Secret hideouts. Dangerous missions into enemy territory. Sounds like the plot of an action-adventure movie. Actually, these elements combine to create the exciting game called capture the flag. Not sure how to get started as a secret agent man? Peruse these capture the flag rules.
Your Mission, If You Choose to Accept It
Luckily, this set of rules won't self-destruct in three seconds. The mission of capture the flag is simple: team members sneak into the other team's area, capture the flag and bring it back to their side of the playing field. Sounds easy, right? Now that you know the basic premise for the game, you will need to follow the rules of play.
Rules of the Mission
Two teams of at least three players compete against each other. Larger groups can divide into three teams with an equal number of players.
Establish the playing area and divide it evenly between the teams. Obstacles help camouflage players but aren't necessary. Instead, players may choose to wear dark-colored clothing so they blend in with the playing area.
Each team should set up a safe area or home base toward the back of the area. The flag is placed in the middle of this region and should be at eye level. Also, the flag may be attached to a ball.
Players divide into attackers and defenders. Defenders patrol the perimeter of the safe area; however, they are not allowed inside their own home base. Don't keep too many defenders back. You want your opponent to have the opportunity to steal the flag.
Attackers search and tag opposing team members or cross enemy lines to capture the flag. If an attacker is captured, he lands in jail or safe area. When a player enters the opposition's jail, he should hold one hand in the air so players understand he is in jail. Captured players may also jog within the safe area.
How does a player get out of jail? They wait to be tagged by a teammate. Once tagged, the player holds both hands above the head and walks to his team's side of the playing field. This player cannot be tagged until he crosses the division line.
Once a player penetrates the safe area and captures the flag, the opposing team can't tag him until he leaves the safe area. Defenders should let team members know an opponent has the flag.
If the flag has been attached to a ball, it can be passed so the flag quickly crosses the division line. However, if the ball is dropped or intercepted, the thrower and receiver must go directly to jail. In either case, the flag is returned to the safe area.
Completing the Mission
Once a team captures the flag and gets it across the division line, they win the game. Some rules specify that the flag must make it to the team's safe area to be declared the winner.
If both teams capture the other flag at the same time, the flags remain in the safe area and play continues.
Are you ready to accept your mission? Capture the Flag is a fast-paced fun game that promotes critical thinking and exercise.
 | Learning how to play capture the flag takes seconds. Learning how to win capture the flag takes a lifetime. |
 | You can win capture the flag every time you play it. Learn how to think strategically and foil your opponents. |
The basic rules of capture the flag are simple. Getting the flag across the division line is hard. |
Official rules to capture the flag? They exist, and our overview makes them crystal clear. |
Read articles about capture the flag, how to play capture the flag, official rules for capture the flag, rules of capture the flag and capture the flag rules. |
