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Double Tap

Columbus' rules to surviving the zombie apocalypse. The rules repeatedly appear throughout the first movie, often in comedic placements and interacting with the environment, such as when a zombie knocked off "o" in "cardio" in the gas station chase.

The rules[]

  • #1: Cardio - When the virus struck, for obvious reasons, the first ones to go were the fatties.
  • #2: Double Tap - In those moments when you're not sure the undead are really dead dead, don't get all stingy with your bullets.
  • #3: Beware of Bathrooms - Don't let them catch you with your pants down.
  • #4: Seatbelts - Fasten your seat belts. It's gonna be a bumpy ride.
  • #5: No Attachments -
  • #7: Travel Light - And I don't mean just luggage.
  • #9: With Your Bare Hands -
  • #10: Don't Swing Low -
  • #11: Use Your Foot -
  • #13: Shake It Off -
  • #14: Always Carry a Change of Underwear -
  • #16: Opportunity Knocks -
  • #17: Don't be a Hero - Why don't you take this one?
    • #17: Be a Hero - Some rules are made to be broken. (Rule updated)
  • #18: Limber Up - Going down that hill, it is very important.
  • #19: Break It Up -
  • #20: It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint, Unless It's a Sprint, then Sprint -
  • #22: When in Doubt, Know Your Way Out
  • #23: Ziploc™ Bags - You got enough problems, moisture shouldn't be one of them.
  • #24: Use Your Thumbs -
  • #25: Shoot First -
  • #26: A Little Sunscreen Never Hurt Anybody -
  • #27: Incoming! -
  • #28: Double-Knot Your Shoes -
  • #30: Pack Your Stain Stick -
  • #31: Check the Back Seat - No one back there but my duffel bag.
  • #32: Enjoy the Little Things - I hate to give credit to anyone who looks like Yosemite Sam, but I'm writing it down.
  • #42: Keep Your Hands to Yourself - It's just polite.
  • #52: Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help - Yeah and they ignored rule 52: don't be afraid to ask for help.
  • #53: Wet Naps -

Reasonings behind the rules[]

Columbus' rules were designed for survivability foremost, each rule an attempt mitigate the dangers of Zombieland or to make daily life in it more bearable.

  • #1: Cardio - Zombies aren't fast. To escape, it's more important to be able to run longer than faster.
  • #2: Double Tap - One clean shot to the head can protect against zombies playing possum.
  • #3: Beware of Bathrooms - Zombies know to hang around them, caution can help avoid an ambush.
  • #4: Seatbelts - Wear one, zombies rarely do. Braking can send them flying away.
  • #7: Travel Light - Traveling light means traveling fast. Only pack essentials.
  • #17: Don't be a Hero - Unnecessary risks are risks that shouldn't be taken.
    • #17: Be a Hero - But for loved ones, some risks are worth taking.
  • #18: Limber Up - A muscle cramp during a zombie chase is a death sentence.
  • #22: When in Doubt, Know Your Way Out - Knowing where to flee can aid an escape.
  • #23: Ziploc™ Bags -
  • #26: A Little Sunscreen Never Hurt Anybody -
  • #31: Check the Back Seat - Zombies or little girls with guns may hide there, don't be caught off guard.
  • #32: Enjoy the Little Things - Zombieland is harsh, enjoy happiness where it can be found to stay sane.
  • #42: Keep Your Hands to Yourself - It ostensibly leads to better group cohesion and facilitation of rule #52.
  • #52: Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help - Groups have a greater chance of survival.
  • #53: Wet Naps -

Commandments[]

Flagstaff had a variant list of rules he referred to as Commandments. They include but are not limited to:

  • Commandment #1: Teamwork.
  • Commandment #5: Confirm Your Kills.
  • Commandment #12: The World is Your Bathroom.
  • Commandment #13: Avoid Perishables.
  • Commandment #16: Expect the Unexpected.
  • Commandment #20: Warm Up.
  • Commandment #28: Shade.
  • Commandment #29: Cardiovascular Fitness.
  • Commandment #45: Mind Your Manners.

Deleted Rules[]

Promotional videos starring Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg expanded on the list presented in the film (with descriptions by a fan):

  • #6: Cast Iron Skillet
  • #8: Get a Kick-ass Partner
  • #12: Bounty Paper Towels
  • #15: Bowling Ball - It’s noisy
  • #21: Avoid Strip Clubs
  • #29: The Buddy System
  • #33: Swiss Army Knife - It’s small, and it’s handy
  • #34: Clean Socks
  • #48: Hygiene
  • #49: Always Have Backup - It’s very easy to get in danger. Don’t rely on a Berkeley. That guy is just running flesh.

Notes[]

In Zombieland: Double Tap, rule #26 "A little sunscreen never hurt anybody" was listed as rule #36.

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