The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

RED ROVER

RED ROVER IS A GAME PLAYED BY ANY NUMBER OF PEOPLE AS
LONG AS THERE ARE MORE THAN SIX. THE PLAYERS DIVIDE
AND FORM TWO LINES. THE PLAYERS HOLD HANDS AND
PLAYERS FROM THE OTHER SIDE TRY TO BREAK THEIR HOLD.
THEY COME RUNNING ONE AT A TIME AS THEY ARE CALLED.
THE USUAL CALL IS: "RED ROVER, RED ROVER, SEND
JOHNNY RIGHT OVER." IF A PLAYER FAILS TO BREAK A HOLD
HE MUST REMAIN ON THAT SIDE. THE SIDES TAKE TURNS
CALLING OVER PLAYERS. THE GAME ENDS WHEN ALL PLAYERS
ARE ON ONE SIDE OR WHEN SOMEONE BREAKS AN ARM.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; WESTLAND

Date learned: 09-15-1969