What is kerplunk?

Kerplunk, also called pick-up sticks or jackstraws, is a game of dexterity in which players attempt to pick up sticks, one by one, from a pile using only their hands and without disturbing the other sticks. The objective of the game is to be the first player to collect a predetermined number of sticks, usually 11, without touching or knocking over any of the other sticks in the pile. If a player knocks over any sticks, their turn ends, and they forfeit any sticks that they have already collected. The game is typically played by two or more players, and it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The game is usually played with a set of 41 wooden sticks, each of which is about 12 inches long and has a diameter of about 1/4 inch. The sticks are usually bundled together and tied in the middle with a string. To set up the game, the sticks are scattered onto a flat surface, such as a table or the floor. The players then take turns picking up the sticks one by one, using only their hands and without disturbing the other sticks.

The first player to collect the predetermined number of sticks wins the game. If a player knocks over any sticks, their turn ends, and they forfeit any sticks that they have already collected. The game can also be played with a point system, in which players receive points for each stick they collect without knocking over any others. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Variations of Kerplunk

There are many different variations of Kerplunk, including:

• Pick-up sticks: In this variation, the sticks are not bundled together, but are instead scattered loosely onto the playing surface. The players then take turns picking up the sticks one by one, using only their hands and without disturbing the other sticks.

• Jackstraws: This variation is similar to pick-up sticks, but the sticks are usually made of metal or plastic instead of wood. The sticks are also usually shorter, and they are bundled together in a tighter bunch.

• Jenga: Jenga is a game of dexterity in which players remove blocks from a tower one by one, without causing the tower to collapse. The game is similar to Kerplunk in that it requires players to use their hands to manipulate objects without knocking over anything else.

• Mikado: Mikado is a Japanese game of dexterity that is similar to Kerplunk. In Mikado, the sticks are made of bamboo, and they are decorated with different colors and symbols. The players take turns picking up the sticks one by one, using only their hands and without touching the other sticks. The player who collects the most sticks with the highest point values wins the game.

Kerplunk is a fun and challenging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great game for developing hand-eye coordination and dexterity. It can also be a fun way to relax and de-stress.