Game: Counting Sticks (Aboriginal)
Apparently this game originated with the Plains Cree - Muskowpetung First Nation - Qu'appelle Saskatchewan. We are using this game as an example of an aboriginal game.
Supplies:
- 25 bamboo skewers
- 12 toothpicks
Instructions:
- The players are divided into two teams sitting opposite each other.
- The counting sticks are placed in a pile in the middle.
- One player begins by secretly dividing the bundle of sticks into two lots, one in each hand.
- If her opponent chooses the bundle with an even number of sticks, then the opponent wins and gains a point (takes a counting stick), otherwise she loses and does not get a point.
- The play then passes to the next couple.
- All players on one team have a turn holding the sticks, then all players on the other team have a turn holding the sticks.
- Play continues until there are no counting sticks left in the middle pile. The team with the most points wins.
originally found at http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/RR/database/RR.09.00/treptau1/game1a.html