Objective of the Game
Kottabos was an ancient Greek drinking game played primarily at symposia. The main objective was to fling the wine remnants from a drinking cup onto a target to score points. The game was used both as entertainment and as a skill exercise.
Number of Players
Kottabos could be played by multiple players, often in a social circle. There is no fixed maximum number, but it is ideal for 4 to 8 participants.
Materials
- Wine Cups
- Target: Usually a flat plate or bowl, sometimes with a statue in the middle.
- A table or pedestal where the target is placed.
Setup
- Players take places on the provided couches around the playing area.
- The wine jar is filled with wine and distributed among the players.
Game Rules
- Wine Flinging: Each player fills their cup with a small amount of wine or wine dregs.
- Throwing: Players fling the wine by swinging the cup in a special manner to direct the contents onto the target.
- Hitting the Target: The target can be a plate or bowl; hitting it or toppling it over scores points.
- Scoring: Points are awarded when the target is hit or toppled.
Strategic Tips
- Angle and Swing: Success depends greatly on the correct angle and swing force. Finding a good balance between power and precision is key.
- Distance: The game can be simpler or more challenging depending on how far the target is. Beginners should start with closer targets.
- Wine Amount: Use only a small amount of wine to improve flinging technique and allow precise throws.
Kottabos was a popular game in ancient Greek culture and conveys a sense of skill and sociability. Today, it can be recreated as a cultural or historical experience, although without the substantial alcohol consumption traditionally associated with it.
