Shoulders

For the body part, see Shoulder. For the band, see Shoulders (band).

Shoulders

Players	4+
Setup time	1 minute
Playing time	As short/long as players choose
Skill(s) required	Speed, Focus

Shoulders is drinking game that involves players competing in a fast paced game attempting to "count" to 21.

Equipment

• 2 Arms
• Beer

Set up

Players form a circle. Preferably around a table

Game play

• The game begins with a player slapping his left/right shoulder, this starts the count at 1.
• Depending on which shoulder is hit, the player to that immediate side of the slapper then slaps their right/left shoulder"

• The Count continues until the group reaches 21.

Special Slaps

Special Slaps occur at a predetermined number to increase difficulty and creativity to the game.

• Common numbers for special slaps are:
  • 7,10,17,20 & 21
    • They usually occur in pairs (7&17)(10&20)
• Common S.S's are:
  • Point (10)/Double Point (20)= A player points to the person to go next while calling out the correct number
    • The pointer CAN pick players NOT to their immediate left/right.
  • High Cross(7)/Low Cross(17)= A player overlaps their arms (think like a genie but with space between)and depending on whether it is a high/low cross that predetermined hand indicates which player (to his left/right) continues.
    • The current slapper can only go to his immediate left/right w/ the high/low cross
• If the game is set to end with a special slap, the player counting off 21 must act out the special slap even though there is no 22.

Rules

The count resets and a player must drink when:

• He/she slaps out of turn
• Counts off the incorrect number
• Fails to recognize it is their turn
• Fails to execute the Special Slaps
• Appoint a Shoulders Commissioner. A player who decides when any player has made a mistake or taken too long. e.g Natalie Fishel

Getting to 21

If/When you get to 21, the group celebrates with a waterfall.

• An alternative way to play is to get to 21, execute a special slap then count back down to 1 using the same rules. This increases the difficulty and extends the game.
• Another alternative is "Kaboom". Instead of saying 21 the player says "Kaboom" with a downward fist pump motion to either the right or the left. That player will have to finish their drink and make a new rule for the game.

Penalties

There are some additional(optional) fines that can be imposed when a player performs any of the following manoeuvres during the game.

Dave Grohl: This is when a player attempts to use his left hand on left shoulder or right hand on right shoulder to send the game on. A double drinking fine should be imposed for this.

The Wilson: When attempting a high/low cross manoeuvre the player end up creating an "X" with his arms with both hands pointing up. Player should finish their drink for this one.