The players are divided into two or more equal groups, and each group is subdivided as for a shuttle relay into two divisions. One division of each group stands in single file behind the starting line at one end of the ground, the other division facing it in single file behind the opposite starting line. Between the two divisions should stretch the row of spots. The receptacle should be on the spot near the first runner.
At a signal, the first runner of each team starts over the line, takes a potato from the box, places it on the first spot, returns, gets another potato, places it on another spot, and so on until all are placed; he need not observe strictly the consecutive order of the spots. He then runs forward and touches the outstretched hand of the first runner in the opposite file of his team. This runner must pick up the potatoes and replace them in the box one at a time, and then "touch off" the player facing him in the opposite file. Each player, as he finishes his part ("touches off" the next runner), should leave the running space entirely and not line up with his team. The line nearest the box serves as a finish line, and the team wins whose last runner, having replaced the last potato, is first to get over this line.
If a potato be dropped, the runner must pick it up and replace it in the box or on the spot, then make his play over again.
The above description is for a comparatively informal game. For a strict athletic contest for junior players the following rules, used by the Girls' Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League, New York City, are given:—
The laying out of the grounds should be for four spots in each row, two yards between each, with the starting lines two yards back of the first and fourth spots. The receptacle is placed on the spot nearest the first runners, and should be a pail, basket, box, or can, not over twenty-four inches in circumference at the opening. Three potatoes are used.
The first runners start on signals, "On your marks!" "Get set!" (or "Get ready!") "Go!" There should be a judge to score fouls for each division of each team, and two judges at the finish.
In case of a tie, the tied teams play again.
Fouls consist in: 1. Placing a potato otherwise than on the mark. 2. Leaving a potato outside the receptacle instead of in it, whether it be dropped outside or bound out. 3. Starting over the line without the "touch off." Any foul corrected before going on with the next step in the game does not score as a foul. Teams win in the order of finishing, plus consideration of the record on fouls. Thus, a team finishing fourth, with no fouls, would get first place, if the teams finishing first, second, and third all had fouls.
| Teams | Order of Finishing | Number of Fouls | Order of Winning |
| A | 1 | 8 | Fourth place |
| B | 3 | 3 | Third place |
| C | 4 | 0 | First place |
| D | 2 | 3 | Second place |