Pencil fighting facts for kids

A pencil that has been broken during a game.

Pencil fighting is a fun game where two players try to break each other's pencils. There's even a group called the World Extreme Pencil Fighting League, or WXPFL, that organizes competitions in Seattle, Washington.

How to Play Pencil Fighting

Pencil fighting is usually played by two people. The goal is simple: be the first to break your opponent's pencil! Players take turns hitting each other's pencils.

Game Rules

One player holds their pencil flat, using both hands. The other player then flicks their own pencil at it. They try to hit the held pencil hard enough to break it.

The player whose pencil breaks first loses the game. The player who breaks the other's pencil wins!

What are Fouls?

Sometimes, players might do things that aren't allowed. These are called "fouls." Examples of fouls include:

• Hitting a player's fingers on purpose.
• Dropping your pencil during your turn.
• Missing the other player's pencil completely.

If a player commits a foul, they might get a penalty. This could mean the other player gets a free extra hit on their pencil.

Safety in Pencil Fighting

It's important to be careful when playing pencil fighting. Small pieces of wood or graphite (the "lead" inside the pencil) can fly off when pencils break.

Protecting Your Eyes

Because small pieces can fly, there is a small risk of eye injury. It's a good idea to wear safety glasses or keep a safe distance. Always play responsibly to avoid accidents.

The World Extreme Pencil Fighting League

The World Extreme Pencil Fighting League (WXPFL) is a group that organizes pencil fighting competitions. They are based in Seattle, Washington. The WXPFL holds exciting events where people compete to be the best pencil fighter.

WXPFL Events

WXPFL events are held monthly in Seattle. They are known for having a fun, show-like atmosphere, similar to professional wrestling. This makes the competitions very entertaining for everyone watching.

Official Rules and Pencils

In WXPFL competitions, only "Number 2" pencils are used. These are standard pencils you might use at school. A referee is in charge of giving out the pencils to make sure everyone uses the same type.

Penalties and the Champion

Referees watch the games closely. There are penalties for certain actions, like:

• Taking too long to make a move.
• Tilting your pencil in a way that gives you an unfair advantage.
• Dropping your pencil during the game.

If a player gets a foul, their opponent can hit their pencil with any size of pencil. The only rule is that it must be made of wood and able to write. The WXPFL even has a champion who earns a special championship belt!