The setup
Each team faces a row of 22 bones: 20 white soldiers and a black guard at each end. Rows stand 10 metres apart. Every player throws two bones per turn — underhand only.
The Game of Bones
How to Play Bunnock
Two teams. Two lines of bones. Knock theirs down before they knock yours — starting with the guards.
The object
Clear the opposing line. Guards must fall first. Once both guards are down, soldiers can be hit in any order. The team that finishes with the fewest throws wins — but each side gets the same number of throws.
Teams of four
A championship team has four players of any age, and must include at least one person of the opposite sex. Order can change mid-game, but each player throws both of their bones before the next teammate goes.
The hammer
Win the coin toss and choose the end you throw from — or choose to throw last and keep the hammer. Last throw can decide a close game when the first team clears the line.
Ready for the fine print? The full championship rules live on the rules page.
Read official rules