Simon says is a game for three or more players (most often children). One of the people is "it" -- i.e., Simon. The others must do what Simon tells them to do. The catch is, the magic phrase is "Simon says". If Simon says "Simon says jump.", you jump (if you don't jump, you're out). However, if Simon says simply "jump", without first saying "Simon says", you don't jump (if you do jump, you're out). In general, it's the spirit of the command, not the actions that matters; if Simon says "Simon says touch your toes.", you only have to show you're trying to touch your toes. It's the ability to distinguish between valid and invalid demands, rather than physical ability, that matters here.
It is Simon's task to try to get everyone out as quickly as possible, and it is every one else's job to stay "in" for as long as possible. The last of Simon's followers to stay in wins (although the game is not always played all the way through).
It's considered cheating to give impossible commands ("Simon says 'lift your left leg'. Simon says 'lift your right leg'. Simon did not say 'put your left leg down'!" or phrase the commands in such a way that the other player has no option but to 'go out' ("Simon says 'jump up'. Come down.").
A closely related game is "Mother May I?"
[edit] The classic Simon Says game
- Simon will ask you to touch one or two locations. Listen carefully, touch only when you hear "Simon says..."–When you don't hear "Simon says...," do not touch anything.
- For example, If you hear "Simon says...Touch your hands and feet.", touch your hands, then touch your feet. If you hear only "Touch your hands and feet." without first hearing "Simon says...", do not touch anything.
- Always wait until Simon has finished speaking before you respond. Don't wait too long, because you have about 5 seconds to respond when Simon says to touch the correct location.
- If you touch the correct location once or twice, or if you do not touch anything when you shouldn't hear "Simon says...", you will win.
- If you wait too long, touch the incorrect location, or touch when you shouldn't hear "Simon says...", You're out.
- 4 correct responses in a row will really impress Simon. He will say something special to congratulate you for doing so well.
- After 16 correct responses in a row, the classic Simon Says game celebrates the victory and you will win.
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