Thumb wrestling
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Thumb wrestling is a popular children's game played with two players, or in tournaments of more with all individual matches in pairs. This is often played in situations where larger or more complicated games might be inappropriate: in the car, a restaurant, or when attempting to annoy one's parents.
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[edit] Game Play
To play the game, players hook the four fingers of their right (or left) hands together such that both hands are clasped tightly. Typically, after a short starting chant which varies by region (for example, "one, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war five, six, seven, eight, try to keep your thumb straight. nine, ten, let's begin"), the opponents proceed to attempt to pin (capture or trap) their opponent's thumb for three seconds, while avoiding the same. The game itself is not necessarily fair: the length of the player's thumbs often contribute to an eventual victory, and left-handed opponents are often at a disadvantage if right hands are used.
[edit] Cheating
Like similar childhood games, cheating methods are often introduced. Some use the index finger, which is typically set aside with the other fingers, to move horizontally and sweep over the opponent's thumb in a sneak attack. This tactic is often referred to as a "snake," a "buddy," or more commonly, "tag team," and can be specifically banned before each individual match with the provision "No snakes" or "no buddies". Other, less popular, tactics have been used, such as twisting the opponent's arm or wrist to gain leverage or introducing the unused hand into battle. Fast counts and misunderstandings of the game's home rules, i.e., whether the match begins after the abbreviated "1,2,3,4" chant or the extended "5,6,7,8,9" chant, or whether the pin count is to up to 5) also complicate the game's fairness.
[edit] Thumb Wrestling as Pinochle
Thumb wrestling has also become popularly known as "pinochle" in some regions of the United States, such as Oklahoma and Texas. In the region, rarely is the word pinochle referring to the popular card game known widely as pinochle. The origin of this expression is unknown, but it might be related to the words pin and knuckle, describing the object of the game: using one's thumb to "pin" the other's knuckle.
[edit] Popular Culture
In the 1980s, an attempt to capitalize on the game was made by toymaker LJN with its release of World Wrestling Federation-licensed thumb wrestling action figures. These figures took the shape of WWF action stars of the time, including Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, and others. Unfortunately, bulky action figures did nothing to improve the game and it was often difficult to win when using the action figures. Over the years, other toy companies have also attempted to capitalize on the simple children's game through plastic or cardboard "rings" that are placed over the hands to simulate a real professional wrestling ring.
There is also a television show by the name of Thumb Wrestling Federation.
