Instructions Schagai

Objective of the Game

Schagai is a traditional Mongolian game played with sheep knucklebones. The objective of the game is to throw and influence the bones so that they land in specific positions to accumulate points. The exact objectives can vary depending on the game's variant.

Required Materials

• A set of 25 sheep knucklebones (commonly known as "Schagai")
• A playing surface, ideally flat and hard

Setup

• Each player receives a fixed number of Schagai, typically between 4 and 10.
• Players sit in a circle around the playing area.

Basic Rules

1. Distribution of Schagai: Each player has the same number of Schagai.
2. Turns: The game is usually played clockwise.

3. Throwing the Schagai: The first player throws their Schagai onto the playing surface.

4. The bones have four different faces or "sides", known as: Sheep, Goat, Camel, and Horse.

5. Scoring Points: Depending on the variant, certain combinations or arrangements of the Schagai can score points. Some common combinations include:

6. All bones landing on the same side: a large point gain

7. Two bones of the same type next to each other: a small point gain

8. Determining the Winner: The round ends when all players have thrown their bones. The player with the highest points wins the round. The game is often played over several rounds until a player reaches a certain score.

Strategic Tips

• Throwing Technique: The way Schagai are thrown can greatly influence the outcomes. Players develop their own techniques over time to control the bones.
• Keep an Eye on Combinations: Before throwing, think about which combinations will score you the most points and adjust your throw accordingly.

Special Variants

There are many local variants of Schagai, such as games where you aim for a specific animal or games that combine luck with skill. Depending on the community, the rules can vary significantly, and the game can be combined with storytelling or singing.

Final Note

Schagai is not only a game but also an essential part of Mongolian culture and tradition, often played during gatherings and festivals.