Get ready to engage in a thrilling game of strategy, agility, and quick thinking. 4 Corners is a beloved childhood game that has captivated generations with its simple yet captivating gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious novice, immerse yourself in the excitement of this classic game that promises hours of entertainment with friends and family.
To embark on your 4 Corners adventure, gather three or more eager participants. You’ll also need a spacious area with ample room to run and maneuver. The game begins with each player selecting a corner of the playing field as their designated “home base.” As the game unfolds, players will abandon their safe havens and dash to capture the remaining unoccupied corners. The catch is, you can only move when the designated “caller” shouts out instructions like “Switch!” or “Clockwise!”
The pace of 4 Corners intensifies as players scramble to outwit their opponents. The key to victory lies in anticipating the caller’s commands and reacting swiftly. Every captured corner brings you closer to triumph, but with each successful move, the game grows more challenging. As players are eliminated, the remaining corners become more coveted, and the tension ratchets up with each passing moment. Be prepared for plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and the thrill of strategic maneuvering.
Game Rules for 4 Corners
Setting Up
This game is best played with at least four people, but it can be played with as many as ten. Players stand in four corners of a designated playing area. One player is chosen to be the “caller”. The caller stands in the middle of the playing area and faces the players in the corners.
Playing the Game
The caller calls out a color, number, or other category. For example, the caller might say, “Red!” or “Even numbers!” or “Fruits!” The players in the corners must then run to the corner that matches the category that was called out. For example, if the caller says “Red!”, the players must run to the corner with the red cone.
If a player is already standing in the corner that matches the category that was called out, they do not have to move. The first player to reach the correct corner wins a point. The player who wins the most points after a predetermined number of rounds wins the game.
| Game Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose four players. | Players will stand in each of the four corners of the area. |
| Assign a caller. | The caller will stay in the center of the playing area facing the four players. |
| Caller calls out a corner. | The caller names a corner (e.g., top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right). |
| Players run to the correct corner. | The first player to reach the correct corner wins a point. |
| Play continues. | The caller continues to call out corners until a predetermined number of points is reached. |
| Most points wins. | The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. |
Variations
There are many different variations of the game of 4 Corners. Some common variations include:
- Musical Corners: In this variation, music is played while the players run to the corners. When the music stops, the players must stop running and the player who is closest to the corner that was called out wins a point.
- Numbered Corners: In this variation, each corner is assigned a number. The caller calls out a number and the players must run to the corner that matches the number that was called out.
- Category Corners: In this variation, each corner is assigned a category, such as “fruits”, “vegetables”, “animals”, or “colors”. The caller calls out a category and the players must run to the corner that matches the category that was called out.
The Central Area
The central area is a dangerous zone where players are vulnerable to being caught by the chaser. However, it also offers the best opportunity to score points. Here are some tips for surviving and thriving in the central area:
1. Be aware of your surroundings
Always be aware of where the chaser is and where your teammates are. If you see the chaser coming, try to avoid them or move to a different corner.
2. Move quickly and efficiently
Don’t waste time wandering around the central area. Move quickly and efficiently from one corner to the next. The more time you spend in the central area, the greater your chances of being caught.
3. Stick with your teammates
If you’re in the central area with a teammate, stick close to them. This will make it harder for the chaser to catch either of you.
4. Use the obstacles to your advantage
The central area is often full of obstacles, such as benches and trees. Use these obstacles to your advantage by hiding behind them or running around them.
5. Advanced tips
Once you’ve mastered the basics of playing in the central area, you can start to use more advanced tips. These tips will help you score more points and avoid being caught by the chaser.
| Tips |
|---|
|
Fake out the chaser by pretending to move to one corner and then quickly switching to another. |
|
Use the central area to your advantage by setting traps for the chaser. |
|
Team up with your teammates to create a defensive perimeter around the central area. |
Capturing Players
In 4 Corners, capturing players involves strategic maneuvering and quick thinking. Once a player has captured an opposing player, they take their place in the corner, and the captured player must return to the “jail” area.
