Overview

Simon Says is a classic children’s game requiring listening and quick thinking, where one player, called Simon, gives commands that others follow only if preceded by “Simon says.” It’s been a go-to for generations, needing just a few players—three or more—and some open space. Perfect for kids, families, or classrooms. It’s a fun way to test attention and dodge tricky instructions, with the last player crowned the winner.

How To Play

Here’s how to play:

• Gather Players—You’ll need at least three people, though more adds to the chaos and fun. One is chosen as Simon, the rest are players.
• Set Rules—Simon gives commands like “Simon says touch your nose”; players act only if “Simon says” is said. Move on a plain command like “Jump,” and you’re out.
• Start Game—Simon kicks off with a mix of “Simon says” and sneaky plain commands, aiming to trip up players.
• Eliminate Mistakes—Players who act without “Simon says” or miss a valid command are out. Simon keeps going until one remains.
• Crown Winner—The last player standing wins and often takes over as Simon for the next round.
• Repeat Fun—Play multiple rounds, tweaking commands to keep it fresh and challenging.

Multimedia

Here’s some Simon Says play:

Equipment

No fancy gear required. A clear space where players can move—indoors or out—is all you need. Optionally, add a whistle or bell to signal command starts, but it’s purely extra flair, not a must-have.

Tips

Here are tips for playing the game:

• Be Creative—Simon should mix up commands (e.g., “Simon says clap,” then “Spin around”) to keep players guessing and engaged.
• Stay Alert—Players must listen closely; if a command’s unclear, better to freeze than risk elimination.
• Use Space—Know your play area when you’re Simon and use its quirks—chairs, trees, hills—as part of your commands.
• Vary Pace—Simon can speed up or slow down commands to test reflexes and patience, ramping up the challenge.

History

The history of Simon Says is somewhat nebulous, with research suggesting possible roots in ancient Roman games. One theory links it to “Cicero dicit fac hoc,” meaning “Cicero says do this,” referencing the Roman orator Marcus Tullius Cicero, indicating a long-standing tradition of command-based games. Another hypothesis connects it to Simon de Montfort, a 13th-century French-English noble known for his authority, though this is speculative. Despite these uncertainties, Simon Says has been a popular children’s game for generations. It is embedded in cultural practices and known by various names globally, such as “O’Grady says” in parts of the UK, highlighting its widespread appeal and adaptability.

Variations And Related Games

Check out these variations and related games:

• Mirror Simon—Simon performs actions; players mirror only on “Simon says,” adding a visual twist to the mix.
• Reverse Simon—Players do the opposite of Simon’s command (e.g., “Simon says stand” means sit), flipping the script for extra fun.
• Red Light, Green Light—Players move on “Green Light,” freeze on “Red Light,” a cousin game with its own command style.
• Mother May I?—Players ask the “mother” (a leader) for permission to take steps (e.g., “Mother, may I take three giant steps?”)
• Follow The Leader—One player (the leader) performs actions, and others mimic them exactly.

Simon Says is known by different names around the world. Here are some examples:

Alternate Name	Region/Country/Language	Description
O’Grady says	Ireland, UK (some parts)	Replaces “Simon” with “O’Grady,” maintaining game structure.
Yakup der ki / Jacob says	Turkish	“Jacob says,” substituting “Simon” with “Yakup,” a common Turkish name.
The teacher says	Lebanese Arabic	Uses “the teacher” as the authority, possibly for educational contexts.
Gör si, gör så	Swedish	“Do this, do that,” players follow commands based on specific phrases.
Följa John	Swedish	“Follow John,” players mimic John’s actions without verbal cues.
Jacques a dit	French	“Jacques said,” replaces “Simon” with “Jacques,” a common French name.
Simón dice	Spanish	Direct translation, “Simon says,” standard in Spanish-speaking countries.
Kommando Pimperle	German	Involves hand movements on a table, commands prefaced by “Kommando.”
Commando pinkelen	Netherlands	Similar to “Kommando Pimperle,” with hand position commands and “Commando” prefix.

Learning

Simon Says isn’t just play—it’s a stealthy teacher. In the Communicative Domain, it hones listening skills as kids process commands, distinguishing “Simon says” from traps, boosting verbal comprehension. In the Cognitive Domain, it sharpens memory and attention—recalling the rule under pressure builds quick decision-making and focus. These perks, wrapped in giggles, make it a powerhouse for developing minds.

Simon Says Wrap-Up

Simon Says is a timeless gem—easy to play, free, and brimming with fun and learning. Its simplicity and adaptability spark endless rounds of laughter and skill-building. Dive in, try a variation, and watch it hone sharp ears and sharper minds. It’s more than a game—a tradition worth passing on.

Have a game or game variation I should add to the catalog, or a fun story from your own playtime? Scroll to the bottom of this page and drop it in the comments or contact me—I’d love to hear from you and keep growing this collection. If you like the post, share it; that’s always appreciated!

Credits

Big thanks to these sources for the details:

• Playworks for rules and variation ideas.
• Wikipedia for historical context.
• wikiHow for gameplay tips.
• europeisnotdead.com for name varients.

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