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#34 Medium

Seven Up

Count around the circle but clap instead of saying numbers with 7 in them - like 7, 14, 17, 27. Keeps brains sharp and gets harder as numbers climb.

quick mental concentration no-prep circle teens adult classroom

Group Size:

5-20 people

Duration:

5-15 minutes

Difficulty:

Medium

How to Play:

Seven Up - How to Play
  1. 1

    Sit in a circle. Pick someone to start counting from 1

  2. 2

    Go around the circle counting up: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...

  3. 3

    When you hit a multiple of 7 (7, 14, 21, 28...) or a number containing 7 (17, 27, 37, 70-79...), clap instead of saying the number

  4. 4

    The next person continues with the next number

  5. 5

    If you say a 7-number out loud or clap at the wrong time, you're out or get a penalty

  6. 6

    Keep going faster to increase difficulty

Seven Up

A classic party and classroom game that’s deceptively simple. Count up from 1, but clap when you hit anything with a 7. Sounds easy? Wait until you’re going fast and someone has to handle 77.

No materials needed. Just a circle of people and some quick brains. Gets harder the higher you count and the faster you go.

Best For:

Quick mental warm-ups, focus training, keeping groups alert, filling short time gaps, building concentration skills

Pro Tips

  • Start slow to let everyone get the hang of it

  • Count out loud together the first few rounds as practice

  • Speed up gradually - the faster you go, the harder it gets

  • For beginners, only skip multiples of 7 (ignore numbers containing 7)

  • For experts, add reverse direction when someone messes up

  • Keep penalties fun and light - make a silly sound, do a dance move, or just laugh it off

Variations

  • Beginner mode: Only skip multiples of 7 (7, 14, 21, 28...). Numbers like 17, 27 are said normally

  • Expert mode: Skip multiples AND numbers containing 7 (this means 70-79 are all claps!)

  • Reverse direction: When someone makes a mistake, reverse the counting direction

  • Different number: Use 3, 5, or 8 instead of 7 for variety

  • Add actions: Clap once for ones digit 7, clap twice for tens digit 7, stomp for multiples

  • Speed challenge: Use a timer and see how high you can count in 2 minutes

FAQ

What counts as a 7-number?
Multiples of 7 (7, 14, 21) and numbers containing the digit 7 (17, 27, 70-79). Beginners can skip the 'containing' rule.
What happens when someone makes a mistake?
Keep it light - they're out for that round, do a silly action, or just continue. The goal is fun, not punishment.
How do we handle numbers in the 70s?
All numbers 70-79 contain 7, so they're all claps in expert mode. This stretch is notoriously difficult.

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