How to play the game Cat by the Tail? - briefly
"Cat by the Tail" is a classic outdoor game designed for groups, typically children. The objective is for one player, designated as the "cat," to tag another player without being tagged themselves. Players must avoid being tagged while trying to tag others, creating a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The game continues until a predetermined time limit is reached or until all players have been tagged. To start, select a "cat" and have all players stand in a designated area. The "cat" must then attempt to tag other players while they try to evade being tagged. If a player is tagged, they become the new "cat" and the game resumes. The game can be played in various settings, such as a park or a backyard, and can be adapted to include different rules or variations to increase the challenge. Players should be aware of their surroundings and avoid dangerous areas to ensure safety during the game. The game encourages physical activity and social interaction, making it an excellent choice for group settings. To add excitement, consider setting time limits or designating safe zones where players cannot be tagged.
How to play the game Cat by the Tail? - in detail
"Cat by the Tail" is a dynamic and engaging game that combines strategy, speed, and a bit of luck. The game is typically played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards and can accommodate 3 to 6 players. The objective is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Here is a detailed guide on how to play "Cat by the Tail."
To begin, shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal seven cards to each player. Place the remaining cards face down in the center of the table to form a draw pile. Turn the top card of the draw pile face up next to it, starting the discard pile.
The player to the dealer's left starts the game. On their turn, a player must either play a card from their hand that matches the top card of the discard pile in rank or suit, or play a special action card. If a player cannot or does not wish to play a card, they must draw a card from the draw pile. Here are the special action cards and their effects:
- Ace: When an Ace is played, the next player must draw two cards and skip their turn.
- Two: This card reverses the direction of play. If the game was proceeding clockwise, it now proceeds counterclockwise, and vice versa.
- Three: The next player must draw three cards and skip their turn.
- Four: All players pass their hand to the player on their left.
- Five: The next player must draw five cards and skip their turn.
- Six: All players pass their hand to the player on their right.
- Seven: The next player must draw seven cards and skip their turn.
- Eight: The next player is skipped.
- Nine: No special action; simply discard the nine.
- Ten: The next player must draw ten cards and skip their turn.
- Jack: The next player must draw a card and show it to the person who played the Jack. If the drawn card is a face card (Jack, Queen, or King), the next player must also draw a card and show it. This continues until a non-face card is drawn.
- Queen: The next player must swap hands with the person who played the Queen.
- King: The next player must draw five cards and skip their turn.
If a player cannot play a card and the draw pile is exhausted, the discard pile is shuffled (except for the top card, which remains face up) to create a new draw pile.
The game continues with players taking turns to either play a card or draw a card. The first player to discard all of their cards wins the round. In some variations, the winner of the round deals the cards for the next round. The game can be played for a set number of rounds, or until a player reaches a certain score, with points awarded based on the cards remaining in other players' hands at the end of each round.