Many kinds of skittle games are known from the Middle Ages. They were played in the country-side as well as in town. It is reported that the monks in the monasteries either rolled or threw the bowls when they were playing skittles.
Line up the skittles as in the picture. The teams are of five or six people. The bowl is thrown from a distance of ten metres (shorter if the players are younger). Unlike today’s skittle games, (for example bowling), the purpose is not to knock over as many skittles as possible. Instead, the skittles have different values. The best skittle to knock over is the King.
KNIGHT GAME
The Knight Game can be described as a medieval battle with two teams fighting each other. This game is known from several places in northern Europe. Perhaps the merchants of the Hanseatic League brought it to the Nordic countries.
Arrange the game as in the picture . Every team has five knights and the King is in the middle. By throwing wooden pegs, one tries to knock over the opponent’s knights and eventually the King too. You may only throw from below your shoulder.