Supplies:
  1. An assortment of small objects: pens, pencils, erasers, forks, spoons, really anything that's not sharp or dangerous.
  2. A table or solid surface to play
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print
Setup: 

1. Gather a bunch of objects and place them off to the side where they are easily reached.
2. Gather your friends. Make sure that they can see you very clearly -- especially your hands.

How to Play: 

1. Tell your friends that you are going to create a sculpture that represents a number 1 through 10. In your mind, decide upon the number.
2. Select a random number of objects and "sculpt" them. "Sculpting" is achieved by stacking and arranging items into a form. The form itself is not important, neither is the number of objects. Just make anything you like!
3. Place your hands flat on the table with your finger displaying the number in your mind. For example, if you have chosen the number "2," you will place 2 fingers on the table, and place your other hand in your lap. If you have chosen "10," all of your fingers will be displayed on the table. Do this as subtly and casually as you can! Don't call attention to your hands; your players will only think to look at your "sculpture."
4. Ask your friends to examine the sculpture and tell you the number it represents. Keep your fingers exposed while they try and guess.
5. If they can't guess, start over. Make sure to reveal your number. Play a couple rounds, changing the number each time. If someone thinks they know how to do it, let them try -- if they have figured out the trick you can continue playing together as a team. If not, play a few more rounds.
6. Keep playing until everyone figures out the trick, or you tell them the secret.

Variations: 

1. It will take more time in gathering your objects, but have your sculpture represent a color. To do this you would hold the color you wish you represent in your hand, instead of displaying a number of fingers.
2. Place your fingers on your cheek instead of the table. This is good for larger groups that may not be able to see your hands if they are lying flat.

Tips: 

1. Make sure you are always varying the number of objects you use to make the sculpture. It's funny when something like 1 object represents the number 10.
2. Make sure everyone can see your fingers, but don't make a big show of it.
3. Have fun making a big display of making your sculpture.
4. It's fun to do the same number (sometimes even back to back) but using totally different objects.

Activity Length: 
5 - 15 minutes
Age: 
School-age
Tween
Teen
Adult
Senior
Competitiveness: 
Non-competitive (cooperative)
Difficulty: 
Easy peasy (fun and simple)
Indoor/Outdoor: 
Either
Mess Factor: 
Dustpan, please
Noise Level: 
Quiet
Number of Players: 
2
3 to 4
5 to 10
Prep Time: 
5 minutes or less
Space Needed: 
Small (a clearable open space the size of a 1-car garage)
Team Division: 
Every man for himself (individual players)