Last Couple Out

by Robert Coats | More from this Blogger

26 Feb 2006 05:44 PM

This game has an interesting history. It's called "Widow" or "widower" in the Scotch or Swedish forms. The catcher in the game takes the part of the bereaved one who is trying to get a mate. Some research shows that it may be descended from the time when marriages were arranged by capture.

Number of players: 7+ Ages: 5+ Space: Outdoors or playground

This game requires an odd number of players. One player is the catcher, who stands at one end of the playing field with her back to the other players. The other players stand in couples in a long line behind her, facing the same direction she faces. The catcher should be ten feet or more in front of the first couple.

When the catcher calls "Last couple out" the last pair in the line runs toward the front, the right person on the right side of the double line, the left hand person on the left. The couple running tries to join hands in front of the catcher. The catcher can't chase them before they are even with her, and may not turn her head to see when or from where the runners are coming.

The best strategy for the couple is to vary their method of approach to the catcher. They could circle far beyond her on either side, or one circling around and the other running straight near the two lines.

If the catcher succeeds in catching one of the players before that player can grab their partner's hand, the catcher and the "caught" then form a couple and take their places at the head of the line, which moves backward one space to make room for them. The other player of the running couple becomes the catcher. If neither member of the couple is caught, they're free, or out of the game, and can live happily ever after.

Learn more about Robert Coats

My name is Rob Coats, and I'm very excited to join the Families.Com community. It's an honor and a privilege to be part of the internet's best resource for family information.

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