How to Play Pick Up Sticks

Clear the area of play of any obstructions. A flat surface such as a table or floor needs to be used.

Drop all the sticks onto the floor or table. Let the lie where they landed. Do not rearrange any of the sticks.

Extract a stick from the pile without moving any other stick. Take turns trying to remove the sticks carefully. If you succeed, it remains your turn.

Forfeit your turn if a stick moves. It does not matter how slightly the stick moves.

Remove the stick that has been first touched. No other stick can be removed until that specific one has been safely removed.

Finish the game by picking up all the sticks from the pile without disturbing the others.

Score the game by adding the point value of the sticks as determined by the number of bands or colors indicated on each stick.

Vary the game by adding a solid colored or black stick which can then be used to assist in moving or picking up the dropped sticks without penalty.