Counting game

The counting game is a cooperative game usually played by a large number of participants, possibly as few as three or as many as twenty, but working best with around ten.

Rules

As a group, players must count from 1 to 20, subject to certain rules (the number 20 is somewhat arbitrary and can be changed). The rules are:

• When two players say at the same time a number, or if any player counts out of order, the count starts again from 1. It is difficult to determine when two players said a number precisely at the same time, but anyway one rule or the other is violated and must start again.
• Each participant should contribute to at least one number; none can remain silent throughout the game.
• Participants usually sit on their backs or in a dark room, so that no bodily signals can be used.
• No player can say two consecutive numbers (for example, a person who says "6" cannot say "7").
• "A-B Cycles" are not allowed either. While it is generally accepted that the player A says "6", then B "7" and A "8", that this pattern would not continue to be allowed.
• Similarly, recognizable patterns are not advisable (players counting in order, in the sense of clock needles or opposite) (this component of success is not well defined, but since this game is not usually played in formal provisions, usually it doesn't matter much).

Difficulties

This game, especially in large groups, is quite difficult. If a rhythm emerges, two players will likely say a number at the same time.

Impatience is also an obstacle for players in this game. Strategically speaking, it is better for players to wait and have larger intervals between numbers, as this reduces the chance of overlap. However, players get nervous during delays and usually decide to "take charge" of the situation by saying the next number.