stick in a line

black stick gif left

pick up sticks

Pick up Sticks was believed to be originated by Native Americans. They used straws of wheat and then passed the game on to English settlers. The English settlers passed it from generation to generation and wheat sticks eventually became thin pieces of wood of different colors . The count of sticks used in the game were 25.

collectors tin

This is a great game for learning hand and eye coordination. Even though this game is easy to learn, it is quite a challenge. The simiplicity of this game is deceptive. Today Pick up Sticks still remains popular for all ages.


group of sticks

The object of the game: Accumulate 500 points. How to play: A player holds all the sticks upright with their hand on the table. (The black stick should be kept aside for use as a moving tool only). Quickly open hand so the sticks scatter on the table. Do not redo the scatter if the cluster is too tight. This will make the game more of a challenge. The first player picks up the sticks one at a time until he causes any stick to move besides the one he is attempting to pick up. The next player continues in the same strategy. Players keep track by using the score chart shown below.

SCORING
Blue 50 points
Green 40 points
Red 25 points
Yellow 10 points

The collectors tin pictured on this page can be purchased at Toys R Us for $9.99. As a added bonus it comes with another fun game, Jacks 'N Ball. Two games for the price of one.

Email me with your pick-up-sticks stories
About this site
Return to the table of contents
Back to the top