Pick Up Sticks Hire Scotland

Pick up sticks hire Scotland brings a game of steady hands and total concentration to your event — drop a bundle of coloured sticks, then carefully remove them one at a time without disturbing the rest. Also known as Mikado, Pick Up Sticks is a lovely change of pace from the louder games, perfect for a quieter corner of any event.

Pick Up Sticks Hire Scotland: A Beginner’s Guide to the Rules


2+ Players	31 Sticks per set	6+ Recommended age	10-20 min Average game

What’s included: 31 sticks, each 30cm long. Works best on a flat, hard surface — indoors on flooring or outdoors on a solid patio or decking. Grass can make the sticks harder to grip cleanly, so a hard surface is best where possible. Overall, that’s everything pick up sticks hire Scotland provides for a quieter corner of your event.

How to Play

Hold the bundle of sticks upright, then release so they scatter into a random pile.
Players take turns removing one stick at a time without moving any other stick.
If any other stick moves or wobbles, the turn ends and passes to the next player.
Different coloured sticks are worth different points (the black stick is traditionally worth the most).
Once retrieved, players can use the black stick as a tool to help carefully lift or nudge other sticks on later turns.
Play continues until players remove all the sticks; highest total points wins.

⬇ Download the Full Rules (PDF)

A Few Strategy Tips for Beginners

Go for the top of the pile first. Sticks resting clearly on top are the safest picks.
Watch how the pile shifts. It helps you spot your next safe option as sticks come out.
Slow and steady wins. A careful, controlled pull beats a fast grab every time.

Fun Variations

Timed rounds. Set a limit per turn to keep things moving for a party crowd.
Team play. Alternate turns within a team, pooling points.

Either way, pick up sticks hire Scotland gives guests a calm, focused alternative to sit alongside the louder games.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pick Up Sticks

How many players can play Pick Up Sticks?

Two or more — it works well as a head-to-head game or a bigger group taking turns.

How many sticks are in a set?

31 sticks, each 30cm long.

What happens if I move another stick?

Your turn ends immediately and passes to the next player — the stick you were going for stays where it is.

How is the game scored?

Different coloured sticks are worth different points, with the black stick traditionally worth the most. Whoever has the highest total once players remove all the sticks wins.

Other Garden Games

Please have a look at our other giant games. When you order multiple games as a package, a discounted rate may apply. It works well alongside other steady-hand games like Giant Jenga for guests who enjoy that type of challenge.