Section 5: Rules of Play
Basic Gameplay
- Players face each other and extend their right (or left) hand
- Players interlock their fingers, creating a "ring" with their hands
- Thumbs are positioned upright, side by side
- Players recite the traditional opening chant: "One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!"
- Upon completion of the chant, the match begins
- Players attempt to pin their opponent's thumb down for a count of three
- The first player to achieve a three-count pin wins the match
Starting the Match
- Players grasp hands with fingers interlocked
- Thumbs are positioned upright
- Both players recite: "One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!"
- Some variations add: "Five, six, seven, eight, try to keep your thumb straight!"
- The match begins immediately after the chant
Legal Moves
- Dodging: Moving the thumb to avoid opponent's attacks
- Feinting: Fake movements to mislead opponent
- Pinning: Pressing opponent's thumb down against the hand
- Blocking: Using the side of the thumb to prevent opponent's movement