The Shell Game

Outsmart your opponent through bluffing and deduction to win the most shells

• Bag of shells (20-30 shells)
• Flat surface
• Timer

1. 1.Each player starts with 10 shells
2. 2.Players take turns being the 'guesser' and the 'holder'
3. 3.The holder secretly takes 0-3 shells in their closed fist
4. 4.The guesser must predict if the number is odd or even
5. 5.If correct, guesser wins all shells in the holder's fist
6. 6.If wrong, guesser gives the holder that many shells from their pile
7. 7.Players alternate roles each round
8. 8.Game ends when one player has all shells or time runs out
9. 9.Player with most shells wins

• Peeking at shells: Lose 2 shells
• Taking too long to decide: Automatic wrong guess
• Lying about shell count: Opponent wins immediately

• High Stakes: Winner takes all shells
• Team Battle: Teams of 2 vs 2
• Speed Round: 10 seconds per guess

• Watch opponent's facial expressions and body language
• Vary your patterns - don't be predictable
• Sometimes the obvious choice is the right choice
• Keep track of how many shells are left in play