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Icebreaker

Simon Says

Also called Sabi ni Simon, Simon Sez

Players copy the leader's commands only when they start with “Simon says”; obey a command without it and you're out.

people
5–200
time
10 min
energy
Medium
materials
No materials
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Watch it played
How to play4

Before you start

Everyone stands facing the host, with an arm's length of space around them. Prepare 20 commands so you can fire them quickly.

  1. 1When the host says “Simon says touch your nose,” everyone does it.
  2. 2When the host gives a command without “Simon says,” anyone who moves is out.
  3. 3Doing the wrong action, or doing it too late, also puts you out.
  4. 4Keep going, faster and faster, until one player remains.
Cards for this game35

Edit them now. Host mode deals them one at a time, big enough for the room.

35 cards
  • Touch your nose
  • Clap twice
  • Hop on one foot
  • Pat your head
  • Wave hello
  • Touch your toes
  • Spin around once
  • Stand on tiptoe
  • Raise both hands
  • Stick out your tongue
  • Close your eyes
  • Rub your tummy
  • Pat your head and rub your tummy
  • Touch your left ear with your right hand
  • Sit down
  • Stand up
  • Make a funny face
  • Do three jumping jacks
  • Turn to your neighbor and shake hands
  • Pretend to drive a jeepney
  • Pretend to brush your teeth
  • Cross your arms
  • Touch your shoulders
  • Walk in place
  • Say your name out loud
  • Pretend to be a robot
  • Pretend to swim
  • Hold your breath for three seconds
  • Blink five times
  • Pretend to sneeze
  • Do a silent clap
  • Touch your elbows together
  • Point to something blue
  • Whisper hello to a neighbor
  • Wiggle your fingers
What to say3
  1. 1“Simon says hands on your head! Simon says jump! …Sit down!”
  2. 2“Gotcha! If you sat, you're out!”
  3. 3“Three left. Simon says… speed up!”
Host tips3
  • The trick that gets people out is the host doing the action too. Do the move yourself while saying a command without “Simon says” — that's what makes it work.
  • With a big crowd you cannot see who moved. Have the first three people out become spotters, each watching one section.
  • Avoid commands that need a partner (“Simon says hold hands”) at an office party — it creates awkward moments for no gain.
Variants2

  • Boss says

    At an office party, have the most senior person lead and rename it to their name.

  • Do the opposite

    Players must do the opposite of each Simon-says command (“Simon says hands up” means hands down). Breaks adults' brains quickly.

Safety1
  • Skip jumping or spinning commands for seniors and pregnant guests, or let them play seated with arm-only commands.
Good for

Occasions

BirthdayChristmasSchoolFiestaTeam buildingReunion

Venues

Indoor, smallIndoor, largeOfficeChurch hallOutdoorOnline
If this one dies early6