Individual server rules in Four Square

Individual server rules, sometimes also referred to as King rules, are the specific rules that the server (also called the "king" or sometimes the "ace") may decree as effective during a game of four square. These rules vary by extreme lengths across different regions, though often these differences are just the names by which the players refer to the rules. While some rules May Be considered unfair by some players, they are usually unable to be challenged, considering the position of the server. The only way to abolish said rules is to get the server "out," thereby eliminating any previous rules he or she has set.

List of Server Rules

  • Audience- Players waiting their turn in the line outside of the court, referred to by four square players as the "audience," may assist players that are in the court. Interference with gameplay is not allowed, but the audience is allowed to help with minor things, i.e. helping a player hit a ball in-bounds so that player does not get "out." This rule has both stricter and more laid back variants in which the audience may play a different and/or more involved role.
  • Catches- Overrides the standard no-catching rule of four square, allowing catches to be made when the player is outside of the BOUNDARIES of the court. The catcher then reenters the court and reserves the ball, and gameplay resumes. Catches within bounds are still off-limits, however.
  • Inside-Out- When the ball hits an inside boundary, the last person to touch it is "out."
  • No Cherry Bombs- Also called No Power-Slams, this rule disallows the purposeful slamming of the ball in another players square. Often a controversial rule because of disagreements over what exactly constitutes a cherry bomb or power-slam.
  • No Hands- Similar to soccer, players may not use their hands to touch the ball in any way. Only the feet, head, legs, and other parts of the body may be used.
  • Outside-Out- The opposite of inside-out, this rule declares all outside boundaries an automatic "out" for whoever last touched the ball when it hits one.
  • Poison Line- No boundary lines, neither interior nor exterior, may be touched by the ball. In the event that this occurs, the last person to touch the ball is eliminated.
  • Spuds- If a player catches the ball on the court, the person who touched the ball before if was caught is out.
  • Tootie Fruites- Insted of only using your hands you may use all body parts to hit the ball.
  • Jump- A player must catch the ball, jump, and then throw it in antother player's square while still in mid-air.
  • Jump and Spin- Similar to Jump but now a player must jump and do a complete 360 degree turn, before they get rid of the ball.
  • Behind the Back (Tony's Rules)- A player must catch the ball, spin around so their back is to the court, and then thorw it behind them. note* this may be played with "jump".
  • Pegman- If a player catches the ball and yells "Pegman" he must attempt to peg a player with the ball. If the ball touches that person then they are out. If it misses the player whho threw the ball is out.