England (Tudor era) · Ancient Greece; recorded across Europe from the Middle Ages; referenced by Samuel Pepys 1664

Blind Man's Buff

Also known as Blind Man's Bluff, An Dall Dall (Ireland), Mosca Cieca (Italy, blind fly), Blindekuh (Germany, blind cow)

A blindfolded player tries to catch and identify the others by touch.

4+ playersAges 5-12In or outActiveSmall space
The rules

How to play

1

One player is blindfolded using any piece of clothing (or simply closes eyes tightly).

2

They are turned around three times to disorient them, then must catch another player.

3

The other players can move freely within the agreed area and may call out or lightly distract the blind player but cannot push them.

4

When the blind player catches someone, they must identify them by touch alone.

5

If correct, the caught player becomes the next blind player.

Keep it fair

Clear the space of hazards before playing and set a boundary that the blind player must not be led into any obstacle, a spotter standing near is helpful with younger kids.

Good for building
sensory awarenessstealthquick reactions
What you need
Just: a piece of clothing as a blindfold
More to play

If they liked this, try…