Setup
Players
- 3 + (the more the merrier!)
Materials
- Chairs, one chair less than the number of players
- Music (larger games might demand a speaker)
Additional Setup Notes
- Make sure you have a playing area large enough to accommodate the players
- Set up the chairs so that they are back to back in a double line.
- Players should move clockwise in a tight circle around the chairs
- Designate a player or friend to be the designated DJ for each round
Objective
Musical chairs is a beloved game perfect for parties and groups of friends. Musical chairs is easy to play and learn; simply grab a seat before the music stops playing and you’re still in the game! Musical chairs has endless replayability, just keep the playlist rolling once the game ends!
Gameplay
After the chairs have been set up for the designated players, the DJ will play some music. Players are only allowed to move while the music is playing. Play the music and have the players walk around the perimeter of the chair circle. While circling the chairs, players should keep up a comfortable pace without slowing down.
At any point they’d like, the DJ will suddenly stop the music. When the music ends, players need to find a chair as quickly as possible. After the scramble to sit, one player will be left standing without a chair. This player is officially out of the game.
Note: Players are not allowed to move chairs or sit down before the music has been paused! If someone plants their bottom on a chair, they’re eliminated. Players should also avoid shoving or pushing other players in order to find a seat.
After each round, remove an additional chair to ensure there is always one less for the amount of people playing. Once the chairs have been realigned, the DJ can feel free to launch another round.
Musical chairs continues like this until one chair remains.
Endgame
Musical Chairs always ends with an exciting face-off between the last two players standing with one chair between them. The round will go as all of the others, but this time, both players circle the singular chair in hopes they’ll be nearby when the music ends. (DJ: Have some fun during the round!) The player that manages to be the last one sitting, wins.
Musical Chairs Variations and Alternate Rules
Musical Chairs can easily get a remix to accommodate different groups or give the game a little refresh. Here are some of the most common variations to Musical Chairs.
- Assigned Seating: A popular twist on Musical Chairs often employed in classrooms is assigned Musical Chairs, which requires there to be as many chairs as players. Each player should write their name on a post-it note. The DJ will put the post-it notes on the chairs in random order. When the music stops, players will scramble to find their assigned seat. The person who finds their seat last is eliminated. The DJ will shuffle up the post-its and set it up again for the next round. This is one of the more peaceful twists to the game.
- Musical Shares: An easy way to keep players involved is by playing the game but allowing for players to share chairs. Make sure to remove one chair after each round but feel free to keep everyone in the game. This version demands players to get creative with how they manage to sit down with a dwindling number of chairs. Get ready to sit on some laps!
- Musical Towels: While traditionally played with chairs, Musical Chairs can be easily changed to accommodate whatever seats you may have. For trips to the beach, it’s fun to play Musical Chairs with towels for a fun summer-themed twist.
