How to Play Jacks

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Jacks is an ancient game, but kids all over the world still play it, and all different ways too. Ask your mom how she played it when she was a girl—just don't use the word 'ancient' when you do!

Warning
Be careful if you have a little brother or sister who's 3 years old or under—he or she could choke on a jack or ball this small, so don't leave them out.

Step 1: Sit on floor
Sit on the floor or ground facing your friend; if there are more than two of you playing, sit in a circle.

Tip
You don't have to play this game with someone else. In fact, practicing alone will help you get better!

Step 2: Pick first player
Decide who goes first. You can flip a coin or play eenie, meenie, minie, mo, for example.

Step 3: Toss jacks
Let's say you're up first. Gently toss all the jacks onto the floor so they scatter in front of you.

Tip
Don't let them land too spread out or you'll have a tough time scooping them up.

Step 4: Onesies
Now toss the ball into the air, pick up a jack, and catch the ball—all with only one hand! You're only allowed to let the ball bounce once. This is called 'onesies.'

Step 5: Repeat
Put the jack you just scooped up in your other hand and repeat the game, picking up one jack at a time, until you've grabbed all 10.

Step 6: If you miss
If you can't pick up the jack and catch the ball before it hits the floor again, it's the next player's turn and he or she starts over with all 10 jacks.

Step 7: Twosies
When you've grabbed all 10 jacks, move up to the next level: 'twosies.' Pick up the jacks 2 at a time, still with only one hand and before the ball bounces twice, until you've captured them all.

Step 8: Increase number
Keep on playing, increasing the number of jacks you pick up each time.

Tip
For a faster game, or to help you get the hang of it, play with only 5 jacks.

Step 9: Next player's turn
If you can't pick up the right number of jacks, it's the next player's turn.

Step 10: Start where left off
Each time it's your turn again, start where you left off. If you messed up on 'sixies,' for example, start by picking up 6 jacks, and so on.

Step 11: Winning
The winner is the person who gets to 'tensies' by picking up all the jacks at once and catching the ball. And once you can do it, you might want to challenge your mom to a match!

Did You Know?
Kids in ancient Egypt played jacks with a wooden ball and the toe bones of a sheep!