Duck Duck Goose

Duck Duck Goose is a classic children's circle chase game — global staple of kindergartens + elementary schools since at least early 1900s. Origins uncertain but likely European; also called 'Anka anka gås' in Sweden, 'Ánd ánd gås' in Norway, various regional names. In USA: 'Duck Duck Goose' universal EXCEPT Minnesota, which famously uses 'Duck Duck Gray Duck' — 'It' calls colors ('red duck', 'blue duck', 'green duck', etc.) until finally 'GRAY DUCK' triggers the chase. This regional Minnesota variant is proudly defended by locals as superior. Rules: 6+ players sit in circle facing INWARD. One player is 'It' — walks around the OUTSIDE of the circle tapping each seated player's head + saying 'DUCK' each time. At any moment, 'It' can tap a head + say 'GOOSE!' — the tapped player must jump up + CHASE 'It' around the circle. 'It' tries to run around + sit in the tapped player's now-empty spot before being caught. If 'It' reaches spot safely, the tapped goose becomes new 'It'. If tagged before reaching spot, 'It' remains 'It' + must go into 'stew pot' (center of circle) for one round (in some rules) or continue as 'It'. Skills: quick reactions, running speed, decision-making (which head to tap), spatial awareness. Preschool + kindergarten essential; also popular in scout troops, camps, church groups. Estimated 3+ billion people played some version. Simple, no equipment, universal accessibility. Physical activity + social interaction + rule-learning for youngest players.

No points — rotating game with 'It' changes. No 'winner' — continues indefinitely.

Win condition · None — social continuous play until group tires or session ends.

Indoor: classroom carpet, gym, hall. Outdoor: grass field, playground, park. Players sit cross-legged in circle facing inward.

• None required

  Zero equipment — voice + hands + open space only.

• Optional: soft ground

  Grass or carpet safer than concrete for sitting kids + running chases.

Self-officiated; adult supervision for young kids ensures safety + fair play.

• Adult supervisor (schools/camps) settles disputes
• Group consensus on close calls

• For 'It' — vary walking pace

  Sometimes fast, sometimes slow taps; keep kids guessing about when 'GOOSE' will come.

• For 'It' — target far-away players

  Tapping player on opposite side of circle gives more running distance advantage.

• For 'It' — surprise timing

  Announce 'GOOSE' unexpectedly, not on rhythm — kids won't be prepared to react.

• For goose — react instantly

  Delay in standing up = losing race; jump up immediately when 'GOOSE' called.

• For goose — run efficient path

  Direct route around circle (don't cross diagonal — some variants prohibit).

• For 'It' — practice sitting mid-run

  Slide into empty spot without slowing too much; balance + coordination matters.

• Endgame awareness

  Younger kids give telltale signs before calling 'GOOSE' (hovering hand, changed pace); older kids more subtle.

'It' / Tapper

Player walking around outside of circle tapping heads.

Duck

Called with each tap of a head; player remains sitting.

Goose

Trigger word — tapped player must chase.

Gray Duck (Minnesota)

Trigger word in Minnesota variant — final call after color-based tapping.

Stew pot / Mush pot

Center of circle where tagged 'It' sits as penalty for one round (some variants).

Chase / Race

Sprint around circle after 'GOOSE' called.

Circle

Formation of sitting kids.

Tap

Light touch on head.

Round

One cycle from tap to chase completion.

• No formal tournaments — pure children's game

  n/a · n/a

• Minnesota Duck Duck Gray Duck festivals + community events

  occasional · Minnesota USA (regional pride) · since 2000

• 🇬🇱🇴🇧🇦🇱🇅🇍🇦🇱🇱🇅🇨🇴🇺🇳🇹🇷🇮🇪🇸🇎Global (all countries)

• No formal governing body — universal folk game

  n/a

• Wikipedia — Duck, duck, goose— Wikipedia