Marco Polo (game)

Marco Polo is a popular form of tag played in swimming pools. It is a location-based game because players stay within a specific area. The game relies on auditory clues to function. This means players use their sense of hearing to find one another. It is an easily modifiable game, so people can change the rules. This flexibility allows different groups to adapt the play to their needs.

The mechanism of the game relies on a call-and-response system. First, one player is chosen to be "it." This player must keep their eyes closed during the game. To find others, the "it" player shouts the word "Marco." Every other player must respond by shouting the word "Polo." These verbal signs help the "it" player locate the other participants. Once the "it" player tags a person, that person becomes the new "it."

There are specific rules for players who leave the water. If the "it" player suspects someone has left the pool, they can act. They shout the phrase, "fish out of water!" If a player is indeed out of the pool, they become the new "it." This rule ensures the game stays within the aquatic environment. The game also has many regional variants used in different places. Some people call the game "mermaid on the rocks." Others use the name "alligator" for their version.

The game shares its name with a famous 13th-century Italian explorer. This man was a well-known trader and traveler. However, there is no proven historical connection between him and the game. One whimsical explanation suggests the name is a joke. It implies the "it" player is like the explorer, having no clue where they are going. The name is also unrelated to the sport of water polo. The game is actually very similar to blind man's buff. That is a dry-land game that dates back to at least the 16th century.

Historians and researchers have tracked the game's popularity over time. In America, it was known as a water game by the 1960s. A survey by the Dictionary of American Regional English took place between 1965 and 1970. During this time, respondents identified "Marco Polo" as a game played in water. By the mid-1970s, the game spread to Hong Kong. It became very popular among expatriates living in that area. Today, the game is played by people all over the world.

Experts have analyzed why the game is so engaging for players. The Encyclopedia of Play in Today's Society notes a certain "bipolarity" in the game. This refers to the reversal of roles between players. There are repeated actions and a set routine to follow. The game can also serve as a social tool for children. It allows them to experiment with different social roles. For example, being "it" can simulate the feeling of being an outcast. This happens because the player is isolated and cannot see others.

Beyond social lessons, the game offers physical benefits. The Nevada Regional Medical Center notes that it can be a good workout. The water provides a unique environment for physical activity. Because the water makes the body float, it reduces physical impact. This puts less stress on a player's bones and joints. Finally, the concept of call-and-response has moved into new technology. Some online games now use a similar system of gameplay. This shows how simple communication rules can move from pools to digital worlds.