How to Play the Game Jacks

Jacks is a timeless game that kids everywhere love to play. It incorporates gross and fine motor skills, as well as simple math, into a pastime that can be shared or enjoyed alone. It is inexpensive, safe and as challenging as kids want it to be. The basic version is called "Basic Sixes" and includes the core steps you need to play most other variations.

Things You'll Need

• Set of jacks
• Rubber ball

Instructions

1. Hold the ball and all of the Jacks in one hand, and throw the ball into the air, drop all of the jacks, and catch the ball on the first bounce.

2. Toss the ball again, and pick up one jack while the ball is still in the air.

3. Repeat tossing the ball and picking up jacks–first one, then two, and progressing until you have all of the jacks in your hand.

4. Toss the ball again, and pick up jacks in sums that add up to six--four jacks and then two jacks, three jacks and three jacks, then five jacks and one jack.

5. Toss the ball and pick up all six jacks at once.

6. Play “Crack the Egg” after you’ve completed the whole cycle by repeating the Basic Sixes game, but tapping each jack on the floor before you pick it up.

7. Move on to “Pigs in a Pen” once you have finished the “Crack the Egg” cycle by sweeping each successive jack into your left hand, cuffed and resting on the floor, instead of picking them up when the ball is bouncing.

Tips & Warnings

• You can come up with as many variations on the jacks theme as you want–try tapping the jacks on a body part, the wall or a partner, or performing snaps in between bounces.

• Always pick up jacks when you are done playing. They can cause injury if stepped on.