How to Play Korean Jacks (Gonggi)

Gonggi (공기) is a traditional Korean children’s game. And it’s probably one of the easiest Korean games, and games in general, to play. All you need are five pebbles, or something of the like, and a flat surface. Plus, you can play it by yourself or with as many people as you like!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I ordered these pretty plastic gonggi pieces off of eBay a long time ago. But you certainly don’t have to.

Gonggi is like the western game of Jacks except that instead of a rubber ball, you use another jack. However, the idea is the same in that you have to scoop up the jacks before catching the ball/jack that’s in the air.

Here are the basics for playing gonggi:

1. (Level 1 – Picking up 1 piece) Player 1 holds five gonggi pieces in one hand. They toss these pieces on the playing surface (i.e. floor or table). Then Player 1 picks up one of those pieces and tosses it into the air. While that piece is in midair, Player 1 must pick up one piece from the playing surface and catch the piece they tossed before it hits the surface in the same hand. (Make sense? It’s toss – pick-up – catch.) Player 1 goes through each of the remaining 3 pieces on the playing surface. Unless they are unsuccessful, then it’s Player 2’s turn.
2. (Level 2 – Picking up 2 pieces) If Player 1 successfully picks up each piece, then they toss all the pieces on the playing surface again. As before, they pick up one piece to toss into the air. This time, while that piece is in midair, Player 1 must pick up two pieces and catch the airborne piece in the same hand. They will have to do this twice since there should be four pieces on the playing surface. Unless they are unsuccessful, then it’s Player 2’s turn.
3. (Level 3 – Picking up 3 + 1 pieces) If Player 1 was successful in picking up two groups of two, then just like before, they toss all the pieces on the playing surface again. Pick up one piece to toss into the air. While that piece is midair, Player 1 must pick up three pieces and then catch the midair piece. Then toss one piece into the air and pick up the remaining piece on the playing surface. Note: You can pick up one first and then three. The order doesn’t matter. Unless they are unsuccessful, then it’s Player 2’s turn.
4. (Level 4 – Picking up 4 pieces) If Player 1 cleared Level 3, then with all the pieces in one hand, they toss one piece into the air. They must immediately set the other four pieces down on the playing surface before catching the airborne piece. Then they toss the piece they just caught, pick up the pieces on the surface, and then catch the airborne piece once again all with one hand. Unless they are unsuccessful, then it’s Player 2’s turn.
5. (Level 5 – Back of hand catch) If Player 1 cleared Level 4, they toss all the pieces into the air and try to catch as many as possible with the back of their hand. Then Player 1 must toss the pieces that are now resting on the back of their hand and try to catch as many as possible. However many they’ve caught is their score.
6. Now it’s Player 2’s turn!

Also, I refer to Player 1 and 2 for simplicity’s sake but you don’t need to have more than one player. You can challenge yourself!

And if you couldn’t tell, Level 5 is where things get crazy. Gonggi pieces go flying everywhere! This game can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you see little kids picking it up with no trouble! But game play is fast and uncomplicated. Plus it’s great for strengthening eye and hand coordination!

Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

For other traditional Korean games, check out this post!