How to Play Marbles

This post will teach you step by step how to play marbles.

 

As a kid, I spent the summer hanging out with neighbors, riding my bike, and drinking from the water hose. We’d stay outside playing everything from hopscotch to Chinese jump rope, until the sun set and our moms began calling us home. Those long summer days hold great memories that I wish my kids could experience, too.

>>10 AWESOME Board Games Every Kid Should Play<<

The dirt road that ran alongside our house was perfect for playing marbles. I had a large tube sock full of cat eyes and steelies, and loved playing this game–especially when I won and we were playing for keeps.

There’s something special for a kid about her own marble collection. I remember sitting in the grass after playing and pulling out each marble just to admire the wonderful colors and striped patterns, counting my collection and sorting them by patterns over and over again.

Teach your kids how to play marbles--free printable instructions included! Click To Tweet

How to Play Marbles : Playing marbles can be tons of fun for the whole family. Here is how to play classic marbles with a free printable instructions card included.

How to Play Marbles

Playing marbles, however, has become less popular these days. With so many video games and other toys to choose from, many kids have never been able to experience the fun we had years ago drawing a large circle and taking turns shooting the marbles in an attempt to knock the others out of the ring.

>>Make A Trophy For Family Game Night<<

Playing marbles is super easy to play and can be lots of fun for kids to discover. There are plenty of ways to play, and most times the way we played was determined by how many were playing and how long we wanted to play.

If you are interested in teaching your family how to play marbles, I’ve included a couple of printable cards, including basic marble terms and a card on how to play. Simply click the link below and print your own copy. It’s free!

PRINT : How to Play Marbles Instruction Card 

Terms for Playing Marbles

Game of Friendlies -marbles will be returned after the game.

Keepsies -the player keeps all the marbles he/she wins.

Ring -the circle marking the playing field.

Shooter -a larger marble used to shoot the other marbles.

Lagging -shooting your shooter marble to see who goes first.

Pitch Line -exact position where player’s toe touches when lagging.

Knuckle Down -at least one knuckle must remain on the ground while shooting.

Sticking -when a player shoots 7 straight times and wins before another opponent takes a turn.

Taking Rounders -picking the best position to start shooting.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Decide if you are playing for friendlies or for keeps.

2. The player who goes first is determined by lagging. 

3. Draw a large circle and line 13 marbles in the center in an X formation.

4. Taking turns, each player shoots from anywhere outside the circle and tries to knock marbles out of the ring, while keeping his shooter inside the circle.

         > If the shooter hits a marble out of the ring, he continues shooting from where his shooter landed in the circle.      

         > If the shooter misses, his turn is over.

         > If the shooter rolls out of the ring, the player’s turn is over.

5. The player who shoots the most marbles out of the ring wins.

Other Topics You May Enjoy