The Alak-Dolak Game that has been played for centuries in Iran and the surrounding area. From there, it was introduced to Europe and North America by English colonists. It is known by many different names, and the rules of the game can be very diverse. Alak-Dolak is still played today in Iran. Part of the popularity of the game is that no special equipment is need. Just find 2 sticks and 2 rocks and you’re ready to play. The Alak-Dolak game is enjoyed by youths and adults alike.

The game is very simple. There are 2 teams with the same number of players. One team uses a large stick, the alak, to propel the shorter stick, the dolak, into the air. The player then swings the alak, like in baseball or cricket, and hits the dolak. The dolak flies into a field where the opposing team stands. The opposing team tries to catch the dolak before it hits the ground. The scoring, duration of rounds, and general rules can very extensively. We are including 1 version. There are many others. If your family enjoys the game, you may wish to read more about it.

In the oldest version of the game, which is still played today, the dolak is placed in the ground, often in a shallow pit, on an angle. A player hits the dolak so it is propelled into the air in front of the player, and again, the player hits the dolak. This is actually quite hard to do! We suggest trying to tip and hit the dolak to truly appreciate the game, however, using 2 rocks, bricks or wood blocks, makes it much easier to play! This brick method is quite common today.

Alak-Dolak Game Equipment

• 1 long stick (alak) 1 1/2 inches – 2 inches wide by about 28 inches long
• 1 short stick (dolak) 1 inch – 1 1/2 inches wide by about 12 inches long
• 2 bricks, stones or wood to hold the dolak up off the ground (We used 2 kubbs from our Kubb Game to hold the stick)
• at least 2 players, the more the merrier, but keep the teams equal in number

Alak-Dolak Game Rules – This is just 1 version of the game.

Getting Started

Find a level field to play on. Then find your sticks and stones or bricks necessary to play. Place your 2 stones far enough apart so your short dolak can rest on it.

Picking Teams

Choose 2 captains and pick teams.

Play

A player starts by placing the dolak on the bricks.

Then, position the alak between the ground and the dolak. Thrust the alak upward hitting the dolak. This will send it into the air in front of the player.

Swing at the dolak and hit it sending it into the field manned by the other team. Give players 3 times to hit the alak or they lose their turn. This does not end the round but gives another team member a change to hit the dolak.

The other team tries to catch the dolak. If they do catch it, the player is out and the round is over. The fielders win that round and the teams switch positions.

If the fielders do not catch the dolak, it will hit the ground. Someone from the field now picks up the dolak and throws it as far as they can beyond the bricks. (Back towards the hitters.)

Now, any player from the hitting team can pick up the dolak where it landed and throw it, trying to get as close to bricks as possible. The goal is to have the dolak land less than the distance of the alak away from the bricks. If it land close enough to the bricks, no one gets a point this round, if it doesn’t, the fielders get a point. The teams switch positions.

Whoever has the most points at the end wins!