Victorian children played Jackstraws with thin wooden sticks, often numbering dozens. Players took turns removing sticks without disturbing the pile. Some added scoring systems for color, size, or stick type. The game enhanced fine motor control, patience, and strategic planning. Often played indoors during winter, it required concentration and steady hands. Competitive versions encouraged rivalry, negotiation, and meticulous observation. Parents valued Jackstraws for quiet amusement that also taught skills useful in writing and crafts. It was simple, portable, and educational.
Jackstraws developed dexterity, focus, and strategy.
It illustrates how indoor Victorian games provided cognitive and motor skill training.
Did you know some children colored Jackstraws to create more complex scoring systems?
[Victoria and Albert Museum, vam.ac.uk]