Buzz
Stack, Slam, and Flip Your Way to Victory
Although Pogs may have peaked in popularity, their timeless appeal remains. Originating in the ‘30s with kids playing with bottle caps, the '90s resurgence brought Pogs back into the limelight, thanks to a schoolteacher introducing POG-brand soda caps to students. Here's how to play this exhilarating playground game and become a Pog collector extraordinaire.
Essential Knowledge
- Create a stack of face-up Pogs, each player contributing an equal number.
- Take turns slamming the slammer onto the stack, collecting any Pogs that flip face-down.
- Continue playing until no Pogs remain upright. The player with the most collected Pogs emerges as the victor.
Gameplay Guidelines
Guide to Pogs Game
Invite 2-4 pals for a Pogs session. Opt for a smaller group to keep the game lively and engaging. If you're short on Pogs, improvise with bottle caps or cardboard discs, reminiscent of the game's origins in the 1930s.
- If Pogs are scarce, suggest a rematch to reclaim lost favorites.
Decide on the stakes before kickoff. Before diving into the game, discuss whether to wager the flipped Pogs. This adds excitement, but if it's too intense, play for fun and return the Pogs post-game.
- A rematch is always an option to win back any lost Pogs if you're playing for keeps.
Select your Pogs lineup. Form a circle with your crew and take turns adding Pogs to the center. Ensure each player contributes equally, aiming for 5-10 Pogs per person.
- When assembling the Pogs, distribute them evenly for fairness.
- If it's a keeps game, be cautious of the Pogs you contribute—they might not return to you.
Arrange the Pogs face-up on a flat surface. Combine all the Pogs into a single stack, ensuring each design faces upwards. Use a sturdy surface like a table or carpet to stack them for stability.
Decide who starts by flipping a Pog. Flip a spare Pog like a coin toss, with your friend calling heads or tails. The winner of the flip goes first. For larger groups, repeat this process until everyone has had a turn. The winner of the last flip starts the game.
- Alternatively, play Rock, Paper, Scissors to determine the starting player.
- The first player usually has the best chance of flipping more Pogs as the stack is taller.
Hold your slammer with a firm grip. Slammers are robust Pogs used to strike the stack. In American Pog contests, players typically grasp the slammer between their index and middle fingers, flicking it downward over their wrists. Experiment with different grips to find what suits you best:
- Place the slammer flat against your fingers, securing it with your thumb. Flick it downwards towards the stack.
- Curve the slammer around your index finger, holding it with your thumb as if skipping a stone.
- Grip the slammer like a dart, sideways between your index finger and thumb, or position it so the flat side rests between your thumb and finger.
Alternate slamming to flip Pogs. Take turns slamming your slammers onto the stack to flip Pogs. Use your chosen grip and throw the slammer forcefully onto the top Pog, releasing it just before impact. Gather any Pogs that land face-down.
- After each turn, restack the Pogs for the next player.
- If playing for keeps, keep the Pogs you flip. Add them to your collection!
Claim victory by collecting the most Pogs. Continue playing until all Pogs have been flipped and removed from the game. The player with the most Pogs at the end wins.
- If not playing for keeps, return all Pogs to their owners.
- To level the playing field, use the same slammer for all players. Some players ban metal slammers to prevent Pog damage.
Experiment with alternative rules for added excitement. If the traditional Pogs game loses its thrill, try new rules to spice things up. Invent your own or test these classic variations:
- Play to 15. Negotiate with opponents for coveted Pogs by offering to play more rounds. Build a stack of 15 and agree on the number of rounds needed to win the desired Pog.
- Play where they land. After scattering the Pogs, aim to slam them where they lie instead of restacking them for a challenge.
- Try long-range slams. Instead of slamming from directly above the stack, create a line about 3 ft (0.91 m) away and slam from behind the line to test accuracy.
Building Your Pog Collection
Scour stores or the internet for Pogs. While Pogs used to be ubiquitous in toy stores, they're now more elusive. If physical stores come up short, try online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist for both new and used options.
Create custom Pogs from cardboard. Start by drawing a 4 cm (1.6 in) diameter circle on paper, then use it as a template to trace circles onto flat cardboard. After cutting them out, decorate the tops or affix printed designs. For slammers, glue two cardboard pieces together.
- Alternatively, gather glass bottle caps for makeshift Pogs.
Engage in competitive matches to expand your Pog stash. Playing for keeps is the ultimate way to grow your collection. Challenge friends to matches, aiming to accumulate more Pogs with each victory.
- In larger groups, the potential gains outweigh the risks, as you stand to win numerous Pogs with minimal personal investment.
Reserve cherished Pogs for safekeeping. Protect your favorite Pogs by refraining from using them in games. Instead, proudly display them to assert your Pog prowess. Remember, the best way to ensure possession of prized Pogs is to keep them close.
- Conversely, including beloved Pogs in gameplay heightens the stakes and intensifies the excitement. Risking your favorites adds an extra layer of thrill to the game!
Barter with friends for cooler Pogs. Instead of wagering Pogs in games, consider trading them with friends. Negotiating swaps based on each other's collections adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the hobby, akin to trading baseball or Pokémon cards.
Protect your Pog collection with plastic containers. While Pog storage tubes were once the go-to choice, alternatives like cardboard tubes, Tupperware, or card binders work just as well. Keeping your Pogs safe ensures they remain in pristine condition.
Pro Tips
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If you lack a slammer, a regular Pog can suffice. Just apply a bit more force to compensate for its lighter weight.
