United Kingdom (origin unclear; played in British and American schools since at least the 1950s)
Heads Down Thumbs Up
Also known as Seven Up, Heads Up Seven Up, Thumbs Up Seven Up
A quiet indoor guessing game where selected players secretly press thumbs and others must guess who pressed theirs.
7+ playersAges 5-12In or outCalmSmall spaceNo kit
The rules
How to play
1
All players sit at tables or in a circle with heads down, eyes closed, and one thumb raised.
2
The leader (or teacher) selects 3, 7 players to move silently around and each press down exactly one person's thumb, then return to the front.
3
The leader calls 'Heads up!' The players whose thumbs were pressed stand and each guess who pressed their thumb.
4
If they guess correctly, they swap places with that presser for the next round.
Keep it fair
Strictly enforce heads-down, even a quick peek disqualifies that player for the round; make it a point of honour to play with eyes completely shut.
Good for building
deductionmemoryobservationself-control
What you need
Nothing at all, just the kids.
More to play
