How to Play Buzkashi

Buzkashi is the national game of Afghanistan that dates back to the days of Ghengis Khan. Played on horseback, a single game can last for days, and stretch for countless miles over the rocky steppes. In the days of old, a game of buzkashi could easily kill unlucky players. And even today, injuries will not at all impede play.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Take the carcass of a calf. Behead it, cut off its legs at the knee, and empty it of its insides. Soak it in cold water for twenty-four hours, to make it tough. Sand can also be packed inside to increase the bulk.
2. Dig a small hole, and place the calf inside so that it is level with the ground. Draw a circle nearby in quicklime - this is the hallal, which means 'circle of justice' in Turkomen.
3. Establish poles to the left and to the right of the hallal. There is no defined distance between these poles, but modern 'rules' suggest keeping them within a mile of each other.
4. Gather the riders around the pit containing the calf. At the signal, the riders grab the calf, and gallop away as fast as they can.
5. Round one post, and then the other, before depositing the calf in the 'circle of justice.' In the meanwhile, all the other players will be attempting to steal the calf from you. Even if someone only carries the calf the final few yards, whoever deposits the calf in the hallal is declared the winner.

Tips & Warnings

• You cannot tie the calf to your saddle, hit another player on the hand in order to snatch the calf, or trip the players with a rope. These rules may or may not be observed.
• Women are traditionally not allowed to watch a game of buzkashi.
• Wear very thick, protective clothing - the traditional outfit consists of high leather boots, a quilted jacket, and a fur hat. These clothes serve to protect you from some of the dangers of the game, like the boots of other players, and whips. If you are carrying the calf, you will be whipped repeatedly by your competitors.