Child’s Play

Ah, Jacks! Such a nostalgic game. It’s one of those timeless childhood games that doesn’t require a lot of equipment—just a set of jacks and a ball—and it can be played anywhere. The simple joy of bouncing the ball and picking up the jacks in different patterns, especially with friends, is a memory many people hold dear.

I remember that feeling of concentration as you tried to master different levels of the game, like onesies, twosies, or foursies. As you got better, you could do things like catch the ball on the first bounce and scoop up more jacks in a single move. And the game would usually end with everyone laughing over a tricky move or a sudden drop of jacks!

Do you have a particular memory of playing Jacks that stands out? Maybe a favorite spot or person you used to play with?