Number rules
Cooperative Buzz
Count around the circle, replacing selected numbers with “buzz.” Work toward a shared target and help repair mistakes.
Players count aloud; an adult can show the number sequence.
Download the host card PDFBring to the table
- Optional paper for the target and rule
Set up
- Start with a target of twenty. Explain the current rule and practise the first ten numbers together.
- The host points to the next player in order. A player can ask the group for help; nobody leaves the game for a mistake.
How to play
- On a turn, say the next number unless the current rule says to replace it with buzz. Each turn advances the count by one, even after buzz.
- If someone makes a mistake, stop, say the number and reason together, then replay that turn correctly and continue.
- At the target, start a new round with the next person. Use only one announced rule per round unless everyone agrees to the combined challenge.
Multiples of five
The sequence is 1, 2, 3, 4, buzz, 6, 7, 8, 9, buzz. The turn after buzz at ten is eleven. Fifteen is also buzz; a mistaken spoken fifteen is corrected and the next player continues with sixteen.
Your three-part session
Preview all the prompts here. The host controls the pace and can repeat, skip or shorten a part to suit the group.
1. Fives to twenty
Say buzz for numbers divisible by five. All other numbers are spoken normally.
2. Threes to thirty
Say buzz for numbers divisible by three. Reset to one and give a different player the first turn.
3. Sevens to thirty
Say buzz for multiples of seven OR numbers containing the digit 7. Use one buzz even when both conditions apply.
Host one part at a time
Use this on the host’s screen. It keeps the current instruction visible while your group plays.
Fives to twenty
Say buzz for numbers divisible by five. All other numbers are spoken normally.
Threes to thirty
Say buzz for numbers divisible by three. Reset to one and give a different player the first turn.
Sevens to thirty
Say buzz for multiples of seven OR numbers containing the digit 7. Use one buzz even when both conditions apply.
Ready when your group is.
Offer more support
Keep the numbers visible and mark the buzz positions in advance. A child may point while a partner speaks.
Add a challenge
Extend the final rule to fifty. Explain why twenty-seven changes even though it is not a multiple of seven.
If something goes wrong
Do not switch rules during a round. If a player says buzz without explaining why when asked, show the current number and check the announced rule together.
Finish together
Reach the target, then ask two players to explain different buzz positions. Correct reasoning is the shared goal.