Concentration
Also called Categories Clap or Yamanote Line
Keep a clapping rhythm going around the circle. Name something in the category on the beat, or you're out.
the best bit: blanking on a single fruit while everyone keeps clapping at you
- Players
- 3–15 (best with 5–10)
- Time
- 10–20 min
- Learn in
- Seconds
- Mood
- Lively
- Format
- Everyone for themselves
The 30-second version
Everyone keeps a steady rhythm together: two slaps on your knees, two claps. One player names a category. Then, going around the circle, each person has to name something in that category in time with the beat. Hesitate, repeat an answer or lose the rhythm and you're out.
honestly, just read this out and go.
Grab these
Nothing at all. just your people.
Set up
- Sit in a circle.
- Practice the rhythm together: slap your knees twice, then clap twice. Keep it going. Answers are said on the two claps.
How to play
-
Call a category
The first player calls out a category on the claps: "Fruits!"
-
Answer on the beat
The next player names something in the category on the next two claps: "Mango!" Then the player after them, and so on around the circle.
-
Miss and you're out
Miss the beat, repeat an answer or say something that doesn't fit, and you're out. Keep clapping along anyway.
-
New category
The next player still in starts a new category, and the rhythm keeps going.
How to win
The last player still in wins.
Once you know it
- Yamanote Line
- The Japanese version, named after a Tokyo train loop. Instead of any category, everyone has to name stops on a train or subway line the whole group knows.
From experience…
- Start slow. Speed up once everyone has the rhythm.
- The best categories run out: Disney movies, U.S. states, things in a fridge.