Games We Played When We Were Children (Part Five):Marbles (Jolen)

"Jolens", (marbles made of hard glass), were not only for decorative purposes but a great source of enjoyment for us when we were children. It was fascinating and good to see them in different sizes and colors. We carried them in our little pockets and played with them either by gaining some marbles from others or shooting them in holes.

To gain some more marbles, we first agree how many each was willing to stake (taya) per game. Then we draw a circle which will contain all the staked marbles. About ten to fifteen feet from it was drawn a line from where we could strike at the marbles in the circle. The first shooter is determined by each player, from near the circle, throwing his mother marble (pamato) to the line. The nearest would be the first, the second comes next and so on. All of the marbles you are able to shoot out of the circle will be yours. You also gain some marbles, equivalent to the number of marbles staked by one player, when you get to hit the mother marble of any of the participant. For every turn, you have the option to shoot at the marbles, hit an opponents mother marble, or just place your mother marble nearer the circle or any place you think you will gain much advantage.

When we do not have much marbles to play with and when we are not that interested in competing for some more, we play "Jolens". The playing area is composed of the starting line. About three to four feet from it is the first hole about one and a half inches in diameter. Three other holes follow it at about the same distance each. The goal is to be able to put the your marble into each hole to and back. However, any player, during his turn, may have the option to shoot your marble with his marble. Every hit credits you with a hole. When you are hit, you go back to the first hole. This game may also be played in pairs.

Again, this game helped us while our time meaningfully. Some of us developed the skill to hit marbles from a great distance. We also learned to work with a partner and thus develop teamwork. Accuracy and precision were added skills. I will not be surprised if some of my accuracy and precision skills in playing other sports like bowling, golf, badminton, and billiards were courtesy of these games we played when we were children. (for some rules on the game you can visit http://www.streetplay.com/thegames/marbles/marblerules.shtml)