How to Play the Game Graveyard

Last Updated: September 30, 2022

Graveyard is a very fun game that can be played anywhere. It also builds patience and makes it fun for kids to learn to stay still. The next time that you need to do something fun, take a crack at Graveyard.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Basics

1
Gather at least five people. You will need one person to be it, and at least two other competitors. The magic number is around eight, but it's okay if you don't have enough people.
2
Find a place that can comfortably fit the amount of people you have. Make sure there is plenty of space for everyone to move around. The designated place should also be clean, because people will be lying on the ground.

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3
Choose someone to be "it." You can do rock, paper, scissors, or just blindly choose a person. It does not matter who the "it" is, but there needs to be one.
4
Have the person that is "it" count down from ten. During that time, the players need to assemble into a position on the ground. Once time is up, everyone needs to be still. Anyone caught moving by the person that is it is eliminated.
5
Stay still unless you are it. The only things you are allowed to move are your eyelids. You cannot move your mouth, legs, or hands.
- Realize that even if you move, you are not out unless the person playing "it" sees it. This applies even if another player catches you.
6
Have the "it" person start looking for movements. Once the person that is it catches you, you are out. Eliminated players can help "it" check the remaining players for movements, but they cannot eliminate players themselves. They can, however, tip "it" about where to look for movements.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Tips for Players

1
Assume the position you put yourself in when in bed. Usually, this will be the most natural to you, and it will not feel as hard to stay still.
2
Cover your face. It is recommended to tuck your face under your arms or in your chest. That way, if someone comes by, they will not be able to see your mouth or nose.
3
Close your eyes. You will be less likely to panic if you do not know that someone is watching you. Take deep breaths and relax while playing.
4
Stretch when the coast is clear. Make sure the person playing it is not near you, and cannot see you very well. If you are unable to turn your head to check, take breaks when you hear the "it" person's voice somewhere within ten feet of you.
- It does not matter if another player sees you, whether they are still in or out. The one that is "it" is the only person with the power to eliminate other players.
5
Choose a hidden place to stay still. If you are out of everyone's view, then there is less chance the person that is it will come looking for you. Corners, under desks, and behind stuff are good places to hide. Avoid places where a lot of people are because "it" will most likely be there until he/she has gotten a good number of players out.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Tips for the Person Playing "It"

1
Be quiet. Players are less cautious if they think that no one is watching. Walk up from behind and carefully make sure they're not moving.
2
Ask the eliminated players to help you out. They can keep a close eye on certain people, and inform you where the person tends to move the most. Make sure you tell them not to make much sound when they spot movement, because the players will immediately know to be cautious.
3
Check their face and hands. Players will know that any large movements, such as moving their legs, will be spotted, so they will prefer to move in parts that can be easily hidden. If their face is covered, try to lean over them without alerting the player.