Lathi chhora

Introduction

Traditionally, tree-climbing games were favourite vacation activities in India. One of the games popular in West Bengal was Lathi Chor (stick thief). Five or six players gather near a tree. A circle of 2 ft. diameter is drawn to place a small stick into it. One of the players picks up the stick and throws it with maximum force, swinging it from under his or her leg. 

The player selected to be the fetcher runs towards the stick and brings it back. Meanwhile, all the other players climb up the tree quickly and jump down to pick the stick from the circle. The fetcher tries to catch them when they come near the circle. Whoever is caught while picking up the stick from the ground will be declared out and becomes the chaser in the next round of the game.

Objective:

The lathi fetcher (guard) tries to protect the tree and catch the “thieves” (chor) while the thieves aim to climb the tree without being tagged.

Gameplay:

 

  1. Game Start:

The thieves begin at a designated distance from the tree.

The lathi fetcher stays near the tree, guarding it.

 

  1. Chor Strategy:

 

Thieves must work together to distract or outmaneuver the lathi fetcher.

Their goal is to get close to the tree and climb it without being tagged.

  1. Lathi Fetcher’s Role:

The lathi fetcher uses the stick to “tag” thieves before they climb the tree.

The fetcher must be agile and strategic, as they are the sole defender of the tree.

 

  1. Tagging:

A thief is “out” if the lathi fetcher successfully tags them before they are completely on the tree.

 

  1. Climbing:

Once a thief climbs the tree, they are safe and cannot be tagged anymore.

 

Winning Conditions:

  1. For the Thieves:

The thieves win if most or all of them manage to climb the tree without being tagged.

  1. For the Lathi Fetcher:

The fetcher wins if they tag most or all of the thieves before they can climb the tree.

Key Strategies:

For the Thieves:

Work as a team to distract the fetcher.

Use fake runs or sudden movements to confuse the fetcher.

 

For the Lathi Fetcher:

Anticipate the thieves’ moves and guard the tree strategically.

Focus on the most immediate threats first.

 

Safety Tips:

Ensure the lathi is soft or symbolic to avoid injuries.

Choose a tree with sturdy and safe branches for climbing.

This version of Lathi Chor is a mix of agility, teamwork, and strategy, making it highly engaging for all players!