In London’s historic pubs, the ancient game of London Skittles endures as a cherished piece of British heritage. With its wooden pins and heavy cheese, this traditional pub game continues to captivate players in select venues, preserving a timeless form of entertainment despite modern diversions.
Key Takeaways
- London Skittles is a traditional British pub game featuring nine wooden pins and a heavy wooden “cheese” instead of a ball.
- Players throw the cheese down a 21-foot alley to knock down pins arranged in a square formation.
- The scoring system awards chalks (points) based on efficiency, with matches typically consisting of seven ends.
- Teams of 6-12 players compete in leagues from September to May, with games lasting approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, which is typical in regional variations found in Guernsey and Gloucestershire.
- The game has ancient roots traced to Dutch seafarers and maintains strong cultural ties to British pub tradition.
The Origins of London Skittles
The humble game of London Skittles boasts ancient roots that stretch back to the civilizations of Egypt and beyond. As the game evolved, it found its way through Greece, Rome, and the regions of Southern Turkey, where the Lydians adopted similar variations of the sport. Early players often used animal thigh bones as primitive pins for the game.
Maritime connections played an essential role in bringing skittles to English shores, with Dutch seafarers likely introducing the game through ports along the River Thames. This influence is evident in terms like “Dutch pins” and the game’s connection to German “Kegel.” The sport gained formal recognition in the nineteenth century with the establishment of the Amateur Skittles Association and club constitutions. Shakespeare’s mention of “loggats” in his works further confirms the game’s deep-rooted presence in English culture.
Game Setup and Equipment
The traditional London skittles setup requires nine wooden pins, typically made from hornbeam wood and standing 14 1/2 inches high, arranged in a square formation at one end of a 21-foot alley. The game’s distinctive feature is the use of a heavy “cheese” instead of a conventional ball, which players throw directly at the pins in a full toss motion. The alley itself must be flat and smooth, particularly in the area where the pins stand, and often includes walls or troughs behind the pins to contain scattered skittles after impact. Similar to kubb, where teams can have 1 to 6 players, London skittles allows for flexible team sizes to accommodate different social settings.
Wooden Pins and Cheese
London Skittles sets itself apart through distinctive equipment requirements, featuring uniquely shaped wooden pins and a specialized throwing implement called the cheese. The traditional pins, crafted from hornbeam wood, stand 14 1/2 inches high with a bomb-like shape that measures 6 1/2 inches across the middle and 3 inches at either end, weighing 9 pounds each.
The cheese, made from lignum vitae wood, differs significantly from balls used in other skittles variations. This flat, round, loaf-shaped projectile measures between 8 1/2 to 12 inches in diameter and weighs between nine and twelve pounds. While traditional materials remain popular, modern variations may incorporate different woods or heavy rubber, though specifications can vary between regions and leagues. The London version specifically uses the cheese for direct throws at the pins. Like other historical pub games, skittles emerged as a gambling pastime in medieval England, leading to various regulations and adaptations over time.
Setting Up the Alley
Proper alley setup forms the foundation of London Skittles, requiring specific dimensions and materials to accommodate both the heavy pins and distinctive cheese. The standard London alley measures approximately 21 feet in length and 6 feet in width, making it shorter than other regional variations found throughout England. Players must ensure each throw in the game includes a single bounce before striking the pins.
The alley surface consists of two distinct sections: a rough initial area where players release the cheese, followed by a smoother section typically made of hardwood or slate leading to the pin area. Back walls and troughs are vital components that contain the pins and prevent them from scattering too far after impact. The nine hornbeam pins are arranged in a specific pattern at the alley’s end, with the kingpin often distinguished by its slightly taller height and distinctive round bobble top.
Playing the Perfect Game
To excel at London Skittles, players must develop a consistent throwing technique that combines proper arm movement with precise ball control. Understanding common pin patterns helps players make strategic decisions about which pins to target first, especially when faced with challenging arrangements after the initial throw. The choice of ball weight and grip style significantly impacts performance, with experienced players typically selecting equipment that matches their physical capabilities and throwing style. Players must swing clockwise around the pole while throwing to achieve optimal results.
Mastering the Throwing Technique
Mastering the throwing technique in skittles demands a precise combination of physical skill and strategic understanding. The game centers on throwing the wooden “cheese,” a heavy circular disc, with a controlled swinging motion while stepping forward. Players must develop accuracy in their throws to effectively knock down the nine skittles arranged in formation.
