Bugs (game)

Bugs (or How Many Bugs?) is a party game about observation where players try to guess how the game actually works. If done well this simple and fast game can keep its participants guessing for quite some time.

One person will be, effectively, the Keeper. The Keeper will explain that in their hand is a jar with bugs in it. Cupping their hands they will shake their hands and ask how many bugs are in his 'jar'. This game works best if two people know how to play, but can be done if only the Keeper knows.

The secret

The secret is simple in that it has nothing to do with the number of times the jar is shaken. The number of bugs in the jar is determined by the number of words used to ask how many bugs are in the jar.

Examples

(4 shakes)
How many bugs are in the jar?
Ans: 7

(8 shakes)
How many bugs in the jar?
Ans: 6

(1 shake)
How many bugs?
Ans: 3

(5 shakes)
How many bugs?
Ans: 3

(10 shakes)
How many?
Ans: 2

TIPS for the KeeperCount the number of words you'll use to ask your question before you shake. That extra time of counting in your head, or even worse, lipping your counting after will alert the rest of the players to your method. If done before, then it usually appears to be part of any varying methods used to calculate the number of bugs in the jar.

ee also

Take a plane

Snaps (game)

List of games with concealed rules