Tiddlywinks

The French

Tiddley Winks by

A European red wooden mushroom-style tiddlywinks container with smaller nylon wink discs and larger nylon squidger discs (1960s)

Tiddlywinks is a indoor game played with small, disk-shaped pieces called "winks". Players use a larger piece called a "squidger" to propel a wink into flight by pressing down on one side of the wink. The objective is to shoot the winks into a cup or onto a target area. Originating in the late 19th century, Tiddlywinks has evolved from a children's game to a competitive adult sport, with organized clubs, tournaments, and world championships.

History

The game of Tiddlywinks was first patented in England in 1888 by Joseph Assheton Fincher. It gained rapid popularity, becoming a fashionable pastime among the Victorian society. The modern competitive version of the game was developed at the University of Cambridge in the 1950s, leading to the formation of the English Tiddlywinks Association (ETwA) in 1958. This period marked the transition of Tiddlywinks from a casual parlor game to a competitive sport with standardized rules and international competitions.

Gameplay

Tiddlywinks is played on a flat surface, typically a mat or a table, with a small cup placed in the center. The game can be played individually or in teams, with the basic equipment consisting of a set of winks of different colors and one or more squidgers. The aim is to use the squidger to flip winks into the cup or onto a higher score area within a designated play area.

Rules

The rules of Tiddlywinks are governed by the World Tiddlywinks Association (WTA), which oversees international play. A match consists of a series of rounds, with players taking turns using their squidgers to shoot their winks. Points are scored based on the position of the winks at the end of each round, with additional points for winks that are "potted" into the cup.

Competitive Play

Tiddlywinks has a rich competitive scene, with clubs and associations organizing tournaments and championships at various levels. The World Tiddlywinks Championship is the pinnacle of competitive play, attracting players from around the globe. The sport has developed a unique culture, complete with its own terminology and traditions.

Cultural Impact

Tiddlywinks has made a significant cultural impact, featuring in literature, movies, and television shows. It has been used metaphorically in political and social commentary, symbolizing strategy, precision, and the playful nature of competition.

See Also

• Board games
• Sports in England
• University of Cambridge