Die Shot

A die is balanced on a marble which has been ground down slightly for stability. As in Archboard, players take it in turns to be the keeper of the die. Any player wishing to have a shot pays the keeper one marble.

He then shoots at the target from a predetermined distance. He must pay one marble for each shot he makes. If a player knocks the die off the marble with his shot, he receives from the keeper the number of marbles corresponding to the number shown uppermost on the die.

Handers

Also known as Tip-Shears, it's a game of chance for several players which requires little skill. A hole 3" (8cms) wide is made about 1' (30cms) from a wall. Each player throws a marble at the hole, from a predetermined spot, to decide the order of play.

The person whose marble is closest to the hole starts, the second closest goes second, etc.. Each player then contributes two marbles to the first player who throws them all at the hole. Any marbles that go in the hole are pocketed by the thrower. This does not apply to those that have rebounded off the wall, which remain in play.

Those remaining are handed to the second player who makes his throw, and so play continues. When the marbles are exhausted a new contribution is made by all and the second player in the first round starts the second round. All players should have a turn at the first throw of a round.

Dobblers

A game for any small number of players. Each player contributes one or more marbles to a straight line of marbles spaced so that there is room for two marbles to pass through the gaps. Each player then shoots in turn and may keep any marbles he hits.

The players taw remains where it lies at the end of his turn and subsequent turns are played from where the taw lies. A player whose taw is hit by another taw must add one marble to the line.

Eggs in the Bush

This is a guessing game which requires no skill but is nevertheless entertaining. A player picks up a number of marbles with one hand and asks the other players to guess the number.

Those guessing correctly are paid that number of marbles by the questioner. Those guessing incorrectly must pay the questioner the difference between the number guessed and the number actually held. Players take turns to be the questioner.