Objective: The goal of the game is for the minnows to avoid being caught by the sharks and to survive as long as possible. The sharks' objective is to catch as many minnows as they can.
Set-up:
- The game is played in a large open space, ideally in a pool or lake.
- One or more players become the sharks, and all the other players become the minnows.
- The sharks wait in the center of the playing area while the minnows swim or run around them.
Gameplay:
- The sharks try to catch the minnows by touching them.
- Once a minnow is caught, they become a shark and join in on catching the remaining minnows.
- The last minnow remaining is declared the winner.
Rules:
- Minnows can only be caught if they are actually touched by a shark.
- Sharks are not allowed to grab or hold minnows, they must rely only on their touch.
- Minnows are allowed to swim or run anywhere within the playing area, including underwater if the game is being played in a pool.
- Sharks can swim or run, but they are not allowed to jump or make sudden movements that might give them an unfair advantage.
- The game can have variations, such as requiring the sharks to tag the minnows with a specific body part or setting a time limit for the game.
Safety:
- Players should be mindful of each other's safety and avoid rough play.
- The game should be played under adult supervision, especially if the players are young or if the game is being played in a body of water.