Pirate Flag - A Vietnamese Folk Game

Around the world, children have one thing in common. They love to play folk games. In Vietnam, there are many folk games such as jump robe, catching the goat while blindfolded, … And with me, I like “Pirate flag” game most.

When I was a child, I and my friends used to play this game. Play “Pirate flag” is very cheerful but quite tired. “Pirate flag” is not only a folk game but also a public activity. The purpose of this game is bringing happiness to the players and the viewers. Playing game helps us practice our agility, and co-operation with our partners.
To play this game, we need a small flag, a circle, and starting lines which is also the target of the playing teams. First of all, we need two teams with from 5 to 6 players per team; and a game-controler can’t lack. The members of two teams stand horizontally in the starting lines. Counting by numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 … you must remember your number. Next, the game-controler will call out a number, one member of per team who has that nummber will run quickly to the circle and pirate the flag. And when the game-controler calls any number, who brings this number also comes back immediately. Everytime, the controller can call from 2 to 3 numbers if he wants. In this game, there are some rules which make it more interesting. When holding the flag, if you are be clapped on your body by your antagonist (who has the same numer as you), you will be lose. And on the contrary, if you hold the flag and run safely to your team’s starting line without being clapped on your body, your team will become the winner.

If you have never played the “Pirate flag” game, let you try to play it with your friends or family. I believe that you will have happy moments. But nowadays, children aren’t interested in playing folk games. And we are Vietnamese, we should do something to preserve this national culture.