How do you play the Sticks game. What are the basic rules of Sticks. Can Sticks be played with more than two players. What variations exist for the Sticks game. Why is Sticks beneficial for children’s math skills.
Understanding the Basics of Sticks: A Japanese Finger-Counting Game
Sticks, also known as Chopsticks, is an engaging finger-counting game that originated in Japan. This simple yet strategic game has gained popularity among children, particularly in elementary schools, as it combines fun with mathematical thinking. The game requires no equipment other than players’ hands and fingers, making it an accessible and portable activity for kids to enjoy anywhere.
What is the objective of Sticks?
The primary goal in Sticks is to eliminate both of your opponent’s hands by strategically tapping and adding fingers. Players must use their mental math skills to keep track of finger counts and make tactical decisions about which hands to tap and when.
The Fundamental Rules of Sticks: Getting Started
To begin playing Sticks, follow these basic rules:
- Players start with both hands out, each showing one extended finger.
- The first player taps one of their opponent’s hands with one of their own.
- The tapped hand must then show the sum of fingers involved in the tap.
- Players take turns tapping, choosing which of their hands to use and which of their opponent’s hands to tap.
- When a hand reaches or exceeds five fingers, it is considered “out” and must be put behind the player’s back.
- The game continues until one player has both hands eliminated, making the last player with at least one hand remaining the winner.
How does the tapping and counting work in Sticks?
When a player taps their opponent’s hand, the recipient must add the number of fingers on the tapping hand to the number of fingers already extended on their tapped hand. For example, if a player with two fingers extended taps an opponent’s hand showing three fingers, the opponent must now show five fingers on that hand (2 + 3 = 5).
Strategic Gameplay: Tips for Winning at Sticks
Success in Sticks relies on a combination of math skills and strategic thinking. Here are some tips to improve your gameplay:
- Plan ahead by considering the potential outcomes of your taps.
- Try to force your opponent into situations where they have limited options.
- Pay attention to your opponent’s hand configurations and anticipate their moves.
- Practice mental math to quickly calculate sums and make decisions.
- Experiment with different opening moves to find effective strategies.
Is there a best opening move in Sticks?
While there’s no universally agreed-upon best opening move, starting by tapping your opponent’s hand with your one-finger hand is a common and safe choice. This forces your opponent to show two fingers on one hand, giving you more options for your next move.
Variations of Sticks: Adapting the Game for Different Skill Levels
Sticks can be adapted to suit players of various ages and math abilities. Here are some popular variations:
Roll Over
In this version, hands are only considered “out” when they reach exactly five fingers. If a tap would result in more than five fingers, the excess is “rolled over.” For example, if a hand with four fingers is tapped by a hand with three fingers, the result would be two fingers (4 + 3 = 7, 7 – 5 = 2).
Game of Five
Instead of immediately removing a hand with five fingers, players must wait for that hand to be tapped again before it’s considered out. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game.
Split It
Players have the option to “split” their own fingers between their two hands on their turn instead of tapping an opponent. For instance, a player with four fingers on one hand and two on the other could redistribute them to have three fingers on each hand.
How do these variations affect gameplay strategy?
Each variation introduces new tactical considerations. The Roll Over rule makes it harder to eliminate hands, potentially leading to longer games. The Game of Five variation adds risk to tapping a hand with four fingers. The Split It option gives players more control over their own hand configurations, allowing for more defensive play.
Multiplayer Sticks: Expanding the Game Beyond Two Players
While Sticks is traditionally a two-player game, it can be adapted for multiple players, creating a more dynamic and challenging experience.
How does multiplayer Sticks work?
In a multiplayer game:
- Players sit in a circle and take turns in a clockwise direction.
- Each player can choose to tap any other player’s hand on their turn.
- The last player with at least one hand remaining wins the game.
- Players who have both hands out remain in the circle but skip their turns.
Multiplayer Sticks introduces additional strategic elements as players must consider multiple opponents and potential alliances or rivalries that may form during the game.
The Educational Benefits of Sticks: More Than Just a Game
Sticks offers numerous educational benefits for children, making it a valuable tool for both teachers and parents:
Mathematical Skills
The game naturally reinforces addition skills as players constantly calculate sums. It also introduces concepts of modular arithmetic through variations like the Roll Over rule.
Strategic Thinking
Players must plan ahead, consider multiple outcomes, and adapt their strategies based on their opponents’ actions.
Mental Math
The fast-paced nature of the game encourages quick mental calculations, improving overall math fluency.
Social Skills
As a multiplayer game, Sticks promotes social interaction, turn-taking, and good sportsmanship.
How can parents and teachers incorporate Sticks into learning activities?
