Thumper

Everyone picks a simple hand sign, such as a thumbs up, a peace sign or a fist to the chest. Go round once so everyone sees every sign. Then pick a leader.

Everybody drums on the table to the same beat. The leader calls: “What’s the name of the game?” – everyone answers “Thumper!”. Then: “Why do we play it?” – “To party!” (the American original is a lot ruder).

Now the leader makes their own sign first and then another player’s sign. That player must immediately make their own sign and then someone else’s. Play bounces back and forth while everyone keeps drumming.

Hesitate, make the wrong sign, use a sign nobody has or don’t react at all and you drink a sip – and start the next round.

Variations

• Speed up: the drumming gets faster every round.
• Memory chain: each player repeats all previous signs in order and adds one.
• Everyone reacts: the leader makes a sign, everyone answers with their own, and the slowest drinks.

Tips

Signs should be quick and easy to tell apart – two similar gestures cause arguments. Move glasses away from the edge of the table while you drum.