Hammerschlagen

Hammerschlagen Prize: $100

Time: TBD

No Entry Fee

Rules

The objective of this game is to be the first player to drive their nail completely into the wood.

To start, each player is assigned a nail. A player’s turn consists of a single swing at their nail with the wedge end of the hammer. Prior to swinging, the player must rest the wedge-end of the hammer on the log next to their nail. The hammer must be gripped behind the line on the hammer and with one hand (female players have the option of using both hands). The swing must be done in one continuous up and down motion.

Frequently, a player will bend their nail in such a way as to make driving it further nearly impossible. In this case, the player may use their next turn to make a single-motion swing at the nail from the side in an attempt to straighten the nail. You are not required to stand in the same place for the entire game. Often it is necessary to switch sides of the log to get a better angle on your nail.

Play continues to the right until one player has completely driven their nail into the wood. To win, the head of the nail must be flush with or below the surface of the wood.