Thumb wrestling
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Thumb wrestling is a popular children's game played with two players, or in tournaments of more with all individual matches in pairs. This is often played in situations where larger or more complicated games might be inappropriate: in the car, a restaurant, or when attempting to annoy one's parents.
To play the game, players hook the four fingers of their right hands together such that both hands are tight together. Players then, usually after a short starting chant which varies by region (for example, "one, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war"), proceed to attempt to pin their opponent's thumb for three seconds, while avoiding the same. The game itself is not necessarily fair: the length of the player's thumbs often contribute to an eventual victory, and left-handed opponents are often at a disadvantage.
In the 1980s, an attempt to capitalize on the game was made by toymaker LJN with their release of World Wrestling Federation-licensed thumb wrestling action figures. These figures took the shape of WWF action stars of the time, including Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, and others. Unfortunately, bulky action figures did nothing to improve the game and it was often difficult to play for a pin when using the action figures. Over the years, other toy companies have also attempted to capitalize on the simple children's game through plastic or cardboard "rings" (in the sporting sense) that are placed over the hands to simulate a real professional wrestling ring.
There are no central associations, public tournaments, or Olympic aspirations with thumb wrestling. It is generally a game for kids (or the young at heart). However, there are ideas to further develop thumb wrestling. In 2004 the art group monochrom created rules for 'Multiplayer Thumb-Wrestling' (http://www.monochrom.at/daumen/index-eng.htm).
See also: Rock, Paper, Scissors.he:מלחמת אגודלים