THE FROG GAME

Oringins

Some people attribute the origin of this game to a Inca legend. In this culture toads were venerated for their magical powers. On festive days gold pieces were thrown into the lakes. If a toad jumped and ate the piece, it became into gold and the shooter was granted a wish. The Incas built a great golden toad, with which all the royalty was amused. It was a game with a dose of mystery, where dance an joy were mixed in a single rite: Pukllay Sapu (Play of Sapu)

Other historians say that thousands of years ago, in the Egypt of the Pharaohs, a similar game to the game of the frog was practiced. The Egyptians practiced several games of room.

In modern time, at the beginning of the century, passengers of great transatlantic ships practiced the game of the frog on the decks.

This game is very widespread in all the North of Spain

How to play

A frog made of iron with its mouth open is placed in the center of a wooden box. Around there are 4 to 6 holes, one windlass or trampoline and 2 bridges.

Each player can throw from 6 to 10 chips or records. The frog is 15 cm. tall and 10 cm. wide. The chips or records measure 40 mm. of diameter and 8 mm. thick. Its mouth has an opening of 2 chips at a time. The distance to throw these chips or records will be 3 meters, although the distance can be varied according to the age of the participants. Frog placement is usually the center.

The pitcher must through the chip. If the chip goes through the mouth of the frog you get 100 points; through the windlass, 50 points; through the bridges or arcs, 25 points; the worst play is to throuw it through the holes, you get only 5 points. If the chips stay on the top of the table, you get 0 points.

They play between 3 and 5 rounds, playing to the best of 500 points or 1.000 points, although this can change according to the zones or places. But it should always be clear before the game starts.

This game is very practiced in canteens, bars,… The loser pays the drinks for friends. It is a bet.