Sticks can be used as a warm-up activity in math classes, a brain break between lessons, or a fun way to practice addition at home. Teachers can also use the game to introduce more advanced mathematical concepts, such as probability and game theory, to older students.
Common Challenges and Solutions in Playing Sticks
While Sticks is a straightforward game, some common issues may arise during play. Here are solutions to these potential challenges:
Miscounting
To prevent disputes over finger counts, encourage players to clearly display their hands and announce their counts after each tap.
Excessive Force
Remind players that a gentle tap is sufficient. Establish a rule that repeated hard taps result in a penalty or loss of turn.
Slow Play
For players who take too long to make decisions, consider implementing a time limit for each turn.
How can disputes be fairly resolved in a game of Sticks?
Establish clear rules before the game begins and designate a neutral observer or “referee” for important matches. In casual games, encourage players to communicate openly and resolve disagreements through discussion and compromise.
Advanced Strategies for Experienced Sticks Players
As players become more proficient at Sticks, they can employ more sophisticated strategies to gain an advantage:
Forcing Moves
Create situations where your opponent has limited options, forcing them into unfavorable positions.
Balancing Hands
Try to keep your hands balanced with different finger counts to maintain flexibility in your moves.
Defensive Play
In multiplayer games, avoid being perceived as the strongest player to prevent others from targeting you.
What are some advanced tactics for the Split It variation?
In games with the Split It rule, consider using splits to create “safe” hands (hands with 1 or 2 fingers) that are difficult for opponents to eliminate quickly. Also, use splits to set up powerful combinations for future turns.
Sticks is a versatile and engaging game that offers a perfect blend of entertainment and education. Its simplicity makes it accessible to young children, while its strategic depth can challenge even adult players. By incorporating Sticks into learning activities, parents and educators can make math practice enjoyable and help children develop critical thinking skills. Whether played as a quick diversion or a serious competition, Sticks provides a fun and stimulating experience for players of all ages.
How to Play Chopsticks (or Sticks) Finger Game
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Play this finger chopsticks game and make learning counting and addition fun! This detailed tutorial will teach you how to play sticks and the rules of the game.
Have you heard of the game sticks? It’s a simple finger-counting game that originated in Japan. I never heard of this game until my son told me he learned it in kindergarten, except he called it chopsticks.
Whatever you call it, sticks is a fun math game that will get your kids to think strategically.
How Do You Play the Game Sticks
All you need to play sticks is a minimum of two players and their fingers! You can play with more than two opponents and we will address how to do that in the rules below.
Chopsticks Rules
- Start the game with all the players holding their hands out with one finger extended.
- One person starts by tapping another person’s hand with one of his hands.
- The person whose hand was tapped must add up the number of fingers involved. So for the first turn, there would always be two fingers involved – one from each person’s hands. He should then hold up the total number of fingers involved out with the tapped hand.
- The players take turns tapping. You always need to choose one hand to do the tapping, and which of your opponent’s hands to tap.
- When a hand has all 5 fingers out, that hand is out.
- Once the hand is out (or “dead”), you need to put it behind your back.
- The goal of the game is to eliminate both of your opponent’s hands. To do so, you need to continue to add to your opponent’s hands by tapping. The last one with at least one hand left wins!
My kids had a lot of fun playing sticks. Since we are big on gameschooling, this is the perfect game for my kids to practice counting and addition. I also love how this cool finger game is simple enough for both of my kids to play together … without mommy!
The kids love tapping each other’s hands, but you might just want to make sure they don’t start hitting too hard.
Also, you would want to tell them to always show their hands to each other clearly so that there is no miscounting.
Variations to Chopsticks
There are several variations to playing sticks, and you can choose which one to play with depending on your children’s age and math level.
Basic: This is the simplest way to play sticks and it’s the way I have outlined above. Once a hand has 5 fingers all extended, that hand is out. It doesn’t matter if the total number of fingers is over 5. Anything 5 and over will render that hand dead. This is the way my son learned chopsticks in his kindergarten class.
Multiplayer: If you have more than 2 players, then take turns clockwise.
Roll Over: You have to extend exactly 5 fingers to make that hand dead.
Therefore, if you go over 5, the difference between the sum and 5 will be the number of fingers you need to hold out. For example, if you have 3 fingers on your hand and you tap your opponent’s hand with 4 fingers extended, your opponent now needs to hold out 2 fingers (3+4-5=2).
Game of Five: Instead of hiding your hand behind your back when all 5 fingers are extended on your hand, you need to wait until that hand gets tapped again. Clarifying this rule is important because it could be a game-changer.
