The Numbers Game - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

The Numbers Game is a drinking game in the No Equipment category for 4-15 players that takes about 15-25 min with a medium difficulty level.

Count with word replacements

Equipment Needed

Setup

Grab your drinks and form a seated circle with all players within earshot of one another. Decide on a starting player, and agree on the counting direction (clockwise or counterclockwise). Make sure everyone understands the specific substitutions: say 'buzz' for any number containing 7, clap for multiples of 7, and 'fizz' for any number containing 3. Drink of choice should be on-hand for penalties.

How to Play The Numbers Game

  1. Count around the circle
  2. Replace 7s with 'buzz'
  3. Replace multiples of 7 with clap
  4. Replace numbers with 3 with 'fizz'
  5. Multiple rules can stack
  6. Wrong action = drink
  7. Hesitate = drink
  8. Gets faster each round

Tips & Strategies

Start slow for the first round so everyone gets used to the rules. When rules start stacking, focus on the clapping rule since it's the easiest to slip up on during faster rounds. If you're unsure whether a number qualifies for multiple substitutions, say the sequence in your head once before speaking,you'll avoid that dreaded hesitation penalty. Don't forget: if someone says 'buzz' when they should clap, call them out immediately.

Variations

Reverse Chaos. Double Trouble. No Mercy Mode

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a number is both a multiple of 7 and contains a 3?
Both rules apply. For example, 21 would require you to clap for the multiple of 7 and say 'fizz' for the 3.
Can someone sit out if they mess up too much?
Not typically. The game usually continues with everyone playing, but you can add a house rule to let someone tap out after a certain number of drinks if needed.
What if two people call out actions at the same time?
The group decides who was right and who hesitated or made the mistake. The wrong or slower person drinks.
What happens if the counting reaches triple digits?
The game gets even trickier! All rules still apply, so keep track of numbers like 137 (buzz for the 7) or 231 (fizz for the 3).

Players: 4-15 | Duration: 15-25 min | Difficulty: medium

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