Four Corners is a very active game used in classrooms as an icebreaker. Teachers may conduct it during breaks or game hours. The objective is to create cheer and infuse some energy into the room, though it can be played as a competition too.
How to play the Four Corners game? Four or more players stand in four corners. A leader stands in the middle of the room and points to a random corner. The player at that corner is OUT! Thus, the last standing player is the winner.
Make no mistake! The game can be played at any party or gathering. Even adults can play it and become children for the duration. How do you play four corners? Beginners can learn the basic rules from the foregoing discussion, as well as explore different cultural variations of four corners.
Four Corners Game Rules
- Number the four corners of the room (1, 2, 3, 4) or use colors/words.
- Choose one player to be “It” and have them stand in the middle with eyes closed.
- The remaining players pick a corner to stand in.
- “It” counts down from 10 while players stay or move between corners.
- When time is up, “It” points to a corner with eyes closed.
- Players in that corner are out and must sit down.
- If “It” picks an empty corner, eliminated players can rejoin.
- Keep playing until only one player remains; they become the new “It.”
How to Play Four Corners Game for Beginners
Setting Up the Game
Before you start playing, you need to set up the game properly.
Choose a Room with Four Corners
You need a room that has four clear corners where players can stand. It could be a classroom, gym, or playroom. Make sure there is enough space for everyone to move safely between corners.
Number the Corners
Label each corner with a number (1, 2, 3, and 4). You can also use colors (red, blue, green, and yellow) or names instead of numbers.
If you’re playing in a classroom, the teacher might use something related to the lesson, like animals or historical figures.
Clear the Area
Move chairs, desks, or anything that could be in the way. Make sure players can move quickly and safely between corners without tripping.
Gameplay
Now that the game area is set up, you’re ready to play!
Gather at Least Four Players
Four square game rules require a group of four people. The more players, the more fun! At least one person should stand in each corner when the game starts.
Choose One Player to Be “It”
Pick one person to go to the middle of the room. He/she is called “It.” Their job is to close their eyes, count down from 10, and then pick a corner.
Players Move to Corners
The remaining players spread out into the four corners of the room. Split them evenly among the four corners. If there are four players, one person can move out to each of the corners.
For more than four players, players should ensure that no corner is overcrowded.
The Person in the Middle Counts Down
The person who is “It” will close their eyes and count down from 10.
While they are counting, the players in the corners can either stay where they are or move to a different corner.
Moving quietly is important! If you make too much noise, “It” might guess where most people are.
“It” Chooses a Corner
When the countdown reaches 0, the person in the middle will point to one of the four corners– without opening their eyes! They don’t get to look at the players or guess– just a random choice!
Players in That Corner Are Out
If you are standing in the corner that was picked, you are out of the game and must sit down. If someone were standing in the middle of the room instead of a corner, they would also be out and should sit down.
If the Picked Corner is Empty…
Sometimes, no one will be in the corner that “It” picks. If that happens, everyone who was out gets to rejoin the game!
Ready for some giggles and fast moves? Check out how to play Hot Potato
Winning the Game
The 4 corners game continues until just one person remains. The last remaining player is the winner, and they get to be the next person in the middle for the next round.
You can play multiple rounds to make the most of your leisure period or game hour.
Each round follows the same steps: the person in the middle counts, picks a corner, and eliminates players in that corner.
Example for How to Play 4 Corners
There are five players: Liam (Corner 1); Sophia (Corner 2); Ethan (Corner 3); Ava (Corner 4)
fifth player is Noah (Middle – “It”)
Round 1:
Noah closes his eyes and starts counting down from 10.
Liam and Sophia decide to stay in their corners.
Ethan and Ava quickly switch places, moving between Corners 3 and 4.
Noah reaches 0 and randomly points to Corner 2.
Sophia is in Corner 2 and is now OUT of the game. She sits down.
Remaining players: Liam (Corner 1), Ethan (Corner 3), Ava (Corner 4), Noah (Middle)
Round 2:
Noah closes his eyes and counts again.
Liam stays in Corner 1, while Ethan moves from Corner 3 to Corner 2.
Ava stays in Corner 4.
Noah reaches 0 and points to Corner 4.
Ava is in Corner 4 and is now OUT of the game. She has to sit down.
Remaining players: Liam (Corner 1), Ethan (Corner 2), Noah (Middle)
Round 3:
Noah closes his eyes and counts down.
Liam quickly moves from Corner 1 to Corner 3.
Ethan stays in Corner 2.
Noah reaches 0 and points to Corner 2.
Ethan is in Corner 2 and is now OUT of the game. He has to sit down.
Remaining: Liam (Corner 3), Noah (Middle)
Winner
Since Liam is the last standing person, he wins.
If Noah pointed at an empty corner, players would come back. The game would continue. Apparently, four corners game could take more time.
Optional Rules to Include
- Point to the Loudest Corner: Instead of picking randomly, the person in the middle can try to guess which corner is the loudest.
