open · Team Building · 20–30 min · 8-40 people · medium energy
Up Nelson
Up Nelson is a team-based guessing game that fosters collaboration and sharpens observation skills. Teams strategically hide a coin while the opposing team tries to find it, creating suspense and friendly competition.
When to use Up Nelson
Use this activity to energize a large group and encourage teamwork through non-verbal communication and tactical decision-making.
What it solves
Lack of engagement in large groups, difficulty fostering collaboration under pressure.
How to run Up Nelson, step by step
- Divide participants into two teams and seat them facing each other at a long table. (2 minutes)
- Designate one team as the 'hiding team' and the other as the 'searching team'. The searching team nominates a Captain. (3 minutes)
- The hiding team secretly passes a coin (or pretends to) under the table for 15 seconds. (2 minutes)
- The Captain calls 'UP NELSON,' and everyone in the hiding team raises their fists and slams their elbows on the table simultaneously. (1 minute)
- At any time, a member of the searching team can call 'DOWN NELSON,' prompting the hiding team to slap their palms down on the table. (1 minute)
- The searching team can instruct members of the hiding team to 'squiggle' their hands. Touching a hand reveals what's underneath. (5 minutes)
- If the coin is revealed before the last hand, the hiding team wins. If the searching team reveals the coin with the last hand, they win and gain possession. (5 minutes)
- Rotate roles and play multiple rounds as time allows. (5 minutes)
Materials needed
- Coin
- Long table
Facilitator tips
- Encourage the searching team to communicate and strategize before calling 'DOWN NELSON'.
- Remind the hiding team to be convincing, even if they don't have the coin.
Common pitfalls
- The 'squiggling' instruction can become chaotic. Set clear boundaries on how much movement is allowed.
- Ensure participants understand the simultaneous action requirement to avoid confusion.
Variations
- Increase the number of coins to make it more challenging.
- Introduce a time limit for the searching team to find the coin.
Running it online or hybrid
Consider using breakout rooms and virtual hand raising tools to simulate the physical actions. Ensure clear audio for detecting sounds.
What it produces
Increased team cohesion, improved observation skills, heightened engagement.
Origin
Adapted from Playmeo — source
Build a session around Up Nelson
METODIC places Up Nelson inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.