Matchboxes

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Matchboxes is a drinking game of skill played around a table. It can be played by any number of people, although if the circle is large it may be advisable to introduce a second matchbox diametrically opposite to the first to keep things active. The aim is to flick the matchbox over one's pint such that it lands on its edge or end.

Play proceeds around the circle. The player whose turn it is takes the matchbox and holds it, between index and middle finger, behind his pint glass, in some versions below the level of the drink. By smartly straightening the fingers, he tries to flip the matchbox over the glass. What happens next depends on how the box lands:

End 

If the matchbox lands on its end (smallest face) then four fingers are "added" to the box. Play then continues round the circle.

Edge 

If the box lands on an edge (middle-sized face; usually the one with striking paper) then it accumulates two fingers. Play continues.

Side 

If the matchbox lands on its side (the largest face) then the thrower must drink the total number of fingers accumulated in the matchbox so far. Once this has taken place the box reverts to zero fingers and play continues. If the box contains no fingers then play simply continues without penalty.

The matchbox is sometimes labled as a reminder of the numbers. Also an 'R' on one end and one edge may be used to signify that the direction of play should be reversed (if play it was moving anti-clockwise, passing to the right, the box now moves to the left)

A "finger" is the amount of beer, in a straight or "conical" pint glass, covered by one finger on the outside of the glass. There are eight "standard drinking fingers" to the pint(568ml).

Accidentally flicking a matchbox into one's own pint is uncommon, but if it occurs the usual penalty is to finish the pint immediately (after removing the matchbox). Rules dealing with matchboxes knocked off the table vary, from simply retrieving it and rethrowing to downing one's pint. In some cases if a player throws the matches into another person's pint, they must down it and buy a replacement. Spilling matches is sometimes also punishable by a fine (often a finger per match).

[edit] Other Rules

In some variations any item placed in direct contact with the table (with the exeception of the match box) must stay in position to the end of the game. This allows for empties to be strategicaly placed in front of opponents to increase the chance of an error, as landing in one of these will mean a fine. To allow players to drink ther drinks normally they are places on beer mats any accidenlty placed in contact with the table the drink must be finished with a straw.

Another optional rule is the "147" (named for the maximum single break in a frame of snooker). A player calling a 147 attempts to throw the matchbox up and strike the ceiling, then land the matchbox back on the table, not in the player's own pint or that of any other player. If achieved every other participant must down the remainder of their drink. If, however, the player either fails to strike the ceiling or the box does not land safely back on the table, he must finish not only his own drink but also that of every other player seated at the table.

The continental round was introduced by U.W Bangor Men's Hockey Team in the year 2000. This involves every player taking their throw for the round in a non standard way, whilst still adhearing to certain rules. For example one may choose to flick the box with the foot instead of with the hand, however the 'box must still be released from below the level of ones drink and travel over the drinking vessel. Any other rules contraveined during the throw will be fined as usual.

As with other 'extreme' rules, it may be best not to included in some games and as with a lot of rules, variations on the name, when permitable, and fine vary. The fine for failure is always large however.