Split It: When it’s your turn, instead of tapping your opponent’s hand, you can choose to tap your own hand. When you do, you add the total number of fingers extended on both hands, and redistribute it whatever way you wish. For example, if you have 4 fingers on one hand and 2 fingers on another, tapping your own hand would mean you can put 3 fingers on each hand. Another variation of the split is that you can tap the dead hand and bring it back into play.
Final Thoughts on Sticks Finger Game
When you think about teaching your kids math, relax, and don’t stress. To your kids, math is something new and exciting and they want to learn it. Especially when you make it fun with board games and finger games like chopsticks, kids will learn without even realizing it.
For more math activities for your kids, check out:
- Marshmallow and Toothpick Geometric Shapes
- Binary Coding with LEGO
- Learn to Count with UNO
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Sticks Card Game Rules – Our Pastimes
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By: Hillary Marshall Updated April 12, 2017
Sticks is a fun card game that anyone can play. Sticks is played similar to the popular classic card game Rummy, but Sticks has its own unique spin on game play. All you need to play the card game Sticks is a few things from around your home and the instructions.
Things You Need
Gather and prepare a few items.
You need four identical decks of cards with the jokers, 43 Popsicle sticks, a container and a marker. Prepare the Popsicle sticks for game play by writing card combinations on them. The combinations are made up of runs and sets. Runs are three cards in sequential order or matched value. Sets are three cards of equal value. Here are the 43 combinations for the game:
Game Rules
Have players choose a stick from the container without looking. Each player places the stick in front of him, facing down. Each player is dealt 15 cards. The rest of the cards go face-down in the middle to make a “Draw” deck. The top card on the face-down deck is flipped face-up and placed next to the face-down cards to form a “Discard” pile..The goal is to get the cards on your stick. So, when you get your cards, place any cards that you need to complete your stick face-up in front of you. On each player’s turn, she can choose one card from the top of the “Draw” deck or the top card from the “Discard” deck.
You can only have 15 cards at a time.
There are four possible ways that a round can end. A player can discard her last card onto to the “Discard” pile; he can use his last card to add to one of his sets or runs that is in front of him; he can use the card to add to a set or run in front of another player; or all of the players have their stick turned face-up. You don’t have to discard your last card until everyone has a stick turned over. The goal is to turn your stick over first.
At the end of each round, any player with a stick turned over gets to choose a new stick. Any player who hasn’t turned over his stick gets to try the same stick again. If the player cannot turn the stick over in three turns; she gets to return it to the container and pick a new stick. Anyone else who has turned over his stick can also choose a new stick at this time. At the beginning of each new round, the cards are shuffled and each player gets a new hand of 15 cards.
Winning the Game
Turn over seven sticks in order to win.
Unlike in round play, you don’t have to get rid of all of your cards. You just have to complete the combination on your seventh stick.
References
- Sticks Card Game Rules
Writer Bio
Hillary Marshall has been writing professionally since 2006. Before writing instructional articles online, she worked as a copywriter and has been published in “Ideal Living” “Sass” “Science Edge” and “Shopping Cents” magazines along with countless websites including Gadling a blog by the Huffington post. Marshall studied early childhood education at the Stratford Career Institute.
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10 rules for using Japanese chopsticks. Japanese etiquette
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Japanese etiquette. How to use chopsticks correctly
If you are dining with the Japanese, then most likely make some kind of mistake, because the Japanese rules of etiquette are varied and very unusual for us.
Of course, the Japanese will most likely forgive you for your faux pas, but if you learn at least the basics of local rules of conduct, then you will not have to blush, and you may also be able to win over your new acquaintances or business partners.
In fact, it is very difficult to master all these rules. And the ability to eat with chopsticks is a whole art that even the Japanese are constantly trying to improve.
But there is good news, having mastered the basic rules, you will already take a huge step towards perfect politeness.
Handle chopsticks (hashi) properly
Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. This point really takes some time to master. Watch other people do it and be patient. If you really want to learn, you must practice as often as possible. Eat with chopsticks at home and don’t be lazy about refusing them just because no one is watching. You will find that when you hold them properly they are much easier to use.
Do not eat from common meals
Take food from a shared dish and place it on the correct plate or bowl before eating.
Use the chopstick holder – hasioki
Many Japanese restaurants provide chopstick stands. Place your chopsticks on a stand when not in use. If the chopsticks are disposable, they won’t give you a stand. However, you can make it from chopstick wrap. Chopsticks should never be placed vertically in rice, as this is associated with Japanese funeral rites.
Do not point with chopsticks
You can’t point your wand at something. This is considered indecent.
Do not dig into food
Take food from the top of the dish, don’t dig for something tastier.
Do not lick sticks
Never lick the ends of the sticks.
