however, by being tagged by a teammate, but only one prisoner can be rescued at a time.

Winning the Game:

A team wins the game by capturing the other team’s flag and bearing it back to their home territory the required number of times decided to win. If a flag is seized but is recaptured before reaching the opponents' territory, the flag is set up where it was recaptured. If a game must be ended before enough flags are captured, the team with the most points wins.