There are seven key techniques for capturing players:
7. Double Cross
This move involves pretending to go towards a corner but then suddenly switching directions to cut off an unsuspecting opponent. This requires quick reflexes and a keen eye for the other players’ movements.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the double cross technique:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Move towards a corner as if you are going to capture it. |
| 2 | Keep an eye on your opponents’ positions. |
| 3 | If you see an opening, quickly change direction and intercept the other player. |
By using this strategy, players can effectively capture their opponents and secure their position in the game.
Winning the Game
The game of 4 Corners is won by the first player to collect all four suits of cards. To do this, players must complete the following steps:
1. Collect a suit
A player collects a suit by collecting all four cards of that suit. For example, if a player collects the four aces, they have collected the suit of aces.
2. Hold a suit
Once a player has collected a suit, they must hold it in their hand until they have collected all four suits. If a player loses a card from a suit that they have already collected, they must start over and collect all four cards of that suit again.
3. Lay down a suit
When a player has collected all four suits, they can lay them down on the table. The player who lays down all four suits first wins the game.
4. Scoring
If a player lays down all four suits before another player, they score 5 points. If a player lays down three suits before another player, they score 3 points. If a player lays down two suits before another player, they score 1 point.
The following table shows the scoring for each player:
| Number of suits laid down | Score |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5 points |
| 3 | 3 points |
| 2 | 1 point |
Variations of 4 Corners
Hot Potato
In “Hot Potato,” players form a circle and pass a small object (such as a beanbag or ball) around while music plays. When the music stops, the player holding the object is out. The last player remaining wins.
Eenie Meenie Mynah Moe
This variation uses a rhyme instead of music. Players stand in a square and count out the rhyme, pointing to themselves on each syllable. The player who is pointed to when the rhyme ends is out.
Musical Squares
Musical Squares combines 4 Corners with Musical Chairs. Players walk or run around a set of squares drawn on the floor. When the music stops, they must find an empty square to stand in. The player who does not find a square is out.
Musical Statues
In “Musical Statues,” players dance when the music plays and freeze when it stops. The “it” player tries to tag players who do not freeze. Tagged players are out.
Numbers
Instead of calling out four names, the “it” player calls out a number. Players must then run to a corner with that number labeled on it. The last player to reach a corner is out.
Colors
This variation uses colored squares or cones instead of numbered corners. Players must run to the square or cone of the color called out by the “it” player.
Shapes
In this variation, players run to a square or cone with a specific shape drawn on it. The “it” player calls out the shape, such as “circle” or “triangle.”
Animals
Similar to the Shapes variation, players run to a square or cone with a specific animal drawn on it. The “it” player calls out the animal, such as “dog” or “cat.”
Characters
This variation uses squares or cones with fictional characters or superheroes drawn on them. Players must run to the character named by the “it” player.
How to Play 4 Corners
4 Corners is a classic children’s game that is both fun and easy to play. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and it is a great way to get some exercise and socialize. Here are the instructions on how to play 4 Corners:
- To play 4 Corners, you will need at least four players. One player will be the “caller,” and the other players will be the “runners.”
- The caller will stand in the center of a square, and the runners will stand in each of the four corners of the square.
- The caller will then call out a number between 1 and 4. The runners must then run to the corner that corresponds to the number that was called.
- The last runner to reach the correct corner is out of the game. The game continues until there is only one runner left. That runner is the winner.
Tips for Playing 4 Corners
- Be quick on your feet. The faster you can run, the better chance you have of winning.
- Pay attention to the caller. Make sure you know which corner to run to before you start running.
- Don’t be afraid to cut corners. If you can take a shortcut to get to a corner, do it.
- Have fun. 4 Corners is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. Don’t take it too seriously.
People Also Ask About How to Play 4 Corners
What is the best way to choose a caller for 4 Corners?
There are a few different ways to choose a caller for 4 Corners. You can have the players take turns being the caller, or you can choose someone who is good at giving clear instructions. You can also have the players vote on who they want to be the caller.
What should I do if I’m the caller and I make a mistake?
If you make a mistake as the caller, simply apologize and correct yourself. The runners will understand, and they will be more likely to forgive you if you are honest about your mistake.
What is the best way to win at 4 Corners?
The best way to win at 4 Corners is to be quick on your feet and to pay attention to the caller. It also helps to be familiar with the layout of the playing area. If you know where the corners are, you will be able to get there faster than the other runners.
