Spud Game: Playground Rules and Fair Numbering
Spud is a playground ball game. Every player gets a number. One player throws the ball high into the air and calls a number, and that player has to get the ball while everyone else runs away. When they have it, they shout “Spud!”, everyone freezes, and they try to hit another player with the ball. Miss or get hit too often and you collect the letters S, P, U and D. Spell SPUD and you are out.
What you need
- A soft, light ball, such as a foam ball or a soft playground ball.
- An open space such as a playground, a field or a gym.
- About 6 to 20 players.
- A fair way to give out numbers, such as a random number generator or the random name picker.
How to play
- Give every player a number, starting from 1. Each player must remember their own number.
- All players stand close together in the middle. One player throws the ball straight up and calls out a number.
- The player with that number runs to get the ball. Everyone else runs away.
- As soon as the player has the ball, they shout “Spud!”. Everyone must freeze where they are.
- The player with the ball may take a set number of big steps towards anyone, often three.
- They then throw the ball gently at a frozen player, aiming below the shoulders. The target may twist or duck but must keep their feet still.
- If the ball hits the target, the target gets a letter. If it misses, the thrower gets a letter.
- The player who got the letter throws the ball up for the next round and calls a new number.
- A player who spells S-P-U-D is out. The last player left wins, or play for a set time and see who has the fewest letters.
Rules differ a lot between schools. Some groups let the target try to catch the ball, which gives the thrower the letter. Some count only hits, not misses. Agree on the rules before you start.
Fair random numbering
If players pick their own numbers, friends often take numbers next to each other and call each other. A fairer way is to shuffle the names with the random name picker and give out numbers in that order. Some groups also give everyone new numbers after each player goes out, so nobody can plan who to call.
Odds of your number being called
Suppose the thrower calls a number at random and never calls their own. The table shows how often a player is called. “Players” is the number of players, “Each throw” is the chance your number is called on one throw, “In 5” is the chance you are called at least once in 5 throws, and “In 15” is the chance you are called at least once in 15 throws.
| Players | Each throw | In 5 | In 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 20% | 67% | 96% |
| 8 | 14% | 54% | 90% |
| 10 | 11% | 45% | 83% |
| 12 | 9% | 38% | 76% |
| 15 | 7% | 31% | 67% |
| 20 | 5% | 24% | 56% |
In real games, throwers often call a friend or the player they think is slowest instead of a random number. If you want everyone to have the same chance, let the thrower use a random number generator to pick the number.
Safety tips
- Use a soft ball only. A hard ball can hurt at close range.
- Throw gently and aim below the shoulders. Hits to the head do not count, and the thrower gets the letter.
- Agree on how many steps the thrower may take, so nobody throws from very close.
- Play on grass or a smooth surface, away from walls, fences and cars.
- Make sure everyone knows they can stop playing at any time.
Variations
- Longer word: use a longer word, such as POTATO, for a longer game.
- Catch to save: if the target catches the ball, the thrower gets the letter.
- Number sums: call a sum like “6 minus 2” instead of a number.
- Names instead of numbers: for younger children, call names, which are easier to remember.
- Team spud: two teams; letters go to the team instead of the player.
For more ball games, try dodgeball, four square or steal the bacon.
FAQ
How do you play spud?
Each player has a number. One player throws the ball up and calls a number; that player gets the ball and shouts “Spud!”. Everyone freezes, the player takes a few steps and throws the ball at someone. A hit gives the target a letter, a miss gives the thrower a letter.
What happens when you spell SPUD?
You are out. The last player left wins.
How many steps can you take in spud?
Many groups allow three big steps, but you can agree on any number before you start.
Is spud safe for school?
It can be, with a soft ball, gentle throws and a rule that throws must be below the shoulders.
How do you give out numbers fairly?
Shuffle names with a random name picker and give numbers in that order, so friends do not have numbers next to each other.