How to Play Assassins

Put down the game controller. It's time to organize the fantasy battle of the century – in your own backyard.

Instructions

Step 1: Establish a play area Establish a play area. Your play area can be as small as a player's backyard or as large as a neighborhood.
TIP: The number of players will dictate the size of the play area.
Step 2: Set a time limit Set a time limit. This can be as specific as one or two hours, or as open-ended as until only one player is left.
Step 3: Select a moderator Elect someone to be the moderator. The moderator keeps track of kills, enforces rules, and umpires disputes.
Step 4: Select weapons Select your weaponry. You can use almost anything for a weapon -- toy guns, water balloons, sticks -- anything.
Step 5: Designate safe areas Designate safe zones where no kills are permitted. These can be a porch, a bush, a building -- whatever's convenient.
Step 6: Assign victims Randomly assign a victim to each assassin if you are the moderator. Picking names out of a hat is common practice.
TIP: You can alter the rules to allow players to form alliances with other.
Step 7: Start the game Determine a start time if you're the moderator. Announce that play starts at a certain time.
Step 8: Stalk your victim Stalk your victim. No one knows who their assassin is, so be careful. When you kill your victim, you assume responsibility for their victim.
Step 9: Win the game End the game by being the last assassin alive or by having the most kills when the time is up.
FACT: The assassin bug earns its name by using its straw-shaped mouth to stab its prey, inject a poison, and suck out its juice.