A HINT AT SOME WELL-KNOWN GAMES, INCLUDING HOP-SCOTCH
During a good deal of world-travelling I cannot recall ever having
seen a game of Mumbly Peg played outside of the United States and
Canada. I have placed it among the autumn games, but we all know that,
except in winter when the conditions are unfavorable, it can be played
at any time, where two boys and a jackknife can be assembled, with
reasonably soft, smooth ground on which to play.
This game has so many variations locally and even among individual
players that I shall not attempt a detailed description of the many
ways in which the blade of the knife is made to enter the ground.
The feats, known to every boy, can be performed alone, and, when a
boy, I know I did practice a lot by myself in order to avoid the
consequences of defeat.
The rule is for the first boy to take the knife and go through as many
feats as he can, but at the first failure the second boy takes the
knife and does the same. And when all but one have succeeded, the
penalty for failure is as follows:
A wooden peg two inches long is driven into the ground. A little must
be left above the earth. The defeated boy has then to seize this with
his teeth and draw it out. If he has difficulty in getting hold, the
other boys are the more delighted and set up the cry, "Root! Root!"
but this is not fair, and he should not be discouraged.
JACK STONES
is a much older and a more widespread game than mumbly peg. The
knuckle bones of sheep and pigs, marbles, pebbles or any other small,
heavy objects that can be thrown and grasped, are used. The best are
made of iron and are sold cheaply.
Five stones or jacks are necessary for the game, a description of
which I shall not attempt, for the feats vary, and the ingenious boy
can add to them.
There may be a penalty decided on in the game of jack stones, but it
is not usual, and so may be placed among those contests of skill in
which success is its own reward.
HOP SCOTCH
is a far more strenuous game than the two just mentioned, nor, when
properly played, is it behind them in the skill required. Of course,
the best place for all games is out in the open country, but the
children in towns and cities do not cease from the play for want of
space.
Except when covered with snow and ice, Hop Scotch courts can be seen
chalked out on the sidewalks of all our city blocks. A bit of brick, a
flat stone, a shell, the lid of a blacking box, indeed any small
object that can be moved by the foot can be used as what is known as
the "Potsherd."
After choosing who shall be first, second, etc., the player stands at
taw and tosses the potsherd into division number one. Hopping on one
foot over the line into number one, and still keeping one foot raised,
he makes a hop-kick with the other and sends the potsherd out of the
number to that in the right or left section, as may be decided on in
advance. There are many local variations of the rules, just as there
are variations of the plan of the ground, and perhaps the one you know
best is the best.
Hop Scotch may seem simple to those who have never tried it. In truth
it is a game which, even in its simplest form, requires much skill and
activity. But it is excellent for the muscles of the leg and it
cultivates patience and persistency.
RULES
When a player touches his hand or foot to the ground it is called
"grounds," and he is out.
When a player pitches the potsherd into the wrong division or on a
line, he is out.
When a player kicks into the wrong division or on a line, he is out.
In the next turn he must play from taw. When the turns of the others
come they must begin at the division in which they failed.