Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Bloody Knuckles?
Bloody Knuckles is the exciting game of wacking your opponents knuckles with your knuckles!
The object of the game is to wack your opponents knuckles without getting whacked yourself.
The two basic moves include the STRIKE and the DODGE. The STRIKE is the act of whacking the knuckles, and the DODGE is the motion made in attempts to avoid the pain! The rules describe all the moves in greater detail.

2. What is the World Bloody Knuckles Association?
The Commissioners of World Bloody Knuckles Association have created a set of rules, standards, and guidelines for the age old sport of Bloody Knuckles. The WBKA maintains these rules and encourages players to form teams, leagues, and host tournaments nationwide using the WBKA rules.

3. How do you play Bloody Knuckles?
With a fist being the only thing needed to play, opponents must out ‘rap' their challenger's knuckles (and avoid getting their knuckles ‘rapped' by their challenger) within a given number of rounds. For further detail please consult the WBKA Official Rules of play.

4. Who can play Bloody Knuckles?
Anyone can play this fun game- Men, women, kids....all it takes is a quick reflex and a strong desire to hurt someone.

5. Are there other versions of Bloody Knuckles?
Yes, too many to name. Though some of the most popular include the card, coin, and slap versions. Players have been know to invent new variations on the fly, including air hockey, billiards, jenga, and strip versions. Though we do not endorse or promote playing most of these versions we do include brief summaries of the game play on our rules page.

6. Who invented Bloody Knuckles?
Who knows? The game has been played for over 50 years...in fact, it is likely that your parent's will even admit to having played it during childhood.

7. Is Bloody Knuckles played all over the World?
Yes, where ever boredom mixes with drunkenness, Bloody Knuckles is likely to arise.

8. Isn't it kind of ridiculous to play a game that is painful?
Indeed! Though the objective of Bloody Knuckles does not involve inflicting pain, it is likely to happen. Players in many sports get injured on a regular basis, but that doesn't stop them.

9. Can Bloody Knuckles Tournaments be played anywhere, by anyone?
Yes, anyone can stage a local match or tournament which can be played for points, rank, or just for sport...however, the only official tournament is held yearly by the WBKA. This Official Tournament will produce 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners who's rank will be internationally accepted and recognized. Points, ranks, and other player statuses produced as a result of non-official tournaments, or matches, will be limited to rankings within that team or chapter only....and will not be recognized as official by the WBKA.

10. But, isn't Bloody Knuckles just a kids game, requiring no skill?
No. The game is often played by novices as a game played to pass the time. However, the true skill and complexity of a Bloody Knuckles match becomes clear when strategies are employed. The rules describes these strategies in detail.

11. Are there other moves aside from the Strike, Dodge, Fake, Flinch, Wif, Hand, or Choke?
No. Some novice players claim that they have invented new moves, none of which are accepted by the World Bloody Knuckles Association. These moves are considered illegal and will likely warrant a penalty in tournament play.

12. What is "the arena"?
The arena is a term to describe the official area of gameplay consisting of the opponents hands and the placement of the feet.

13. Is it possible to play Bloody Knuckles with both hands? I thought it was just a game for one hand (per player).
Although some players like to use both hands to 'spice things up' in "Street Rules", playing with both hands causes confusion, sloppy game play, and is not the approved method of playing. Playing with both hands may seem momentarily novel as it adds to the excitement level, but it does not add or demonstrate an advanced skill level. The most common way to engage in play is when each player uses one hand and the other hand, or 'dead arm' is kept behind the back or resting at the side.

14. Does it matter if I use my left or right hand?
Yes. The WBKA recommends using your dominant hand. If you normally function with your right or left hand, then that is also the hand suggested for playing.

15. Does it which hand my opponent uses? Should I use the same hand as my opponent?
No. Using the same hand as your opponent does not matter.

16. Where are the locations for Bloody Knuckles matches and tournaments for WBKA members to play?
The locations are determined by players or teams who have organized such events. Whether they are held publicly or privately, local matches are posted on the WKBA website should the organizer wish to invite other WBKA members. The organizer may decide whether to exclude non-members from playing, as non-members are unfamiliar with the rules, code of ethics, and skill required to play.

17. Is it standard procedure to vocalize intimidation before and during a match?
Shouting at your opponent in an attempt to jar or disrupt their concentration is not required during gameplay. But remember, head games are important to your strategy. In many cases, getting into your opponent's head can make or break a match. Think beyond selecting your move, it's about getting psychological on your opponent. The objective is to get under your opponent's skin, getting your opponent to doubt her abilities or break concentration, which will quickly give you the upper hand. If you can successfully demoralize, confuse, frustrate, anger, or make your opponent feel inferior, you may be able to interrupt her strategy and drive her into a reactive game, allowing you to take control of the match. This is usually performed through pre-match and in-game banter.

18. In my youth, if a player Flinched, I was allowed to inflict physical punishment to the loser by punching my opponents upper arm or knuckles. What are the views of the WBKA concerning punishments, or "free hits"?
Using punishments, or "free hits", are used primarily in variants of Bloody Knuckles such as Street Rules, and are not permitted in WBKA tournaments or matches. However, we have found that using these punishment make for a more intense game!