Basic Rules of Capture the Flag

By: LuAnn Schindler

The rules of Capture the Flag are easy to follow, and the game stresses tactical skills. Grab a flag and let's play.

Teamwork
Typically, Capture the Flag is played with two teams of at least three players. An equal number of players on each team works best. If a large group wants to play, divide them into three groups.

Next, organize the playing field. The area should be divided equally between teams. Obstacles help players hide from opponents. If the game is being played indoors, players will adjust and try to dodge being tagged.

Each team should set up a safe area or home base. The flag is placed in the middle of the safe area.

Rules of Capture the Flag Attack and Defend
Teams should divide members into attackers and defenders. Defenders patrol the boundary of the safe area, but they cannot be positioned within their own home base. Don't place too many defenders around the area. The opponent won't have any chance to break through the boundary and capture the flag. Defenders guarding the jail may not enter their own safe area.

Attackers attempt to search and tag the opposition or stealth across the dividing line and try to capture the flag. If an attacker is captured, he is placed in the jail or safe area. The rules of capture the flag state that tagged player holds one hand in the air when entering jail. Once within the jail perimeter, the captured players jog around the area. When a captured player is tagged by a teammate, the tagged player walks back across the division line and holds both hands in the air.

According to the rules of capture the flag, once a player captures the flag, the opposition can't tag him while he remains in the safe area. A good defender notifies other team members that the flag is in jeopardy. Once the player holding the flag leaves the safe area, he should head directly for the division line without being tagged. If he is tagged, the flag is returned to the safe area and the player reports to jail.

The Moment of Victory
Once a team carries the flag across the division line, they are declared the winners of the game. If both teams capture each other's flags at the same time, the flags are returned to the safe areas and the game continues.

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