How to Play Spud

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Last Updated: March 27, 2024

Spud is a fun outdoor game for children. It's not only fun, but is a great form of exercise! And it's a very simple game, too. All you need to play spud is at least 5 people! So read on for instructions on how to play the game of Spud.

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They will not be it for the whole game, just to start out. It must secretly give each player a number, including themselves. Although numbers work best, sports, colors, and animals work as well. Try to make the numbers in a certain range, usually 1 to 10. If you have at least 8 players, use 1 through 12. Make sure that each player has their own number.^{[1]
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It must then shout out a number while throwing the ball in the air. All players, including "it", must run away from the ball. But, if your number is called, you must catch the ball and say "Spud!" When you say "spud", everyone must freeze.

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Now, they have to throw it at that player. If they miss, or the player catches the ball, the thrower gets an "S". If the player gets hit, they get an "S". The player that they hit (or missed) is the next thrower.
If a ghost number is called, everyone must rush up to the ball and touch it. The last player to do so gets a letter.
For each letter a player gets, spell out S-P-U-D. If you spell out S-P-U-D you lose. The last player standing is the winner.^{[2]
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Who created this game?

LeahlovesGod

Top Answerer

This game has been played for over a hundred years. It is not known which individual created the game. It wouldn't be surprising if it was a group of school-aged kids who created it and played it for fun and as a pastime. The earliest findings of the game I found online was in a book called "Games for the Playground, Home, School, and Gymnasium by Jessie Hubbell Bancroft (pg. 404). This book can be read for free on Gutenberg.org.

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Would a basketball be okay for playing SPUD?

Fall down house

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Sure! Anything works!

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What if my friend screams, whines, and cries if she loses and her parents insist that we were wrong?

Community Answer

Then you should not play spud with that person and tell your friend that you will not play with her for a while if she keeps doing that and does not learn to be a good teammate and player of the game. She will not be very successful if she whines and cries every time something bad happens to her. You don't need to worry about her parents. Ask them if they insist to deal with your parents.

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Tips

Always pay attention to the thrower.

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Someone's number can be called more than once.

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Go towards the player who has less letters or is closest to you.

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