Quick Description
A high energy and playful group game where teams of three try to randomly display a total of exactly 11 fingers. It’s fast, energizing, and surprisingly thrilling—even though success is pure luck.
How to Play
- Form Groups: Have players get into groups of three. If you have an odd number, create one group of four or let a facilitator step in as needed.
- Chant Together: Each group begins by rhythmically chanting:
“One two three four!” - Reveal Fingers: On the word “four,” all three players use one hand to simultaneously throw out any number of fingers (from zero to five) in front of them.
- Count Fingers: As a group, quickly count the total number of fingers shown.
- Objective: The goal is to land exactly 11 fingers between the three of you.
- Try Again: If your total is not 11, simply reset and try again:
“One, two, three, four!” - Celebrate Big: When your group hits 11 fingers, go wild. High-five, cheer, dance, scream—really over-celebrate your success.
- Spread the Joy: Once you’ve finished celebrating, go cheer on other groups that are still playing. Eventually, all attention focuses on the final group working to reach 11, creating a big communal moment of support and joy.
Notes
- This game is entirely luck-based, which levels the playing field and removes any performance anxiety.
- It builds energy, connection, and celebration. Even the smallest “win” is turned into a big moment of joy.
- It’s ideal at the start of a session when you want people to loosen up, laugh, and feel included.
- A fun debrief is to ask: “How much credit do you deserve for winning?” This opens a light discussion about teamwork, luck, and over-attribution.
- Works great even in fixed-seat auditoriums, because players don’t need much space—just their hands and some willingness to play.
Variations
- Silent Version: Don’t chant—just raise your fingers simultaneously. This raises the tension and sharpens focus.
- High Stakes Round: Require players to close their eyes before revealing fingers for added surprise.
- Psychic Mode: Challenge groups to get 11 without talking at all, encouraging nonverbal intuition.
- Championship Round: The last group to get 11 must perform a victory dance while everyone else cheers.
Origin
This game was shared by Matt Weinstein, founder and “Emperor” of Playfair, who has used it with groups of all sizes. It’s part of his philosophy of celebrating success—especially small successes—with wild enthusiasm. Though it looks like a coordination game, it’s actually about joyful connection.
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