Group games are a fantastic way to while away time with your friends. In this article, you’ll learn how to play an active group game known as Take and Run or Steal the Bacon.
This is a great icebreaker game, especially if you’re playing with new friends, as you’ll have to work as a team to help each other.
Features of the Take and Run (Steal the Bacon) Game
| ★ Game Name | Take and Run or Steal the Bacon |
| ★ Group size | medium to large |
| ★ Age | any (8+) |
| ★ Type | active |
| ★ Skill | running / reaction |
| ★ Place | indoor (gym) and outdoor |
| ★ Time | up to 10 – 20 min |
| ★ Preparation | no |
| ★ Materials | yes (any) |
The aim behind Take and Run (Steal the Bacon)
Your aim behind Take and Run is to steal the designated item that’s been thrown in the circle. Once you’ve managed to grab the item, you must run back to your team without being tagged by your opponent.
Being swift and sneaky is key to winning in Take and Run.
Group sizes to play Take and Run (Steal the Bacon)
Take and Run is a group game that is ideally played with 8 to 16 players. For larger groups, you may consider taking turns to play. You’ll want to ensure you can split everyone into 2 even teams. Take and Run is a fun game to play with anyone aged 8 and up.
What to prepare to play Take and Run (Steal the Bacon)
To play Take and Run, you’ll first have to prepare:
- A designated item – you may use a tree branch if you’re outdoors, or a shirt if you’re indoors. You’ll want to avoid using a ball as that may roll around, making the game difficult to play.
- 1 extra player to be the judge.
How to play Take and Run (Steal the Bacon)
Before you begin the game, you’ll want to prepare the game area. Set the safe zones of the teams on either side of the room.
Step 1: The judge of the game will stand in the middle and hold onto the designated item. They will then throw the item to the middle and yell the names (or numbers) of one representative from each team.
Step 2: The players whose name has been called from both teams must come to the center stage. They will try to be the first to grab the designated item from the center and run back to their teams as quickly as possible.
Step 3: Once the opponent grabs the item, the player from the opposite team must work on tagging the player who has the item. If they tag the player before the player reaches their team, the game resets.
Step 4: If both players are hesitant to catch the item, the judge calls more players to help their teammates.
A team will gain points when the player holding the designated item reaches the team’s safe zone without being tagged by the opponent. The first team with 5 points wins.