"Thumper is a drinking game (what else?) that can be played by any number of
people, but anywhere from five to ten is preferable. The set up and rules are quite
simple. All it takes is a good memory, some quick hands, and a strong stomach.
"The set up for Thumper is to determine what sign will be designated for each
person. The sign can consist of just about anything that can be achieved with your hands,
arms, and head. Some examples are: grabbing your ear, giving a thumbs-up, or even flipping
the bird--anything that uniquely identifies you is acceptable. To begin, go around the
table and have each person designate themselves with their sign. It is up to the other
players to remember each person's sign as well as their own. Play begins with all players
"thumping" the table, their legs, or anything around that makes noise.
("Thumping" is the act of continually drumming with both hands or index fingers
in sort of a drum roll.) A pre-determined players begins by giving his own sign, followed
by the sign of another player. The players whose sign is given must respond by giving his
own sign, followed by that of yet another player (or the starting person, if he so
desires). Play continues with each chosen person giving his own sign and following it with
the sign of another.
"The object of this nonsense, of course, is to drink as much as possible. Players
who fail to recognize their own sign must drink. Players who don't respond with their sign
in a reasonable amount of time must drink. By the same token, players who can't think of
an opposing player's sign in a reasonable amount of time must drink. In short, any action
(or lack thereof) that interrupts the flow of the game should require the offending player
to drink. Afterward, play will resume with the offending player starting the proceedings.
Naturally, the speed of the game will determine how difficult it will be for players to
keep up. A good pace will heighten the difficulty.
"Don't allow players to be too comfortable with their signs. After several rounds,
players may have too good of a handle on each sign and this may result in fewer errors.
The players should all agree when it is time to start over with all brand new signs. This
will keep the game fresh.
"Good luck and happy thumping."