How Do You Play the London Bridge Game?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you looking for a fun game to play with your friends or family? Look no further than the classic game of London Bridge!

This traditional children’s game is easy to learn and provides hours of entertainment. In this article, we’ll go over the rules of the game and how to play it.

What You’ll Need

The beauty of London Bridge is that you don’t need any special equipment to play. All you need is a group of people and some space. The more players, the better!

How to Play London Bridge

To start the game, form two lines facing each other, with players holding hands to create an arch. This is the “bridge.” One player stands underneath the bridge.

The players making up the bridge then sing:

London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down,
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair lady.

As they sing, they begin to lower their arms in a back-and-forth motion, as if they are “collapsing” the bridge. When they finish singing, they catch the player who is under the bridge.

The caught player then joins one side of the bridge while another player takes their place in the middle. The game continues until all players have had a turn being caught.

Variations on London Bridge

While the basic rules for London Bridge are simple and straightforward, there are many variations on how to play it. Here are just a few:

  • Musical chairs style: Players walk around in a circle while singing “London Bridge.” When someone says “stop,” everyone freezes in place. The person who is closest to being under the bridge when everyone stops becomes the next person under the bridge.
  • Statues: Players stand still while singing “London Bridge.” When they finish the song, they must remain completely still.

    The player under the bridge then tries to make one of them move by tickling or poking them. If a player moves, they become the next person under the bridge.

  • Running: Instead of walking, players run around in a circle while singing “London Bridge.” When someone says “stop,” everyone freezes and the person who is furthest from one of the bridge’s sides becomes the next person under the bridge.

Conclusion

London Bridge is a classic game that has been around for generations. It’s easy to learn, requires no special equipment, and can be played with any number of players. So gather your friends and family and start singing “London Bridge is falling down” today!