How to Light a Matchstick

Fold the matchbook's flap backwards to facilitate friction.

Simple as it may seem to light a match, doing it the wrong way does little more than wear down the strike strip on your matchbook. To properly light a matchstick on the first try, you need to create enough pressure between the head of the match and the strike strip to create friction and start the chemical reaction that ignites the fire. Pressing the match against the matchbook may not create enough friction, so you must employ a simple strategy to ensure that your match ignites.

Things You'll Need

• Matchbook

Instructions

1. Rip your matchstick out of the matchbook.

2. Press the head of the match against the strike strip on the back of the matchbook.

3. Fold the flap of the matchbook backwards at the crease and pinch it against the matchbook. The match should be pinned against the strike strip and held in place by the matchbook's flap.

4. Drag the head of the match against the length of the strip while pinching the matchbook flap back. Do this quickly. When you pull the matchstick out from between the flaps of the matchbook, it should be ignited.

References

• MSU Science Theatre: How Does a Match Work?