Sharks and Minnows Game: Rules, Pool and Field Versions
Sharks and minnows is a chasing game for a field, a gym or a swimming pool. One or two sharks stand in the middle, and the minnows try to cross from one side to the other without being tagged. Every tagged minnow joins the sharks or turns into seaweed, so the game gets harder each round until one minnow is left. Here are the rules, a fair way to choose the first shark, field and pool versions, safety tips and variations.
How to play sharks and minnows
- Mark out a playing area with two safe lines at opposite ends, about 15 to 25 metres apart. In a pool, the two walls are the safe zones.
- Choose one shark for a small group, or two or three for a big group. The sharks stand in the middle; all the other players are minnows and stand behind one safe line.
- The sharks call “Fishy, fishy, come swim in my sea!” or simply “Go!”, and all the minnows try to run or swim to the other safe line.
- A shark tags a minnow by touching them gently. Tagged minnows become sharks for the next crossing, or seaweed in the variation below.
- Minnows who reach the other side are safe until the next call. The game goes on until only one minnow is left, who wins and is often the first shark of the next game.
A fair way to choose the first shark
Many children want to be the shark, and some never get the chance. Put the names into the Random Name Picker and draw the first sharks for each game. The table shows the chance that one particular child starts as a shark when the sharks are drawn at random. Kids is the group size, Sharks the number of starting sharks, One the chance for one game, and Five the chance of being drawn at least once in five games.
| Kids | Sharks | One | Five |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1 | 10% | 41% |
| 15 | 2 | 13% | 51% |
| 20 | 2 | 10% | 41% |
| 25 | 3 | 12% | 47% |
| 30 | 3 | 10% | 41% |
Even over five games, about half of the children never start as the shark. If that matters to your group, use the remove option so that each name is taken out after its turn, and everyone starts as a shark once before anyone does it twice.
Field and gym version
- Use cones or lines for the two safe zones and the side boundaries, so nobody runs too wide.
- A minnow who runs out of the sides counts as tagged.
- For a big class, start with one shark for every eight to ten players, as in the table.
- Keep the area smaller for young children, so the sharks have a fair chance and nobody runs too far.
Pool version
In a pool, sharks and minnows is usually played across the width of the shallow end, where everyone can stand. The minnows swim or walk through the water from wall to wall, and the sharks tag them with a hand on the shoulder or back. Only play in the pool with a lifeguard or an adult watching, keep the game in water where every player can stand, and agree before the start that nobody may hold anyone under or grab them. Like Marco Polo, it is a good game for strong and weaker swimmers together, because walking is allowed.
Safety tips
- Tag with a light touch on the shoulder, back or arm. No pushing, tripping or grabbing clothes.
- Play on grass or a gym floor, and keep the area clear of benches and goalposts.
- Tell sharks to keep their eyes up, as several players run towards each other at once.
- In water, stay in the shallow end and stop the game at once if anyone needs a break.
Variations
- Seaweed: tagged minnows sit or stand where they were caught and become seaweed. They cannot move their feet, but can tag minnows who pass within arm’s reach.
- Octopus: the same idea, often called octopus tag, where the shark is an octopus and tagged players become its tentacles.
- Two-handed tag: for older children, a minnow is caught only when tagged with both hands at once, which slows the sharks down.
- Shark’s choice: the shark calls a colour or a type of animal, and only minnows wearing that colour, or who chose that animal, must cross.
If your group likes running games, also try classic tag or red rover.
For a tag game where nobody is ever out, try stuck in the mud, where tagged players are rescued by a friend crawling through their legs.
FAQ
How do you play sharks and minnows?
One or more sharks stand in the middle, and the minnows try to cross from one safe line to the other without being tagged. Tagged minnows become sharks, and the last minnow left wins.
What do sharks say in sharks and minnows?
A common call is 'Fishy, fishy, come swim in my sea!', after which all the minnows must cross. Many groups simply say 'Go!'.
How many sharks should there be?
Start with one shark for a small group and about one for every eight to ten players in a big group.
Can you play sharks and minnows in a pool?
Yes, in the shallow end where everyone can stand, with a lifeguard or adult watching. Minnows swim or walk from wall to wall and sharks tag them gently.
What is the difference between sharks and minnows and octopus tag?
They are very similar. In octopus tag, tagged players often stay where they were caught as tentacles or seaweed instead of becoming chasers who can run.