Skittles is a game that goes back a long way and has largely avoided modernisation. It is perhaps unlikely that the participants in medieval inter-village free-for-alls with an inflated pigs bladder would now recognise what goes on in Old Trafford [Home of Manchester United football club, for those who have been living on a desert island for the past ten years. ] of a Saturday as the same sport. On the other hand, the 3rd Century German monks, who used to play a game involving throwing stones at an upright club, would probably not have too much difficulty understanding the nature of modern-day skittles.

No modernisation has also meant no harmonisation of the rules between regions or countries. There is a bewildering variety of formats, rules and equipment used in the game of skittles. Even crossing the border from Somerset to Devon , the shape of the skittle changes! For this reason, skittles may eventually be the only 'sport' not featuring in the Olympic Games .

Just to get things straight, the game has no link to the sugary confectionery , other than perhaps that if you are really lucky you might be able to pay your