We're including this song on the site so people can learn about past games. However, it should be noted that, according to Wikipedia, "Like British Bulldog the game of Red Rover has been banned by many schools because of the risk of potential physical harm. This negative reputation has a long history."

Carl McCall shared this game with the note: "As a child during recess at school we used to play 'Red Rover, Red Rover'... When I searched for this 'memory', I was pleased/surprised to discover that its other name is 'Forcing The City Gates' and it is played in Russia, Hungary, Serbia, Moldova, Czech and elsewhere under different names. I learned something!"

Red Rover, Red Rover - American Children's Songs - The USA - Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Rhymes from Around the World  - Intro Image

Notes

*Insert child's name.

Game Instructions

"As a child during recess at school we used to play 'Red Rover, Red Rover'... where the class would divide in half and each side would link hands to form a human chain. Then the Leader of one side would name a child on the opposite team in such a manner: 'Red Rover, Red Rover send _______ right over!' Which would be the cue for the named child to charge the line that just called for him/her in an attempt to break through it. If they break through, they stay on the side they started on. If they don't break through they have to switch to the other team...." -Carl McCall

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Thanks and Acknowledgements

Thanks to Carl McCall for sharing this game with us!

Photo: By Kyra Malicse - Red Rover, Red Rover, CC BY 2.0.