Jackstones is a popular traditional game in the Philippines. It is a simple and easy game for anyone to play together. The game is competitive as the person or team with the most points wins. It is also known as "jacks". Playing Jackstones is fun, give it a go.
About Jackstones
Materials:
- Five Jacks or small stones/pebbles around your backyard/house
- A small bouncy (made of rubber preferably) ball
Jackstone is a game played with at least two people using five jacks. Each stone is about the size of an almond. Players must only use one hand to play.
Note: You must be at least 7 years old and above to play Jackstone. If you are using small stones instead of jacks, ensure that you keep these away from small children.
How to play the game
- Scatter the stones or jacks onto the playing surface (where the ball can bounce).
- Throw the ball into the air, pick up a single stone or jack, then let the ball bounce and catch it.
- Throw the ball again and pick up a single jack.
- Move on to the next player after a foul.
- Continue on to the next round by repeating steps 1-4.
- The team with the highest number of point wins the game.
Learn to play Jackstones
The following videos and links give instructions and tips on how to play:
- How to Play Jacks (Wikihow)
- Let's play: Jackstones (video)
- How to play jackstones (video)
- How to play jacks (video)
Find out more
- Our page about games and gaming
- More posts about Philippines culture and traditions
Library resources
Lulette
Multicultural Liaison Coordinator
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