BAGGO

THis is Janet and Margaret playing BAGGO which is sort of like bean bag boules. You have 4 bean bags each and throw them in turn at a board identical to the one they are standing by. If your bean bag stays on the board you get 1 point, if it goes down the hole, you score 3 . The board is slightly inclined, but as it is very slippery, the bags skid irritatingly over the back.

The game is best played by balancing your self by holding beer in the non throwing hand. To add a little interest, skilful exponents can engage in strategies such as knocking opponents bean bags off, whilst leaving their own in place, or using existing bean bags low down on the board to slow up subsequent ones whilst themselves getting knocked down the hole for the big 3 score. Less skilful competitors can cough loudly during the throwing action, drop something noisy nearby, or encourage the dogs to participate. Throwing all 4 bean bags in the hole scores a maximum of 12 points and affords the competitor the right to sign the BAGGO board. Jim and Margaret's boards are devoid of signatures.

It goes without saying that this is an American cult activity with its own governing body, World (actually American ) Championship, and TV rights probably currently under negotiation. Whilst it is not quite on a par with the frantic art of cup stacking, we feel we have been involved in one of the truly authentic grass roots games of the nation.

Competition

What is Janet saying?