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	Dipping Rhymes

How can I start a Game?

Have you ever wondered how to start a game? Who will be 'It'? Who will be the 'Chaser'? Who will play the unpopular part this time?

Chidren across the world have traditionally used rhymes to solve these problems.

The players stand in a circle. One player chants a rhyme and points briefly at each player in turn for each syllable. The player the last count falls on is then either made the chaser, and the game begins - or is 'counted out' and stands aside while the rhyme is repeated. The chaser is then the last player left in the circle.

This procedure is called 'dipping' in England, or 'counting-out' in Scotland and the United States. The practice of saying 'dip' before starting the rhyme dates from the nineteenth century. Many children feel that if the first count is to the ground, the subsequent counting is more magical. In France when children start in a similar way, they say 'pouce'.

Use the links to find a variety of different dipping rhymes that you can use to start a game.