It takes flying over to England to learn me a new game. The Cross Keys has, in addition to pool and darts, an interesting game of skill called Skittles.

Monday nights is Skittles at the Cross Keys, and about a dozen of the townsfolk come out to play. The game seems to be an interesting combination of bowling and skeeball.

A table is set up with leather barriers on either side, and a lowered pit in the back. On this table, nine pins are arranged in a wide diamond. A line is set up a few feet from the table, and the player has three throws of a round, flat “cheese” (it looks just like a waxed gouda). The player who knocks down the most pins in each round wins that round, and the first to win five rounds takes the game.

On your turn, you always get (at least) five throws. So, if you are skilled (or lucky) enough to get all the pins on the first or second throw, they are all set back up for you.

Shane and I played a few games, and it takes quite a bit of skill and strategy. Where one stands, and where one aims makes all the difference. Old men playing were able to clear the table in a throw or two with regularity.

More info on the game can be found here.

Tune in next time when I explain Cricket, after having watched the five day test between England and New Zealand off and on this week.