Men throwing marlinspike, about 1800

Svaika (Russian: Свайка, IPA: [ˈsvajkə], lit. 'marlinspike') is a throwing game that was a favorite of Russian lower-class men up to the 20th century. It is a game in which a marlinspike-like spear is thrown to land in the middle of a metal ring lying on the ground some distance away.[1] A tool for the game can weigh up to five pounds.

By one version, Tsarevich Dmitry died from a stab wound while he was playing this game.[2]

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Svaika.
  1. ↑ Riordan, James Sport in Soviet Society: Development of Sport and Physical Education in Russia and the USSR. Cambridge: Cambtidge University Press, 1977. Page 30
  2. ↑ Скрынников, Р.Г. Самозванцы в России в начале XVII века. Григорий Отрепьев. - С. 14
External videos
video icon Svaika game
video icon Making a spear for the game
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