Ring Taw

This is one of the best known and most popular of all marble games for a group of players. Two circles are drawn on the ground. The inner circle should be about 1' (30cms) in diameter, the outer should be about 7' (2m) diameter. Each player puts an agreed number of marbles into the inner ring.

The order of play is decided and the players take turns to shoot their taw from any point on the outer ring, at the marbles in the center. Any marbles knocked out of the center ring are pocketed by the shooter and he is entitled to shoot again from the spot where his taw lies.

When a shot is unsuccessful play passes to the next player and the taw remains on the ground where it comes to rest, if that spot is within the outer ring. The next player may then shoot at the marbles in the center or at any of his opponents taws. If he strikes a taw, the owner of that taw has to pay him one marble and he takes another shot.

The shooter may not strike the same opponents taw twice in succession. The game continues until the ring is cleared.

Spanners

A simple capturing game for two players. The first sends forth a marble. The second shoots to hit it and capture it.

However, if his marble stops within a span of the opponents marble he still takes it. A span is the distance between the spread thumb and forefinger of the biggest hand available.

If he is unsuccessful, play passes to his opponent. who in turn tries to capture his marbles.

Three Holes

A game for several players. Three holes or circles are made approximately 3" (8cms) in diameter and about 5' (1.5m) apart. They are numbered one, two and three and must be shot at in that order.

Players retire to a point about 5' (1.5m) from the first hole. They take it in turns to shoot their marbles into each hole in succession. If a player misses, his taw remains in the field until it is his turn again. After a player has gained the first hole he may shoot at the opponents tawS as well as the remaining two holes.

A person whose taw is hit by another must pay the shooter one marble. When a player has shot into all three holes successfully he claims one marble from each of the other players. He may then start again at number one.