How to Play Jacks

True classics never die, and this childhood game doesn't require much to keep it thriving: a little bouncy ball, at least 10 jacks, and a hard, level playing surface.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Jacks
• Small Rubber Balls

1. Sit on the ground (blacktop, sidewalk or floor) unless you're playing on a table, in which case standing is usually better than sitting on a chair.

2. 

   Toss the 10 jacks gently out onto the playing surface.

3. 

   Toss the ball into the air with your throwing hand.

4. While the ball is in the air, pick up 1 jack using only your throwing hand.

5. Catch the ball in your throwing hand before the ball hits the ground.

6. 

   Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 until you've picked up all 10 jacks.

7. Toss the 10 jacks out onto the playing surface again.

8. Toss the ball into the air, and now pick up 2 jacks each time and catch the ball before it hits the ground.

9. 

   Continue tossing the ball, picking up jacks and catching the ball - increasing the number of jacks you pick up when the ball is in the air until you pick up all 10 at one time.

10. It's the other player's turn when you don't pick up the correct number of jacks or you miss the ball.

11. Begin where you left off when it's your turn again. If you were picking up 3 jacks at a time, toss the 10 jacks onto the playing surface and pick up 3 each time.

12. Declare a winner if you want to when you or your friend succeeds at 'onesies' through 'tensies' (1 jack through 10 jacks).

Tips & Warnings

• Another way to play is to bounce the ball on the playing surface rather than throw it in the air, and try to pick up as many jacks as you can before the ball bounces again.

• There are ways to make the game more difficult, such as not touching jacks you don't pick up and placing the jacks you do pick up in your other hand before catching the ball.

• Keep the jacks and ball away from small children and pets - the small pieces could cause choking.