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Mercy (game) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Mercy (also called peaknuckle) is a fun game of strength, skill, and how much discomfort you can handle. It's popular in places like Britain, Canada, Pakistan, India, and the United States. Two players hold hands with their fingers locked together. The main goal is to twist the other person's hands or bend their fingers until they give up.

How to Play Mercy

Two players stand facing each other. Each player links their left hand fingers and thumb with the other player's right hand. It's important not to put too much pressure on the middle and ring fingers.

When someone says "go," both players try to bend back their opponent's hand. They want to make the other person's wrist hurt. When a player can't stand the pain anymore, they shout "Mercy!" or "Uncle!" (or sometimes "Peanuts!" or "Pinochle"). If a player who is about to lose calls for a "timeout" or "break," they lose the game right away.

Winning the Game

The person who wins is often called names like 'The Monster' or 'The Champion'. What they are called can depend on the players and where they are from. After playing against a winner, many opponents don't want to play again, no matter if they won or lost.

Fair Play and Rules

Cheating in Mercy means doing anything else during the game that causes pain or distracts your opponent. Remember, the game is about twisting hands, but other actions are not allowed.

Good sportsmanship means letting go of your opponent's hand right after they give up. Some people think twisting the wrist very quickly is a dangerous cheat. They worry it could break a wrist. Others think this move is fair. Players usually agree on the rules before they start playing. Also, players should not move their feet during the game, though some people play differently.

Game Strategies

Skilled Mercy players use smart ways to get their opponents into painful spots. One way is to twist the arm so the elbow points towards the neck or back. Then, they push up on the arm. If an opponent is very stubborn, players might try to push them onto a desk or the floor. A Mercy game can be over very fast or last for several minutes.

Players with bony fingers might change their grip to twist their opponent's fingers. This can cause pain by digging their finger joints into the other person's hand. This can hurt an opponent who isn't expecting it. But, this move also risks dislocating or breaking fingers for either player.

The 'handlock' is a special move mastered by the best Mercy players. Be careful, two strong players using this move can make each other's fingers feel tingly. It can also leave red marks on their hands. Sometimes, if a player knows they will lose, they might ask, "What's the name of this game?" If the other player says "Mercy," the person who asked wins!

Different Ways to Play

  • Mercy can be played with just one hand.
  • A very strong player might play against two people at once, one on each hand.
  • Players can choose to have an inner or outer grip, depending on what they agree on.

With Three or More Players

You can play Mercy with many people! Players stand in a circle and link fingers with the person on each side of them. When someone says "go," everyone tries to bend back the wrists of their neighbors. When a player shouts "Mercy!", they are out of the game. The remaining players link hands again, and the game continues until only one person is left.

Bench Mercy

In this version, two players sit back-to-back on a bench. Their feet are against the armrests on the far side of the bench. Both players then push each other. The usual Mercy rules apply. When one player can't handle the strain or pain, they shout "Mercy!" One way to play this is with several people sitting in a row. Only one person pushes with their back.

Flooring Mercy

In Flooring Mercy, players must play by the usual Mercy rules. But they also have to 'floor' (push to the ground) the other player to win. This game tests your skill, power, and how you can use your body in different ways. It's often played in the snow. Players use the basic Mercy hand grip. The person who says 'Mercy!' or gets pushed to the floor loses the game.

Staying Safe While Playing

The game of Mercy can twist the parts of your hands. This can sometimes cause injuries, especially for younger players. Always be careful and know your limits to avoid getting hurt.

Mercy in Pop Culture

Mercy has appeared in movies and books!

In Film

  • Major Payne (a movie) shows the game being played.

In Literature

  • Storm Trooper by Kevin Cramer (2001), page 224
  • Playing Mercy by Matthew David Scott (2005)
  • The Welch Sisters' memoir, The Kids Are Alright (2010), page 140
  • Sarah Nichter's memoir, "Brilliant Disguise: An Ugly Story of a Beautiful Redemption" (2013), pages 3–4
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Mercy (game) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.