One-alligator, two-alligator, three-alligator… Most games of Hide and Seek, or Hide and Go Seek if you will, start off with such a countdown, but only after someone’s been chosen to be… It. “It” counts down a pre-chosen number of seconds, usually with the help of a word like alligator, Mississippi or “one-thousand,” during which time the others hide in the best location they can think of.

 

Unlike Tag, where the running is so intense that most parents won’t allow it in the house, Hide and Seek can be played almost anywhere that has enough nooks and crannies for the players to hide behind. Once the countdown finishes, all players should be in their hiding places, hoping “it” won’t find them. Typically the last player to be found is the next game’s “It” and the process repeats itself. In another common variation of the game, anyone who’s been found must race “It” to “home” or whatever starting location “It” had. If the found friend makes it there first, they’re safe, if “It” wins the race then he or she is the new “It.” Once the switch has been made the new “It” shouts “All ‘e, all ‘e, Outs In Free!”… or as most kids said it, “Oly-oly-oxen-free!” The famous phrase brings the rest of the players home and a new game starts up.

 

Of course, no mention of Hide and Seek would be complete without the "romantic" teen versions that abounded. It went by a variety of names, but worked out a little like the group of teens divided themselves into groups of the opposite sex. One group is "It" and the others run out and hide. Played in the dusky hours of the day, once found, "It" kisses his or her find. Romance ensues.

 

The game has remained a playground and in-home classic for generations, and will for generations to come. Ready or not, here we come!