Have Fun With Nature: How To Play Conkers

In an age where children spend a huge percentage of their free time playing with expensive computer games, it’s nice to know that some old-fashioned games are still being played outdoors and cost absolutely nothing.

During the fall, wherever you find horse chestnut trees you’ll find children playing conkers. It’s a game that was enjoyed by their parents, their grandparents, and even their great grandparents. Hopefully their own children will enjoy it one day, too.

What is A Conker?

A conker is a hard brown nut that’s encapsulated in a green, prickly case produced by the Horse Chestnut tree. The cases fall from trees when they’re ripe and can easily be collected from the ground.

In contrast to the nuts produced by the Sweet Chestnut tree, conkers are NOT fit for to be eaten by humans.

Choosing A Conker

If you’re serious about your game, choose your conkers carefully. The best ones are symmetrical in form, firm to the touch, and should be uncracked.

Use the water test. If a conker is damaged inside it will float in water so this is a good way of testing the density of your nut. Floaters should be discarded while those that sink to the bottom will be the hardest and the best.

Preparing A Conker for Play

Make a hole through the middle of your conker, going from the dull area at the top and down through the bottom. A thin skewer or hand-drill is useful for this.

Choose string that doesn’t break easily and thread a length about 12 inches long through the hole and tie a knot at one end to stop it from pulling through.

There are several ways to make your conkers harder, including: