Pick-Up Sticks

FOR THE KIDS/ AUGUST 15TH, 2020

Today we are going to teach you how to play the fun game of pick-up sticks! This game was a favourite enjoyed by settler children.

Children used to play this game with pieces of straw, often playing on the floor of a barn! Today you can make your own or pick up a set at the store.

To make your own you can use pieces of straw, spaghetti noodles (uncooked), or skewers! You will need to colour one black and can use different colours to represent different points( see below).

Lets learn how to play:

First hold the sticks in your hand like you would spaghetti and then let go and let them fall onto the table (See Picture).

The youngest player goes first and then players take turns going clockwise.

Try and pick up a stick with your hand and pull it out of the pile. If you move another stick drop the stick in your hand where it is and your turn is over. If you successfully pick up a stick you get to go again.

The game goes until all the sticks have been picked up and then the points are tallied. The player with the most sticks or points if you have coloured sticks wins.

If you manage to pick up the black stick then you may use that stick to move other sticks away from the one you want to pick up.

If you play with colours: