Database of Games » Tenpins

Indian Club Race

gamepac — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:30:01 +0000

The players are lined up in two or more single files the first players standing with toes on a starting line. A small circle is marked on the ground to the right of the first player in each file and just within the starting line. A series of six small crosses is also marked on the ground in front of each line at intervals of six feet apart continuing in the same direction as the file the first one being ten or fifteen feet from the starting line. An Indian club is placed on each cross. At a signal the first runners rush forward each picks up a club returns and places it (standing upright) within the small circle beside his starting place returns for another and so on until all six clubs are within the circle. The first players having finished pass to the rear of their respective lines which move up to the starting line.

At a signal the next row of players take each a club and return it to one of the crosses returning for another etc. until all are placed. The next runners return the clubs to the circle and so on until each player in the files has taken part. The file wins whose last player is first to get back to the starting line after placing the last club. In case of a tie the last three players from the tied files may be required to repeat the play.

This is one of the best games for training in self-control and a teacher should strictly enforce the rules. Any player starting over the line before the signal or standing with the foot beyond it before starting should go back and start over again. Whenever a club falls down or is not placed on the cross or in the circle the player who placed it must go back and stand it upright or it counts as a foul.

Dumb Bell Tag

gamepac — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:30:01 +0000

The players stand scattered promiscuously one of their number who is It being placed in the center at the opening of the game. A dumb-bell is passed from one player to another the one who is It trying to tag the person who has the dumb-bell. If he succeeds the one tagged becomes It.

A great deal of finesse may be used in this game in appearing to hand the dumb-bell in one direction turning suddenly and handing it in another etc. Players may move around freely and the action is frequently diversified with considerable running and chasing.

In the schoolroom this may be played either with the players seated or standing.

Snow Snake

gamepac — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:30:01 +0000

This game is played by skimming or skipping sticks over the hard surface of the snow as stones are skipped over the water. Each player is provided with from three to five small sticks. These may be especially whittled or they may be pieces of branches. A perfectly smooth stick is best and one that has some weight to it. Each stick is notched one notch on the first two on the second three on the third etc.

The players stand at a given line and take turns in skimming their sticks over the surface of the snow each player throwing but one stick at a time. When each player has thrown the stick that has gone the farthest scores for the thrower according to the number of notches on it. For instance if the stick had but one notch it scores one point for the player a three-notched stick scores three points etc. The sticks are then gathered up and put to one side and each player in turn throws the next stick in his bunch the successful player of the first round having the first throw in the second round and scoring in similar manner. This is continued until all of the sticks have been thrown. This may close the game which is won by the highest scorer or it may be repeated indefinitely either with a time limit or until a certain score is reached.

This game is an adaptation of one played by the Wabanaki Indians. The Northern Indians have many games belonging to the Snow Snake class.

All Up Relay

gamepac — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 10:30:01 +0000

The players are divided into two or more groups of like numbers which compete against each other. The different groups line up in single file behind a starting line drawn on the ground. Directly in front of each team at the opposite end of the running space (which should be from twenty to fifty feet long) are drawn two circles each three feet in diameter and placed side by side with rims touching. In one of the circles of each pair three clubs are placed.

On a signal number one of each file runs forward and with one hand only changes the clubs from one circle to the other. Each club must be made to stand and none must touch the outline of the circle. As soon as each player finishes this he runs back to his file touches the next player on the hand and passes off back of the line. The second player should be waiting for this “touch-off” with toe on the starting line and hand outstretched.

This second player on receiving the touch-off runs forward to the circles and changes the clubs from the second ring back to the first observing the same rules of procedure. Each player in turn does this the file winning whose last player is first to dash over the starting line on his return.