User:Kencho Thinley

Degor:

‘Degor’ is a traditional Bhutanese game which is often mistakenly referred in literatures as a kind of short put by foreign authors. It differs from short put in many ways. It is played with a pair of spherical flat stones hurling at two targets (pegs) fixed in the ground at a distance of about 20 meters apart. The game is played all over Bhutan, but normally played more in rural areas. Though there are no restrictions, the game is normally being played by men in Bhutan.

The only required equipment for playing the game is a pair of flat spherical stones by each player. The size and weight of the stones differ from player to player depending on his choice and strength. A player can have as many stones of any size, but can play only two at a time.

It can be played as a team game or individual game. If there are three persons, the game is played as on individual gamming basis. If there are four or more persons, it is preferred to be played by forming two teams competing each other. There is no fixed numbers of players in the teams, but too many players make the game slower and cumbersome. So, normally the maximum number of seven players in each team is found to be efficient for an ideal game. Unlike short put, the game is played by hurling a pair of spherical stones by each player to the targets from one end to the other with swinging arm below the shoulders. The target pegs are nailed into the ground with its tip at same level to that of ground. The players try to make their stone land and remain closest to the target peg. A point is scored if the distance between stone and the peg is being covered by length between thumb and middle finger of an outstretched palm. If two or more stones of opponent teams fall in same range, the closest stone will score the point. If all stones in the range belong to one team, then the team will score as many points as the number of stones. There is no fixed game over points, but it is normally fixed at odds like 5, 7, 9,…..19 0r 21 depending on the number of the players and the time the teams have. The greater the number of players, the higher the gamming over points. Unlike in archery, in Degor game the sharp shooters play first to occupy the area near the target. The players playing at latter time are allowed to hit the stones of opponent players played before with their own stones to displace them away from the target and replace with their stones. But it is more difficult if the stones played before are heavy and solid. So, players prefer heavier stones so that it cannot be easily displaced or can be used as a better force to displace other’s stones.

The betting of the game differs from region to region and the occasion of the game being played. If the game is being played between village to village, there may or may not be a bet. At times it is just played for the fame of victory over the other. However, the game is mostly played to celebrate some occasions such as New Year and other major holidays. In such occasions, the betting is normally fixed on a grand feast and party where the loser will have to stand for the party solely or major chunk while the winner could share a little part. This kind of betting is usually kept for merry making and socializing within the communities or among the friends.