Shoulders

Name and Purpose

Shoulders is a progressive circle game where players build a shared set of rules together.
Players practise memory, focus, creativity, and taking turns in a calm and funny setting.

a.k.a.

Age / Group / Time / Space

Ages 8-16 | 8-20 players | 15-25 minutes | Seated circle, chairs or floor, indoors or outdoors

Materials

Quick-Run Card

Sit in a circle; one player taps their right or left shoulder with a closed fist and says “1.”
The shoulder tapped points direction: left shoulder tap = the player to the left goes next.
At 7 and 17, use the crossing-arm rule to redirect play.
Reaching 21 earns the right to add a new rule for a number pair.
Mistakes restart the count from 1. No removal. Play until the time limit or all numbers have rules.

Setup and Boundaries

Players sit close enough to see each other clearly
Signal: one clap from staff = pause and restart from 1; two claps = stop and regroup
Ensure the circle is tight enough that players can track the direction of play

How to Play

Players sit in a circle. One player starts by tapping their own shoulder with a closed fist and saying “1.”
The direction of play follows the shoulder tapped: right shoulder tap means the player to the right goes next; left shoulder means the player to the left goes next.
Play continues clockwise or counter-clockwise based on shoulder direction, with each player tapping and calling the next number.
Starting rule: at 7, the player extends both arms horizontally, one above the other. The top arm points to the next player; at 17, the bottom arm points to the next player. The player chooses which arm is on top.
When the count reaches 21, that player earns the right to add a new rule. Rules are added in pairs (e.g., 2 and 12, 6 and 16). 21 is the only number without a pair.
Some example rules: point at someone across the circle instead of tapping a shoulder; look in the opposite direction; say the number in a silly voice.
If a player makes a mistake, the count restarts from 1. No one leaves the circle.
Play continues until all numbers have rules or until the time limit is reached.
The group celebrates the total number of rules they created together.

I-OPt Options

A (Active): Compete in the main circle, tracking all rules and directing play
S (Support): Keep a written list of current rules visible to the group; help new players
Q (Quiet): Participate in the circle with a focus on accuracy rather than speed
O (Observer): Watch from outside the circle and track how many rules have been added; join the next round

Inclusion Adaptations

Players who struggle to remember multiple rules may have a written list of current rules visible to them during play
Players with limited shoulder mobility may tap their knee instead; the left/right direction rule stays the same

Stewardship Moment

No materials needed; the whole game runs on memory and creativity
Reflection: “We built this whole game together, one rule at a time. What does that say about what your group can create?”

Consent

Pre-brief: “This game involves being on the spot when it is your turn. For those not comfortable with being watched closely, keeping the rules list as a helper on the outside is another option.”
Mid-game check: After the first time the count reaches 21, pause and check energy with a thumbs up or sideways.
Opt-out/re-entry: Any player may step outside the circle for a break and re-enter at any point.

Risks and Mitigation

Players frustrated by restarting from 1: frame restarts as part of the fun, not as punishment; keep energy light
Rule overload making the game unplayable: staff can cap the number of rules at a manageable level for the group’s age
One player adding confusing or unkind rules: staff has the right to gently redirect rule suggestions that don’t fit the group

Warm-Up Suggestions

“Fizz Buzz”: count around the circle substituting “fizz” for multiples of 3; familiar number-game warm-up
A quick shoulder tap practice round with no numbers to get everyone comfortable with the motion

Debrief Questions

What? “What was the hardest rule to remember? What made it harder as more rules were added?”
So What? “What helped you keep track? What made you lose track?”
Now What? “When in life do you have to follow a set of rules that keeps growing?”

Cleanup and Reset