Capture the flag is a traditional open-air game where two teams each have a flag (or another marker) and the goal is to capture the flag of the opposite team, hidden somewhere at the team’s “base,” and bring it securely back to their own base. Enemy players can be “tagged” by players in their home territory; these players are then, depending on the rules, members of the enemy team, returned to their own territory, out of game, frozen in place until released by a member of their own team, or “in jail.” Here are also some fun online games for real money!
Capture the Flag originated on the real battlefield: that was how all the soldiers knew when a battle was over – once the enemy’s flag was captured, both sides considered the conflict settled. In the Civil War, soldiers that could either capture the enemy’s flag or save their own were rewarded with a Medal of Honor. Nobody knows for sure when Capture the Flag became an outdoor game, but it has been played for over 60 years now!
Capture the flag is easy to set up, but incredibly fun and complex to play. You will need at least 8 people (but the more the merrier), a large piece of land to play on, and two markers (flags, toys, or anything recognizable and not too small) and you are ready to go. The goal is to find and capture the enemy team’s hidden flag and take it to your side — but if you get tagged in enemy territory you’re off to jail. Usually, only one prison guard for jail is allowed. The first team that steals the other’s flag wins. Because strategy and hiding is important in this game, it is best to play somewhere with plenty of good hiding spots, e.g. in the park, woods or simply in your own neighborhood.
Each group hides their flag somewhere in their territory. The flag must be at least partially visible and not impossible to obtain. Once hidden, the flag cannot be moved from its original place. When both teams are ready, the round begins.
Have fun!