How to Play Jacks

Sit on the ground (blacktop, sidewalk or floor) unless you're playing on a table, in which case standing is usually better than sitting on a chair.

Toss the 10 jacks gently out onto the playing surface.

Toss the ball into the air with your throwing hand.

While the ball is in the air, pick up one jack using only your throwing hand.

Catch the ball in your throwing hand before the ball hits the ground.

Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 until you've picked up all 10 jacks.

Toss the 10 jacks out onto the playing surface again.

Toss the ball into the air, and now pick up two jacks each time and catch the ball before it hits the ground.

Continue tossing the ball, picking up jacks and catching the ball -- increasing the number of jacks you pick up when the ball is in the air -- until you pick up all 10 at one time.

Allow the other player to take her turn when you don't pick up the correct number of jacks or you miss the ball.

Begin where you left off when it's your turn again. If you were picking up three jacks at a time, toss the 10 jacks onto the playing surface and pick up three each time.

Declare a winner if you want to when you or your friend succeeds at 'onesies' through 'tensies' (one jack through 10 jacks).