How to Play Capture the Flag

Whether you are six or 60, you've probably played Capture the Flag. It's a perinneal childhood favorite which is often played at summer camp or on camping trips. But what makes this game so fun? Well, Capture the Flag is easy-to-learn and play. It is accessible for kids of varying ages. It can be played with small or large groups. And Capture the Flag can be as competitive (or non-competitive) as you like. Truly. The game is what you make of it.

Learn more about Capture the Flag below, from how to set up for a game to how to play it.

How to Prepare for Capture the Flag 

Capture the Flag is best played outdoors with plenty of space to run around. All you have to do is assemble your team and make sure you have a couple of flags and you're ready for action. Again, this game tends to work best with larger groups but it can be fun with a handful of people, too, there just won't be as much opportunity for chasing or strategy. Follow these steps to make sure you're prepared to play.

Find an open area 

You will need an open area for your territories. The bigger the better, and obstacles such as trees, bushes, and large rocks help make the game more fun. Additionally, this game can be played indoors, but ideally in a big space such as a large gym or rec room where players can have ample room to run.

Make your own flags 

You will also need material to make flags (one per team). Bandannas, socks, old t-shirts, and even beanbags work. Each flag should be about the same size and brightly colored.

How to Set Up for Capture the Flag 

Setting up to play Capture the Flag is fairly simple, but there are a few things to be aware of before you start playing.

Create your teams 

Divide players evenly into two to four teams. Aim for a balanced mix of ages, sizes, and fitness levels for each team if you can. But it's also fun to play parents against kids, or use sports rivalries as your starting point (say, Cubs fans vs. White Sox supporters).

Designate your playing area 

Divide the playing area into equal-sized territories, one for each team. You can use chalk, cones, tape, or landmarks such as trees or sidewalks to mark boundaries and make sure each player understands the lay of the land.

Clear away debris 

Make sure the area is free of any hazards such as lawn tools before playing. Place cones or other markers on immovable hazards such as a stump or hole on the field.

Place your flags 

Place one flag into each territory. This can be done by a representative from each team or a neutral person who isn't playing. The flag can be mostly hidden, but some part of it must be visible. Once it's placed, the flag can't be moved by its home team.

How to Play Capture the Flag 

Now that you've set up your playing field and placed your flags, you are officially ready to play the game. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper game without a set of rules.

Ground rules for capture the flag 

• Start all players at a neutral location on the edge of the playing area. When the game begins, players try to cross into opposing teams' territories to grab their flags.
• Teams should not guard their flags too closely, as it makes it too challenging. One way to do this is to disallow players to be within 10 feet of their own flag unless an opposing team's player is present.
• When a player is in an opposing team's territory, they can be captured by that team's players. If they tag the player, the player must either be tagged by one of their own players or perform a task—say, five jumping jacks or three push-ups—before returning to their own territory. (NOTE: In some versions of the game, captured players are sent to "jail" and must be tagged by a teammate to be freed. Decide beforehand how you'll handle captured players, and make sure everyone knows the plan.)
• Players are safe and can't be captured any time they cross back to their own team's territory.
  
• The game ends when one team has successfully grabbed the flag(s) from the other team or teams and returned to their own territory. If you have more than two teams, decide how the winner will be determined.

Strategy for capture the flag 

In any sport, it's important to balance defense and offense. This is also the case in Capture the Flag. If you primarily focus on guarding your flag, you'll miss out on opportunities to capture the other flag, and vice versa.

• Strategize with your team ahead of time to designate some players to be on defense while others seek to steal the flag.
• Use decoys to draw the attention of the other team, while other players sneak around to get the flag.
• In games with multiple teams, consider forming alliances and working together to defeat a common enemy.

You may also want to have players switch roles often, such as rotating through guarding their flag, seeking the opponent's flag, or freeing other players. This becomes a strategic advantage, too, because it keeps the other team guessing.