Simon Says – Classic Listening and Reaction Game | Printable Instructions

Players: 3 or more
Location: Indoors or outdoors
Age Group: All ages

Simon Says is a classic listening and reaction game in which players must carefully follow instructions—but only when they begin with the words “Simon says.”

How to Play

One player is chosen to be Simon and stands facing the other players.

Simon gives a series of commands, such as:

• “Simon says touch your nose.”
• “Simon says jump once.”
• “Simon says turn around.”
• “Simon says put your thumbs down.”

Players must perform the action only if Simon begins the command with:

“Simon says…”

The Catch

If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says” first, players must ignore it.

For example:

• “Simon says clap your hands.” → Players clap.
• “Clap your hands.” → Players must do nothing.

Anyone who performs an action after a command that did not begin with “Simon says” is out of the round or receives a penalty point.

Simon’s Challenge

Simon tries to trick the players by:

• Speaking quickly.
• Mixing valid and invalid commands.
• Repeating actions.
• Using distracting movements.
• Giving commands that sound almost identical.

The original version focused on simple thumb movements, such as:

“Simon says turn down.”

Players would point their thumbs downward.

Then Simon might suddenly say:

“Turn up!”

without the required phrase, hoping someone would react automatically.

Winning

Common ways to win include:

• Last player remaining.
• Fewest mistakes after a set number of rounds.
• Taking turns as Simon regardless of mistakes.

Modern Variations

Simon can include actions such as:

• Hop on one foot.
• Spin around.
• Make an animal sound.
• Pretend to swim.
• Freeze like a statue.

For older players, commands can become faster and more complicated to increase the challenge.

Skills Developed

• Listening skills
• Concentration
• Self-control
• Quick thinking
• Reaction speed

Why It’s Fun

The game is simple to learn but surprisingly difficult to master. Players often react automatically to a command before realizing that Simon never actually said “Simon says.” The combination of quick decisions, funny mistakes, and clever trickery has made this one of the most popular children’s games for generations.

Simon Says – Classic Listening and Reaction Game Printable Instructions