Be careful when passing food to others
Never transfer food from your chopsticks to someone else’s chopsticks, because the Japanese also associate this with funeral customs, when the bones of the cremated are solemnly transferred to the urn. This is probably the biggest taboo in Japanese dining etiquette.
You can pass food with your chopsticks by placing it on someone else’s plate.
Take sticks seriously – they are not toys
Do not keep chopsticks for a long time without food. Never rub sticks against each other. Don’t wave them in the air.
Don’t cross your chopsticks during breaks
Again, during your break, put your chopsticks in the holder and make sure they are parallel to each other. Crossed chopsticks will also (as you probably guessed) evoke the Japanese association with funerals.
Do not stir your soup with chopsticks
Yes, sometimes it looks tempting, but you must resist the temptation!
In general, the most important rules are those that remind the Japanese of funeral rituals.
Remember, chopsticks are not just two chopsticks, but deeply rooted cultural symbols of Japan. The manner of handling chopsticks is very different from similar culture in China and Korea.
If you try to do your best, then everything will be fine.
Don’t be too stressed, handling chopsticks is difficult for everyone, even the Japanese themselves.
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10 golden rules for handling Japanese chopsticks.
In Japan, table etiquette is taken very seriously, especially when it comes to handling chopsticks. If you happen to dine with the Japanese and you make a few mistakes, they will most likely be understanding and tolerant of the fact that you do not know some of the rules. They will probably even forgive you if you do something completely inappropriate and tactless in terms of Japanese culture. Nevertheless, basic knowledge of local customs and customs really helps to make friends with the inhabitants of this mysterious country, develop business with them, and just be a good guest.
The tradition of eating with chopsticks came to Japan from China during the Yayoi era. Initially, only the aristocracy used these cutlery, while the people simply ate with their hands. However, the tradition gradually took root and spread to all classes. The material for the production of modern sticks can be wood, plastic, metal and even ivory. The market offers both disposable and cheap chopsticks, as well as exquisite expensive reusable sets of chopsticks with stands, decorated with patterns and inscriptions.
Eating with chopsticks is considered a great art that even the Japanese themselves diligently hone and improve. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but the good news is that knowing the simple rules below will get you 99% of the way to perfect Japanese table etiquette:
1) Hold your chopsticks properly
Easier said than done. It will take some time to develop this skill. Watch the pros do it and be patient with yourself. If you really want to learn, you have to practice a lot.
Practice even when eating at home and don’t be lazy to hold them properly even when no one is watching. You may notice that chopsticks are much easier to use if you hold them in a certain correct position. It remains only to find it.
2) Do not eat directly from shared dishes
It is considered impolite to send pieces of food taken from a shared plate directly into your mouth. First, it is supposed to collect food from the common table into your personal plate, and then carefully eat it with chopsticks.
3) Don’t forget the chopstick stand
Often in Japanese restaurants, guests are offered a special stand that keeps chopsticks suspended when not in use. In cases where the sticks are disposable, the stand is not issued. However, it is possible to make a stand out of chopstick wrap. Sticking chopsticks vertically into rice is an absolute taboo for a Japanese feast, because this gesture reminds the Japanese of a ritual that is performed at a funeral.
For the deceased, a bowl of rice is placed as an offering, into which sticks are stuck just in this way.
4) Do not examine common plates with your chopsticks
Also at the table, when choosing what to eat, try not to touch everything with your chopsticks. The Japanese perceive this behavior as greed.
5) Do not delve into food
It is considered good manners to eat a dish with chopsticks from the top. Doing “digging” in search of more delicious, you risk seeming unrestrained and, again, greedy.
6) Sticks must not be licked
For the Japanese, licking sticks is not only a sign of bad taste, but also of malnutrition and greed.
7) Be careful when passing food to others
Never share food by passing it directly from your chopsticks to another person’s chopsticks, for this reminds the Japanese of a funeral ritual in which the ashes of the cremated deceased are solemnly poured into the urn. This is probably the most serious taboo in the Japanese meal.
You can use your chopsticks to pass food to someone’s plate, but in this case, you should ask them to pass the plate closer so as not to reach far. Ideally, you should ask the waiter to bring an extra set of chopsticks, which are placed in the center of the table and used whenever someone wants to pass food to another person.
8) Chopsticks are not toys
Do not gesture with chopsticks while talking or hold them in your hands for a long time without eating anything. You should also not connect the sticks together after you have separated them. The Japanese regard this gesture as if you are making it clear that you think these chopsticks are cheap.
9) Don’t cross your chopsticks when you put them on the table
If there is a chopstick holder on the table, put them on it when you are not eating with them and make sure that the chopsticks are parallel to each other. The fact is that crossed sticks are for the Japanese another reminder of funeral rites.
