How to Play Sorry for Kids

Kids 8–12 · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting to play Sorry?

Before playing Sorry, you will need the Sorry board game, which includes a game board, four sets of four pawns (usually red, blue, yellow, and green), a deck of Sorry cards, and a group of 2 to 4 players. Each player chooses a color and places their four pawns in the corresponding start area. The goal is to move all four pawns around the board to the home area. Make sure you have a flat surface to play on and enough space for everyone to sit comfortably. It helps if everyone understands the basic idea of taking turns and following game rules. For kids, setting up the game together can be a fun way to start, as it introduces the board layout and where each piece goes.

How do you start the game and take the first steps?

1. Shuffle the Sorry cards and place the deck face down.
2. Decide who goes first by any fair method, like rolling a die or youngest player.
3. On your turn, draw the top card from the deck.
4. Follow the instructions on the card to move your pawns. Cards tell you how many spaces to move or special actions.
5. If you draw a Sorry card, you can take one pawn from your start and send an opponent’s pawn back to their start—this is a playful way to “say sorry” in the game!
6. Each player takes turns clockwise.

Taking turns in order teaches patience and fairness. Moving pawns based on the card number practices counting and planning.

What are the special rules to know while playing Sorry?

• You must move a pawn out of your start area only when you draw a 1 or 2 card.
• If you land on a space occupied by an opponent’s pawn, you “bump” their pawn back to their start.
• Sliding: If you land on a colored slide at the beginning, you slide ahead to the end of it, knocking off any pawns in your way.
• Pawns must move exactly the number of spaces on the card, no more or less.
• You cannot land on your own pawns.
• The goal is to get all four pawns into your home area by exact count.

These rules create fun challenges and chances to bump opponents, which helps kids learn about consequences and friendly competition.

How do you know if you are winning or if the game is working?

You are winning when you successfully get more of your pawns from start through the board into your home area than the other players. The game is working if players take turns correctly, follow the rules, and enjoy moving pawns around without confusion. Count pawns safely in the home area to track progress. Kids feel proud when they get a pawn safely home or use a Sorry card to send an opponent back, practicing playful apologies.

What should you do if the game gets confusing or if arguments happen?

Sometimes kids may get confused about where pawns can move or if they bumped someone fairly. If that happens:

• Stop and review the rules together calmly.
• Use the board and cards to explain moves clearly.
• Remind players that it’s a game about fun and learning to take turns.
• Encourage saying “sorry” if someone feels upset, linking the game’s Sorry card to real-life apologies.
• If disagreements continue, pause the game and suggest a break or ask an adult to help mediate.

This helps kids learn to handle disagreements and understand the meaning behind “sorry” beyond the game.

How can you adapt Sorry for kids aged 8 to 12?

For kids aged 8 to 12, simplify explanations and focus on the fun of the game rather than strict competition. You can:

• Use fewer cards or shorten the game by requiring fewer pawns to get home.
• Play in teams to encourage cooperation.
• Add a rule where players say why they are “sorry” when using a Sorry card, helping connect the game to real apologies.
• Use the game to practice counting or reading cards aloud to build skills.
• Celebrate good sportsmanship and taking turns with praise.

Adapting the game keeps kids engaged and reinforces important social skills like apologizing and sharing.

Why is playing Sorry helpful for kids’ social skills?

Playing Sorry teaches kids about taking turns, following rules, handling winning and losing gracefully, and apologizing in a fun way. The Sorry card itself is a playful reminder that sometimes we make mistakes and saying sorry is part of playing nicely with others. Kids practice patience when they wait their turn and learn to cope with getting bumped back. These lessons support kindness, fairness, and friendship skills useful in school and life.

What are some examples of kid-friendly ways to explain Sorry moves?

• “If you get a 1 or 2 card, you can bring a pawn out of your start. Think of it like waking your pawn up!”
• “Landing on an opponent’s pawn sends them back to start, but don’t worry, it’s just part of the game!”
• “Sliding on a colored slide means you get a fun ride ahead, but watch out—you might bump some pawns back!”
• “When you draw a Sorry card, you get to say ‘sorry’ and send someone back, just like when you accidentally bump into a friend.”

Using simple phrases like these helps kids understand what to do and what the moves mean in a friendly way.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a typical game of Sorry last for kids?

A typical game of Sorry lasts about 20 to 30 minutes for kids aged 8 to 12. The length depends on how many players there are and how fast turns go, but it’s usually short enough to keep kids interested and focused.

Can Sorry be played with more than 4 players?

Sorry is designed for 2 to 4 players. For more players, you can form teams or rotate players in and out, but playing with more than 4 at once is not recommended because the board and pawns are limited.

What should I do if a child refuses to say sorry during the game?

Encourage the child by explaining that the Sorry card is just a fun part of the game and saying sorry helps keep the game friendly. You can model apologizing and praise them when they try, helping them understand how apologies build kindness.

Is Sorry appropriate for teaching kids about real apologies?

Sorry can introduce the idea of apologizing in a playful way, but it’s important to also teach kids how to say sorry sincerely in real life. For more on this, see articles about how to teach kids to say sorry and understand apologies.

What skills do kids develop by playing Sorry?

Kids develop counting and number recognition, turn-taking, patience, understanding game rules, handling winning and losing, and social skills related to apologizing and fairness.