- Point Instead of Naming Numbers: If it’s hard to remember which number matches which corner, the middle player can just point instead of saying a number.
- Set a Time Limit: If the game is taking too long, set a timer. When time’s up, the player still standing wins. If multiple players remain standing, they all win!
- Speed Round Rule: Once only a few players are left, limit how many can stand in each corner.
- Take Turns Being in the Middle: To keep things fair, let players take turns being “It.” After every five rounds, switch to a new player.
- Silent Mode Challenge: For an extra challenge, no one can make noise while moving between corners. If the person in the middle hears you, they can call you out, and you’re out!
- Double Trouble Round: Play with two people in the middle instead of one. Each of them picks a different corner, knocking out more players at once.
- Safe Corner Rule: Pick one special round where one random corner is safe. If the middle player picks it, no one gets out.
Variations of Four Corners Rules
Instrument Four Corners
Instead of numbering the corners, label them with different instrument families like Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion. The person in the middle calls out an instrument (like a violin). Players must figure out which family it belongs to. If they are in that corner, they sit down. Another way to play is to show an instrument, and students move to the correct family corner.
Rhythm Four Corners
It is used to teach musical rhythms to students. Label each corner with different rhythms, such as:
- One sound (quarter note)
- Two sounds (eighth notes)
- Three sounds (eight-quarter)
- Four sounds (eighth-eighth)
The person in the middle shows a word or an image (like “chocolate”). Players figure out the matching rhythm and move to that corner. The chosen corner’s players sit down.
Clock Four Corners
Assign each corner a time: 3:00, 6:00, 9:00, and 12:00. Players use their arms to show the time of the corner they pick. If the middle person calls their time, they are out.
Four Corners with Fingers
A great way to play online! Instead of moving around, players hold up fingers to show which corner they choose (1, 2, 3, or 4). If they get out, they sit down or turn off their camera.
Hula Hoop Four Corners
Use four hula hoops instead of room corners. Players stand in small groups in each hoop. The middle person picks a hoop, and the other players sit down. The game becomes more organized.
Canadian Four Corners
Players try to switch places without getting tagged by the middle player. If “It” gets to an empty corner first, the player left out becomes the new “It.”
Google Slides Four Corners
For virtual learning, use Google Slides. Split the screen into four labeled sections. Players drag their name into a corner to pick their spot. If they get out, they move their name off the slide.
Paper Four Corners
Each player has a piece of paper with the four corner numbers written on it. Instead of moving, they hold up the correct corner when picking a number. It works well for distance learning.
Plickers Four Corners
Use Plickers cards with four sides labeled A, B, C, and D. Assign each letter to a corner. Players hold up the correct side, and the teacher scans the room with a phone or tablet to record answers.
French Four Corners
The French variation of four corners game is the same as the Canadian game, but the middle player is called the “chamber pot.”
Indian Four Corners (Nalugu Stambalata)
Instead of room corners, use four pillars or marked spots. The middle player tries to take someone’s pillar while others switch places. The player who loses their pillar becomes “It.”
Haunted Four Corners Game
Haunted Four Corners is a spooky version of the regular Four Corners game rules. It is played as a game that identifies ghosts and demons in the room. To play, gather four people in a dark room. Everyone should say their names out loud before turning off the lights. One person stands in the middle, while the other three go to different corners, facing the wall. The person in the middle counts down from three. Once they reach zero, everyone moves to the next corner in a clockwise direction.
The idea is that if a ghost or demon is in the room, it will appear in the missing corner where no player is standing.
Some people believe that the haunted 4 corners game can reveal spirits. Scary enough? (Hence, it is reserved mostly for adults.)
Some others think it’s just a fun and scary challenge like Bloody Mary. Whether or not anything spooky happens, it’s a thrilling game to play with friends! Ensure they’re adults.
Wrapping Up
How to play 4 corners game? It appears trivial, but mastering the game is about strategy and observation. Beginners can improve by staying alert to patterns in how “It” selects corners. If a player notices certain corners being picked frequently, they can switch positions wisely.
Movement timing is important– silent and last-second moves reduce the chance of elimination. Another tip is watching opponents; if many gather in one spot, shift away to improve survival odds. Adapting these tactics makes each round more exciting and improves the chances of winning.
FAQs
Can players move between corners while counting is happening?
Yes, players can stay in their corner or move to another one before the countdown ends. But once the middle player points, everyone must freeze.
What happens if the middle player picks an empty corner?
If the chosen corner is empty, anyone who was previously eliminated gets a chance to rejoin the game. The middle player then counts again for the next round.
Can more than four people play Four Corners?
Yes! You can play with any number of people, as long as players can fit into the corners. Just make sure each corner has at least one player before the countdown ends.
How do you play four corners outdoors?
It’s simple. Create artificial corners by marking four corners using cones, chalk, or any other objects. The gameplay remains the same.
If two players are in the same corner and it’s picked, who wins?
No one wins. The person who was “It” goes again. If this keeps happening, choose someone who wants to be “It” and hasn’t had a turn yet.
