One person is chosen to become "It." The players scatter around the room and "It" tries to tag them. The players may become safe from being tagged by assuming a squatting position. When "It" is not close by, they stand up and run again. Each player may use this method of escape three times and then may escape only by running. If "It" retreats five steps from a player who has escaped by assuming the squatting position, and then returns, the player must run or is liable to be tagged. Anyone who is tagged becomes "It" and the game continues.