Success requires careful attention to the cheese’s trajectory, speed, and angle of release. Players need to consider how the equipment interacts upon impact and plan their subsequent throws based on the remaining skittle layout. A player typically gets three attempts per turn to achieve the highest possible score. Through consistent practice, throwers can experiment with different grip styles and release methods to improve their control. Understanding the alley’s dimensions and surface characteristics as well aids players in predicting how the cheese will behave during play, leading to more effective throws.
Pin Pattern Recognition
Pattern recognition in London Skittles forms the cornerstone of playing a perfect game, requiring players to quickly analyze and adapt to evolving pin formations. The diamond-shaped layout features distinctive positions, including the front ‘King’ pin marked with a white stripe, Quarter pins, Birdie, and Wingers, each positioned on specific painted plates.
Success depends on understanding common pin combinations and their strategic value. Mastering pin patterns requires practice with swinging the ball around a central pole, similar to traditional Bar Skittles gameplay mechanics. Players must assess which formations offer the highest scoring potential, while considering factors like pin rebounds off side walls and alley conditions. Strategic decisions involve weighing whether to target clustered pins for maximum knockdown potential or take a more conservative approach. The game demands constant visual analysis of changing pin patterns, with players adapting their throwing technique based on remaining pin positions.
Equipment Selection Tips
A well-chosen set of equipment directly impacts a player’s ability to execute strategic pin patterns in London Skittles. Traditional wooden pins, crafted from sycamore, beech, or apple wood, stand 9-10 inches tall, with the kingpin distinguished by a distinctive bobble top. Players can select from various ball options, including classic wooden balls made from lignum vitae or modern rubber alternatives, typically measuring 4.5-5 inches in diameter.
The alley itself requires careful consideration, with lengths ranging from 30-55 feet. Some alleys feature a raised middle section, particularly in Bristol and North Somerset regions. Players often use a wooden discus cheese instead of a ball in specific regional variations. Regular maintenance guarantees ideal playing conditions, including inspection for loose boards and proper storage of equipment in cool, dry areas. Seasonal treatment with protective substances, such as linseed oil or French polish, helps preserve the equipment’s integrity.
Scoring and Winning Strategies
The scoring system in London Skittles combines strategic depth with straightforward point calculation. Players earn points, called chalks, by knocking down all pins in fewer throws than their opponent during each of the seven ends. Each standing pin counts as an additional throw, and if all pins aren’t down within four throws, players receive five points.
Success in London Skittles relies on mastering key strategies. Players should focus on targeting central pins to create effective chain reactions, adapt their throwing technique to match alley conditions, and balance power with precision. A relaxed body posture helps players maintain better control during gameplay. Maintaining mental focus while observing opponents’ techniques can provide valuable tactical advantages. Regular practice develops muscle memory and improves accuracy, while a proper stance and balanced grip are crucial for consistent performance.
League Play and Competitions
Organized across various regions, London Skittles leagues operate from September through May, featuring both regular season matches and knockout cup competitions. Teams consist of varying numbers of players, typically ranging from 6 to 12 members, depending on the specific league and season.
Match formats usually involve twenty-one ends, with players alternating turns and scoring chalks by knocking down pins more efficiently than their opponents. Games typically last around 1 hour and 40 minutes, taking place on alleys that vary in surface material, including concrete, wood, or lino. League structures often include multiple divisions, with teams competing for points based on aggregate scores. Throughout the season, additional competitions such as Singles and Pairs tournaments provide players with extra opportunities for competitive play, while cup matches follow strict scheduling deadlines to maintain organized progression. Some leagues feature Front Pin First rules, where points are only awarded if the front pin is knocked down before other pins.
Pub Culture and Traditions
Steeped in centuries of British pub tradition, London Skittles embodies the ideal elements of pub gaming culture through its blend of competitive spirit and social camaraderie. The game’s historical roots trace back to ancient civilizations, evolving into the beloved pub pastime we know today.
Traditional wooden balls and pins remain central to the authentic experience, though modern variations incorporate newer materials. The game unfolds in cozy pub corners, where players take three throws per turn to knock down pins arranged in a triangle. Each region proudly maintains its unique rules and variations, contributing to the rich tapestry of British pub culture. Early accounts suggest the game was introduced by Dutch sailors who frequented London’s portside establishments.
The leisurely pace of skittles creates an environment where people of all ages can gather, nurturing meaningful connections and preserving a cherished tradition that continues to unite communities.
