Stick gambling is a traditional hand game played by many indigenous people, with the rules varying among each group. It would typically be played whenever different groups would meet on the trail. Games could last for several days during which prized matches, shot, gunpowder, or tobacco would be staked. Traditionally only men would take part, but in modern games anyone is allowed to play.
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Game Rules
Two equally sized teams kneel on the ground facing one another. On one side the players hide a token (idzi) in their fist. The token is passed back and forth between fists. Drummers behind provide music and sing gambling songs. Upon a handclap from the captain of the opposing team, the drumming ceases and the players show their fists.
The captain then uses a hand signal to guess which hand the token is in, against all opposing players at once. A correct guess eliminates that player, and each player who has not been eliminated receives a counting stick. When all opposing players are eliminated the right to hide the idzi passes to the other team. The game ends when one of the teams have two of the three 'judge sticks'.
More information
The Yukon Territory First Nations in Canada hold many annual Handgames, or Stickgambling Tournaments, in which both genders play