Traditional games in Malaysia - Batu seremban

Batu Seremban

History

Batu seremban is known as knucklebones or five jacks in English. It is usually played by girls, either in a pair or a group. The game is usually played with five or seven objects such as marbles, pebbles, or objects that are round which are suitable to be played, known as buah. In the modern days, usually tiny bags filled with either beans or rice are used. In the olden days, you will be able to see this game being played during the free time of these children in their veranda, living room or anywhere with a flat surface. It is recommended for players to sit on the floor as it is easier to play in this manner. 

How to play

This game has seven stages, ranging from the easiest to the hardest. The first stage is the easiest. One player is to start first.  Player is required to spread the buahs . Make sure that all these buahs aren't in contact with each other. Now, player is to choose one of these buah  to be the ' mother'. The 'mother' is to be tossed into the air and at the same time, the player needs to pick another buah up using the same hand. The collected buah can be put aside. The steps are repeated till all the buah have been collected. 

The second stage is similar to the first. Instead of picking one buah at one time, player is required to pick two buahs up. This means at the second stage, players are only allowed to toss the 'mother' twice.

There is a slight difference in stage three. At the first throw, only one buah is picked. However at the second throw, three buahs are grabbed before catching the one in the air. 

At the fourth stage, player is to throw one buah and grab the four on the ground before catching the one in the air. 

The fifth stage will be played like the fourth stage except with an extra move. Throw the 'mother' and place the other four onto the surface before collecting the 'mother'.

Next, the 'mother' has to be tossed and the other four buahs need to be grabbed before getting the tossed one. 

The sixth stage is really different from the previous stages. Player needs to choose two buahs and toss one of them into the air. Before catching that buah, you are required to switch the buah in your hand with any one of those on the ground.  The steps are repeated until all the buahs have been switched.

The last stage is a continuous of the sixth stage. In the player's hand, there will be two buahs. The player will toss these two buahs and pick one up from the floor. Unlike the previous stages, the players need to collect the two buahs using two hands, each catching one. The game continues till the last buah is caught.