How to Play Jacks: A Timeless Sidewalk Classic
If you grew up with a set of little metal (or plastic) jacks and a small rubber bounce ball rattling around in a drawstring pouch, you already know the game holds up. All these years later, jacks is still one of the simplest, cheapest, and most satisfying games around -- all you need is a flat surface, a ball, and a set of ten jacks. Here's a refresher on how to play, from the basic rules to the trickier variations that separate the beginners from the champs. What You Need A small rubber bounce ball (a "pinky" ball is traditional, but any small bouncy ball works) A set of 10 jacks (the small six-pronged metal or plastic pieces) A flat, hard playing surface — a sidewalk, tile floor, or tabletop all work well One or more players — jacks can be played solo or with a group taking turns The Basic Idea The core of the game is simple: you toss the jacks onto the ground, bounce the ball, and try to scoop up jacks before the ball bounces a...