Duck, duck, goose

Duck, duck, goose is a traditional children's game. It is often first learned in preschool or kindergarten settings. Students may later adapt the game for use on elementary school playgrounds. The game is a variation of tag played within a circular formation. It focuses on quick movement and social interaction. Players participate through a cycle of tapping, calling, and chasing. This game serves as a way for children to practice physical agility and group coordination.

The mechanism of the game requires a specific sequence of actions. First, a group of players sits in a circle facing inward. One player is designated as "it." This player walks around the outside of the circle. They tap or point to each player in turn. While doing this, they call each person a "duck." This continues until the picker chooses a specific player by calling them a "goose."

The chosen player, now the goose, must stand up immediately. The goose then tries to tag the original picker. Meanwhile, the picker tries to return to the empty seat before being caught. If the picker succeeds, the goose becomes the new "it." If the goose tags the picker, the picker remains "it" for the next round.

Many distinct variations of this game exist across different cultures and regions. One version is called "Kiss in the Ring." This version was described by the British folklorist Alice Gomme in 1894. In this version, the picker uses a handkerchief instead of just tapping. They touch the shoulder of each person while saying "not you." When they reach the chosen person, they place the handkerchief on their shoulder and say "but you."

In some versions, the chaser can lead the picker to the center for a kiss. Another variation is called "Daisy in the dell." In this version, children stand in a circle while joining hands. The picker moves around the outside using different phrases to select a player.

Regional history provides many interesting ways the game is played. Alice Gomme identified several specific styles in her 1894 research. In Shropshire, the two players run in opposite directions. They compete to see who can reach the starting point first. Around London, the chase follows a different path. The players weave in and out under the clasped hands of the people in the ring.

Gomme also noted a version called "Drop Handkerchief." This version is similar to the game "Kiss in the Ring" but does not involve kissing. She suggested that "Kiss in the Ring" might be a relic of ancient traditions regarding marriage by selection. She also linked the use of the handkerchief to the custom of sending a glove to signal a challenge.

Specific regional adaptations change the words and items used in the game. In Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin, players use a different name. They call the game "duck, duck, gray duck." Instead of yelling "goose," the picker yells "gray duck" to signal the chaser.

The picker may also use various adjectives or colors. They might say "green duck," "purple duck," or even "gross duck." In some areas, the picker can even change the direction in which they run. These small changes show how local customs shape play.

Other versions adapt the game to suit different climates or environments. A version called "Drip, drip, drop" is popular in warmer climates. In this version, the player who is "it" carries a container of water. They walk around the circle and drip a small amount of water on each person's head.

The player then selects one person to be "dropped" on with the entire container. This chosen player must then try to tag the "it" player. The goal remains the same, as the player tries to sit in the vacated spot. If the "it" player is tagged, they remain in the role for another round.

Duck, duck, goose connects to many other social and physical activities. It is categorized as a tag variant and an outdoor game. It also shares similarities with counting-out rhymes used in children's play. The game relates to other international activities like the Japanese game "Kagome Kagome." It also shares common themes with the Indian game "Kho kho." These connections show that the fundamental idea of chasing within a group is a widespread human experience. Whether played with a handkerchief or a container of water, the game remains a staple of childhood.