No.225

Thumb Wrestling

Japanese name: 指相撲

Materials

Two volunteers face one another and offer matching hands, such as both right hands. Gently hook the four fingers below the thumbs and rest joined hands on a table or lap.
Check that the grip is comfortable, then start on the signal. Move only the thumb, trying to gently pin the other thumb from above.
During a pin, count together to ten at the same pace. If the opponent escapes, stop the count and seek a new pin; a new pin starts again from one.
Do not pin with other fingers, twist forcefully, or scratch with nails. Release immediately if either person says “Stop.”
A continuous pin through ten wins. Call a draw after about 30 seconds without a result. Finish after about two bouts. Check both participants' wishes before changing hands.

Preschool children: gentle imitation with an adult. Primary school children: short bouts.