Bizz Buzz RULES

<<the scroll>>

In General:

Bizz Buzz is a counting game where people say “bizz” on 5s and multiples of 5, and “buzz” on 7s and multiples of 7.  Players gain “strikes” when they make a mistake.  Three strikes and you’re out!

Object:

Survive all eliminations to be the last beaver standing!

Setup:

All participants sit in a circle and identify themselves as players, followed by a reading of the rules.  (Special setup for the Final Five is described below.)

Definitions:

• bizz: Contains a numeral 5 AND/OR is a multiple of 5

• buzz: Contains a numeral 7 AND/OR is a multiple of 7

• bizz buzz: (Contains a numeral 5 AND/OR is a multiple of 5)  AND 

(Contains a numeral 7 AND/OR is a multiple of 7)

• buzz bizz: Same as bizz buzz (player's choice, effects direction – see reversal rule)

• bizz bizz: Contains two numeral 5's OR is 5² (25)

• buzz buzz: Contains two numeral 7's OR is 7² (49)

• bizz bizz bizz: Contains three numeral 5's OR is 5³ (125)

• buzz buzz buzz: Contains three numeral 7's OR is 7³ (343)

Gameplay:

Someone is designated to start the game, typically a former Bizz Buzz winner.

This person nods to the person to their left or right and starts the count with “1.”

The person receiving the nod continues the sequence and says “2.”  The next person in line continues with “3,” and so on, saying “bizz” or “buzz” as appropriate per the guidelines above.  Example: 1, 2, 3, 4, bizz, 6, buzz, 8, 9, bizz, 11…

The BUZZ REVERSAL Rule:

Every time the count lands on a “BUZZ” the direction the count is progressing around the circle reverses. 

Example: 1, 2, 3, 4, bizz, 6, buzz, [REVERSE DIRECTION] 8, 9, Bizz, 11, 12, 13, Buzz [REVERSE DIRECTION]

A “buzz buzz” (Example, 77) creates a double negative where the count reverses back on itself, and the count continues in the same direction it had been going. 

A “bizz buzz” is equivalent to a “buzz bizz” and can be stated either way on the appropriate (see above) numbers.  If bizz BUZZ is chosen, the direction reverses.  If buzz BIZZ is chosen, play continues in the same direction it had been going.

This continues until someone makes a mistake and receives a “strike.” 

Strikes:

Strikes occur when a player:

Says a number, a bizz, a buzz, etc, out of sequence

Points with his/her finger

Says the word “drink,” "drank," or "drunk"

Pauses too long (The appropriate length of a pause is at the discretion of the active players.)

Calls a strike by mistake

Strikes can be called by any active player. Strikes are determined collectively by the active player group. If it is determined that a strike was called by someone in error, that player receives a strike. 

Strikes are cumulative and stay with the player for the entire game, not just the round.

A player can earn more than one strike in a turn.  Example: Pointing with finger and saying “drink.”

Once a player receives three strikes, they are no longer an active player, must remove themselves from the circle, and are out of the game.

To Resume:

After a player gets a strike, that player restarts the count at 1 with a nod to the player on their left or right. If the player has earned their third strike, the player who counted just previous to that strike restarts.

The Final Five:

When all but the final five players have been eliminated, players take a break. When they return, all players will re-assemble in to a small circle. Players will be given blindfolds to wear for the rest of the game. (Blindfolds must be worn during active play but can be taken off between rounds). Before play begins with final five, players will establish quiet surroundings, and then proceed around the circle once to identify themselves clearly by name. 

Play follows same rules as above using only their hearing to determine progression of count around the circle. 

Final Two:  

When all but the final two players have been eliminated, players may take a break if desired. When play resumes, the Final Two will determine who is going to start, put on blind folds, and begin. Play goes back and forth between players following same rules as above. When count reaches a buzz, the Buzz Reversal Rule reverses back to the same player who said “buzz.” 

Example: 

Player A:  1 

Player B:  2

Player A: 3

Player B: 4

Player A: Bizz

Player B: 6

Player A: Buzz/8

Player B: 9

Player A: Bizz

Player B: 11

Player A: 12

Player B: 13

Player A: Buzz/Bizz

Player B: 16

Player A: Buzz/18

Player B: 19

And so on......

Adult Rule: When a player receives a strike they must take a drink of their beverage of choice.

Etiquette: 

Do not speak unless it’s your turn.

Speak loudly and clearly enough for the whole circle to hear you.

Very brief pauses are okay. The appropriate length of a pause is at the discretion of the active players.

When you get three strikes, please move immediately out of the circle.

If you have three strikes (no longer active) do not call strikes or offer information unless asked.