What is stick gambling?

Stick gambling, also known as hand game, is a type of Native American gambling game that has been practiced for centuries. It is a traditional game that is played with two teams, each consisting of two to four players, and a set of counting sticks.

The game involves hidden objects, such as bones or stones, and a set of counting sticks that are marked with different values. The players must guess the number of hidden objects, and their opponents try to guess whether they are over or under the actual number.

The players take turns calling out their guesses and covering the counting sticks with their hands, which are held in front of their opponents. The opponents then guess whether the total number of counting sticks hidden by the two players is an odd or even number.

The goal of stick gambling is to win the most rounds and accumulate the most sticks by correctly guessing the number of hidden objects and whether the total number of sticks is odd or even.

Stick gambling is a highly competitive game that is played for fun, as well as for ceremonial and religious purposes. It is often played during community events, such as powwows, and is an important part of Native American culture.