How to Win at Capture the Flag at Night

Last Updated: September 4, 2021

When playing capture the flag at night in the woods or any environment, much more skill comes into play. This will require some fast thinking. You also cannot be afraid of being alone in the woods at night. Get started capturing the flag at step number one below.

Steps

1
Get hold of either camouflage or a dark outfit. Dark blues, grays, browns and greens tend to be less visible at night than actual black because of the silhouettes. Camouflage should match the local environment. The outfit must be comfortable and versatile. Waterproof, washable, durable clothing is desirable. Also, clothing should not be loud-this means no loose clothing that rubs together, things that jingle, or stiff clothing/shoes that creak. Sweats are best. Wear your outfit when playing.
2
Build up speed and endurance before the game. Train by running, playing sports or doing any other exercise that helps to make you a fast runner with plenty of stamina.

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3
Head to the border when the game starts. Move carefully to the border, crawling or staying low at all times. Once there, wait for 20-30 seconds, checking for defenders. Lunge across the border in a low stance. Dive or step into the nearest brush or other cover (depending on the amount of time you think you have).
4
Call for a distraction when you reach the enemy flag. Use a two way radio call for a distraction to happen 100–200 yards (91.4–182.9 m) opposite and behind your location.
- If you do not have a radio, simply wait for someone to do something stupid.
5
Grab the flag and wrap it around your arm so less of you seems to attract attention
6
Call for a party of 4-5 people once you reach the border to surround you and run very fast to the border. The people around you can block tags from the other team, giving you some cover.
- If no one else is available, sneak out the way you came in. This almost always works.
7
Celebrate like crazy. Be sure to rub it in. Now you have bragging rights!

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I create a distraction by myself?

Community Answer

Throw a rock or stick in the opposite direction to make the other team think that you ran that way.
Question

What do I do if there aren't any bushes around?

Community Answer

Wing it and run. If it is at night, make a rule that no flashlights are allowed. That way, it's harder to spot you. Be very quiet. Make a game plan, if you can.
Question

What is the best way to guard the flag?

Community Answer

Always be on the lookout. Imagine how you would try to get the flag if you were on the opposing team, and take measures to counteract these approaches.
Question

What are some good game plans?

Community Answer

Send out one player or two as a distraction on the other side while one of the fastest runners goes to get the flag. Make sure to flank or surround the players distracted by your distractors.
Question

How many people should you play capture the flag with?

Community Answer

You can really play with as many as 50 people (25 on each team) but to make it a bit easier and shorter, I would definitely suggest 30 people (15 on each team).
Question

What should I do if I'm the only one and I'm surrounded?

Community Answer

Say, "I quit," they will most likely walk away. Obviously you didn't really quit, it is just a distraction. If they don't believe you and are still surrounding you, just find the most open space in between the people, and make a run for it.
Question

Can I use my ghillie suit?

HumanBeing

Top Answerer

If your ghillie suit will blend with the area where you are playing Capture the Flag at night and you are confident you can run, hide and play wearing it, you most certainly can use your ghillie suit.

Warnings

If the game is in a public area (park, etc) and the police show up, do NOT run. A cop seeing a person dressed in all blacks and camouflage will automatically give chase. Instead, calmly explain to the officer that you are playing capture the flag and give the time when you will be done. If a problem arises, call the organizer/team captain for explanation.

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Watch out for motion sensor lights, especially in an urban environment, for this will give you away every time.

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Don't take losing too hard--no one likes a sore loser. Remember, it's just a game. Simply call a rematch and beat them in that one.

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Do not play near cliffs or in a dangerous neighborhood.

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Be careful not to become dehydrated while playing, as this can lead to serious consequences. A water bottle is a good idea.

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If playing in another's back yard or on private property of any sort, ALWAYS ask permission. You can get into serious trouble.

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Make sure that certain objects (like radios or small flashlights) are allowed by the rules.

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Firecrackers/other devices may be illegal where you are playing. They can also catch fire to whatever trees or grass are around you. Consider alternate remote noise-making devices (alarm clocks?).

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Have some sort of game-wide identifier that EVERYONE playing knows in case someone from the street decides to start trouble.

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Don't disturb the neighbors, you wouldn't like to be kept up all night.

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Things You'll Need

Camouflage or dark clothing
A flag (preferably light colored)
(optional) 2-way radios, enough for a whole team--headsets with radios make this a lot more convenient
(optional) night vision goggles/scopes
(optional) noisemakers that can be activated at a distance (firecrackers, timed alarms i.e. egg timers, etc.)