Let’s Play
CHUNKY
Rules
Game Play Version 1
In this version, the stone features an indentation in the center, but the hole does not extend entirely through the stone.
Games can be played either one on one or with teams of two. Alongside the opponents, there will be rollers responsible for the Chunky Stone.
During each round, the roller propels the Chunky stone down the playing area. Subsequently, opponents toss their stick or spear to the spot where they anticipate the stone will come to rest. Importantly, their stick or spear must find its resting place before the Chunky stone settles.
The player whose stick or spear lands closest to the stone scores a point for that particular round.
The game continues, with players aiming to reach an agreed-upon score.
In the case of four players, teammates take turns alternately.
Game Play Version 2
In this version, the stone features a hole in its center.
Games can be played either one on one or with teams of two.
Alongside the opponents, there will be rollers responsible for the Chunky Stone.
During each round, the roller propels the Chunky Stone down the playing area. Opponents then chase after the stone, attempting to throw their spear at the rolling stone.
The first player to successfully hit the stone is awarded a point for that particular round.
If the stone is not struck, no points are awarded.
Players aim to reach an agreed-upon score, and if a player successfully throws their spear through the hole in the Chunky Stone, it results in an instant win.
History
Chunky is a Native American game, most likely created by the Mississippian people. While the exact date of its creation remains unknown, evidence suggests that the stones used in the game were shaped before the culture had access to metal. These stones, ranging from two to six inches, were formed by rubbing them against another stone. Chunky gained popularity and spread to other tribes, including the Cherokee, and was played by both sexes and people of all ages. Due to the labor-intensive process of making Chunky stones, they were highly prized possessions.
This popular game, which involved throwing a spear or stick and rolling a Chunky stone, also appears to have been played in a couple of different ways. In one version, players aimed to throw their spears through the hole of the rolling Chunky stone. In another version, players threw their spears while the Chunky stone was rolling, attempting to land them as close as possible to where the stone would come to rest. It is believed that Chunky games drew large crowds, with onlookers likely engaging in gambling on the matches.
