Duck, Duck, Goose (also called Duck, Duck, Gray Duck or Daisy in the Dell) is a traditional children's game usually learned first in preschool or kindergarten. The game is often played on the playground by early elementary students. The goal of the game is for players to walk in a circle, with one person tapping each player's head until one is chosen. The chosen player must then chase the person who tapped to avoid becoming the next person to pick.

Basic concept

A group of players sits in a circle, facing the center. One player is chosen to be "it" and walks around the circle, tapping or pointing to each player while calling them "duck" one by one. When the player reaches the last person, they say "goose," naming that player as the chaser. The chaser (goose) stands up and tries to tag the player who was originally "it." At the same time, the player who was "it" attempts to run to the spot where the chaser (goose) was sitting and sit down. If the player who was "it" successfully reaches their original spot, the chaser (goose) becomes the new "it," and the game starts again. If the chaser (goose) tags the player who was "it" before they can sit down, the chaser (goose) returns to their previous spot, and the original "it" continues the game.

Variations

In 1894, British folklorist Alice Gomme described a game where the picker uses a handkerchief to touch the shoulders of players in a circle. The picker says "not you" repeatedly until reaching the chosen chaser, then places the handkerchief on the chaser’s shoulder and says "but you." The picker then runs around the outside of the circle, chased by the chaser. When the chaser catches the picker, the chaser leads the picker to the center of the ring and claims a kiss. The original picker then joins the circle, and the chaser becomes the new picker for the next round. Gomme noted regional differences: in Shropshire, players run in opposite directions to reach the starting point first, while in London, the chase moves through the clasped hands of others in the ring. She also described "Drop Handkerchief," a version without kissing, and linked the game to similar games like French Jackie and Cat after Mouse.

Gomme suggested that "Kiss in the Ring" may have roots in early traditions of marriage by choice. She noted that the practice of using a glove as a challenge signal might have evolved into using a handkerchief in this game.

In a 1919 book, Entertaining Made Easy, Emily Rose Burt described a variation where children stand in a circle, holding hands. The daisy picker walks around the outside, saying, "Daisy in the dell, I don’t pick you… I do pick you."

Another version, "Duck, duck, gray duck," is played in Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin. Instead of shouting "goose," the picker calls out "gray duck!" or "duck, duck, gray duck!" The picker may use other colors or words, such as "green duck, purple duck, yellow duck, gross duck, grape duck, gray duck!" In some areas, the direction of running may change.

A variation called "Drip, drip, drop" is played in warmer climates. One player, called "it," carries a container of water around the circle, dripping a small amount on each person’s head. The player then selects someone to "drop" the entire container on their head. That person must chase "it" and tag them before "it" sits in the spot of the person who was "dropped" on. If "it" is tagged, they stay "it" for another round.