This is a great variation on the traditional marbles game. Instead of trying to shoot marbles out of a circle, the players are attempting to shoot into a hole in the circle.
Number of players: 2-6
Ages: 5+
Space required: This is probably best played outdoors, since it’s best to dig a little circle. The inner circle can be drawn or formed with string though if played inside on carpet.
To start, form a circle that will be the playing field. Six feet by six feet is the best size, but the game can still be fun with a three foot circle. In the middle of the circle, dig a small hole, or, if playing inside, mark a circle with a piece of yarn or string. It’s best played with a hole though to give it that golf feel.
Next, place thirteen mibs or standard marbles in a circle surrounding the hole. The game begins with one player knuckling down outside the circle and flicking their shooter toward the center. If the shooter knocks one or more of the mibs into the hole, that player gets to shoot again from the spot where the shooter stopped.
A player’s turn is immediately over if the shooter lands in the hole. That player is also out of the game. If one of the marbles in the center is knocked out, or the shooter goes outside the outer circle, they lose their turn also.
Each mib that gets knocked into the circle earns a point for the player shooting. One player can also knock another player’s shooter into the hole, forcing that player out of the game. If the game is being played for “keepsies” the winning player gets to keep all the mibs in the center. The winning player can also keep any shooters in the center if agreed on ahead of time.
This picture is slightly off scale, but it can give you an idea of the difference between shooters and mibs.