Patacó facts for kids
El patacó is a fun, traditional game played by children in Catalonia, a region in Spain. It's a game of skill, aim, and a bit of luck! Players use special pieces called patacons. The goal is to hit a patacó on the ground with your hand. If it flips over, you win it!
This game can be played almost anywhere, like on the street or at home. There are many different ways to play it. The word "patacó" comes from "patac," which means a sudden, strong hit.
What are Patacons?
A traditional patacó is a small, square-shaped piece. It's usually made from two pieces of cardboard. People often use old Spanish playing cards or even matchboxes to make them. These pieces are folded and fitted together carefully. This way, you can easily tell the front from the back.
Making a patacó starts by splitting a playing card in half. You get two equal pieces. Then, you place these two pieces together. They should form a 90-degree angle. One piece is folded backward, then forward again. You do the same with the other piece. Finally, you tuck the loose end into a slot made by the folds. It's important that the two sides look different. This helps players know which side is up or down during the game.
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1. A Spanish playing card, back view.
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2. A Spanish playing card, front view.
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3. Fold the card up the middle.
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4. Cut the card down the middle into two equal parts.
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5. Place the two parts at a 90-degree angle.
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6. Fold the vertical part into thirds around the horizontal part.
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7. Fold the horizontal part into thirds, tucking the tab into the slot.
You might know a modern version of patacons. They have been sold all over the world. These are often called Pogs or Tazos.
How to Play Patacó
There are many exciting ways to play patacó. Here are some popular game modes:
- Picada: This is one of the most common ways to play. You start by placing one patacó on the ground. This is called the patacó base. It must be face up. Each player takes a turn hitting the patacó base with their own patacó. If a player hits the base but can't flip it over, they must leave their patacó on the ground. If someone manages to flip the patacó base, they win all the patacons that are on the ground. The patacó base itself stays for the next round.
- Pica Paret: In this game, you draw a line on the ground. It should be about a hand's length away from a wall. Each player starts with three patacons. Players take turns throwing a patacó to bounce off the wall. If your patacó lands between the wall and the line, you keep it. If it lands beyond the line, you get your patacó back. If there are patacons kept between the wall and the line, and a player throws their patacó but it doesn't land inside, then that player takes their patacó and all the patacons that were kept inside. The game ends when players reach a certain score. It also ends when no more patacons are left to play.
- Canut or Tella: For this game, you place several patacons on a round, cylindrical surface. Players then try to knock down as many patacons as possible. You usually get a maximum of three throws.
- Xarranca or Set i Mig: You can also use patacons to play "xarranca," which is like hopscotch. Another game is "set i mig" (seven and a half). To play "set i mig," you throw the patacó onto a special game board. You throw it as many times as you need. The goal is to get as close to 7 and a half as possible without going over. A player can stop throwing whenever they feel they are close enough.
See also
In Spanish: Patacón (juego) para niños
