Bekel is a fun, easy-to-learn game that can be played on the floor indoors, or on concrete outdoors. This game can be played in groups, in pairs, or solo. You only need a small bouncing ball and a set of seeds. Learn how to prepare for the game, its basic rules, and various other variations of the game.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the Game
Step 1. Prepare the seeds and balls
You only need a small bouncing ball and a set of seeds, which are six-pointed metal pieces. The number of seeds played depends on the variety of games played, but generally 10 seeds are used.
- You can buy the bouncing ball, a set of seeds, and the carrying bag at most toy stores.
- In the United States, the ancient form of the bekel game was named knucklebones because in the past, the game was played using goat or sheep finger bones instead of metal ores.
Step 2. Play on a hard surface
This game requires a hard, flat, and smooth surface for the ball to bounce well. If you play outdoors, try on a wooden patio or concrete surface such as a sidewalk. If playing indoors, wood or linoleum flooring is ideal.
You can play at a table, but it's better to stand than sit down so you can move more freely
Step 3. Gather players, if you want
Although this game can be done alone, it will be more exciting to play against other players. Bekel is usually played one on one, but feel free to add players to make it more fun. There are no rules limiting the number of players, but remember that the more players, the longer the game. You can play in 2 teams if the number of players exceeds 6 people.
Step 4. Determine who starts first
The most traditional method of determination is called flipping. Place the bekel in both cupped hands, throw it in the air, then catch as much as possible with the backs of both hands connected with thumbs. Throw in the air, and again catch as many as possible, this time with both hands cupped again. The player who catches the most seeds has the right to start first.
You can use a simpler method to determine who the first player is, for example with a high five or a suit
Part 2 of 3: Playing the Game
Step 1. Spread the seeds on the surface of the playground
Whoever plays first throws the seeds right in front of him. Try to spread them evenly, not too close, and not too far apart.
If two seeds touch each other, pick them up and throw them back until they are evenly distributed
Step 2. Throw the ball in the air
Throw the ball straight up high enough that you have time to pick up the seeds, but not so high that it's out of reach.
Step 3. Pick up one seed
Pick up the seeds before the ball has time to bounce.
Step 4. Let the ball bounce once and catch it
The ball can only bounce once; if left more, your turn is over. Use the same hand as the ball catching hand to pick up the seeds.
- The ball must remain in your hand while holding the ball.
- Once the ball is caught, transfer the ball to the other hand.
Step 5. Throw the ball back and pick up one seed
Use the same hand as the thrower's hand to pick up the seeds. Catch the ball after bouncing once. Transfer the seeds to the other hand and repeat the process until you either take all the seeds or commit a foul. The first round was named "mihiji"
Collected seeds should be kept on hand when picking up other seeds
Step 6. Switch to the next player after the foul
If you commit a foul, it's your turn and goes to the next player counter-clockwise. When your turn is over, return all the seeds you picked to spread out. Pass the ball to the next player. Violations can occur for several reasons:
- The ball failed to be picked up, or bounced more than once.
- Failed to pick up the right number of seeds.
- The number of seeds taken is wrong.
- Drop the seeds that are taken.
- Accidentally shifting seeds on the floor (called "tipping").
Step 7. Proceed to the next round
After taking all the seeds one by one, scatter them again. Follow the same sequence, throw the ball, pick up the ball, and catch the ball. However, this time take two seeds at a time. This round is called "midua". After all the seeds have been picked up in this round, continue to pick three seeds, then four, then five, and so on for up to ten.
Step 8. Proceed from your point of violation
When it's your turn again, start from the state before the offence. For example, if a foul occurs during the “midua” round, you start your turn by throwing the ball and picking up two seeds, then move on to the “mitiga” round if successful.
Step 9. Keep playing until you get a winner
The winner is usually the player who first completes the "mitenth" round. For expert players, the winner is the player who first completes "miten" and then plays backwards until "misiji".
Part 3 of 3: Adding Game Variations
Step 1. Play without bounce
Play at your usual pace, but don't use bounces. You need to pick up the seeds before the ball hits the floor.
An easier variation is to let the ball bounce twice before picking up the seeds
Step 2. Change hands
Use your non-dominant hand to throw the ball and pick up the seeds. Use your dominant hand to hold the seeds while picking up more.
Step 3. Play Black Widow
You have to play from " Misiji " to " Miten " without making any mistakes. If you commit a foul, you must start over from " Misiji " on the next turn. This variation is more challenging for skilled players.
Step 4. Play Around The World
After throwing the ball, make a circle in the air with your hands before bouncing.
Step 5. Use a variety of materials
Try playing the game as you normally would with wooden balls or small stone sets instead of metal ores. In the past, this game used small bones instead of metal ores; You can use various materials to play. In Indonesia, this game usually uses salak seeds.
