PLAYING THE COIN GAME

by Mr GRAHAM CORNELISSEN RT Jukskei 217, Southern Africa

Most of us have seen this game being played by Tablers taking out coins around a bar, and then some being happy while others must buy a round of drinks. Read on further to participate and how you can never lose at this game again.

AS WITH MANY OF our Round Table traditions, the exact origin of the coin game is not known precisely. This is clearly a tradition taken from the various armed services across the globe. This is a tradition dating back

many years.

The fi rst mention of the challenge or fellowship coins in a Round Table setting comes from an old article in the 1980s where several Danish Tablers were seen having customised coins. The coin game has evolved, and only one set of published rules currently exists. These rules have been published by Round Table 128 Bryanston in Southern Africa. These generally accepted rules are:

RULES OF THE COIN GAME

It is in every Tabler’s best interest to carry his coin with him at all times.

The tradition of a challenge is the most common way to ensure that the members are carrying their coin.

The challenge, which can be made at any time, begins with the Challenger drawing the coin, and slapping or placing the coin on the table or bar.

A challenge can happen at any time when Round Table members get together socially, it does not have to be an offi cial Table event.

In noisy environments, continuously rapping the coin on a surface may initiate the challenge.

Accidentally dropping a coin is considered to be a deliberate challenge to all present.

Everyone being challenged must immediately produce their coin and anyone failing to do so must buy a round of drinks for the Challenger and everyone else who has their coin.

Each member present who fails to produce their coin will buy a round of drinks for the Challenger and every member who has their coin.

However, should everyone challenged be able to produce their coin, the Challenger must buy a round of drinks for the group.

While most Tablers usually carry their coin in in wallets or pockets, the rules permit a challenged person “a step and a reach” to fetch their coin.

Leaving the room to get a coin is not permitted and this is determined a forfeit.

Leaving the room to get a coin is not permitted and this is determined a forfeit.

Should you not have a coin with you, you are limited to buying one round of drinks only per evening. (Additional rule from Round Table Denmark).