Marker Fighting
Created | Updated Mar 19, 2002
Usually, the enjoyment (and therefore the mess) involved in a good marker fight is directly proportional to the number of people and/or markers included. Of course, all combatants must not be afraid to be marked upon. A hearty marker fight can quickly lose its fun if one of the belligerents starts whining about how many marks he is getting. Tell him to quit whining and get revenge. That's just part of the game.
A few tips to help you survive your first marker fight:
1) As stated before, don't be afraid to get marked. If you're really going at it, you'll very likely be getting as many marks as you give.
2) If you're coordinated enough, using one marker in each hand (that usually equals two markers per person) can be very effective. One method is to make a feint with your primary hand, then attack with the other when the bad guy takes the bait.
3) Try to mark only on your opponent's forearms and hands. Clothing is bad (unless it has been previously agreed that clothing is fair game). Faces are really bad, especially if both sides are using permanent ink. Once someone starts attacking clothes or faces, things can get really ugly really fast.
4) While they don't leave marks as large as slashes do, jabs are faster and therefore give your opponent less time to retaliate.
5) It's a good idea to set whatever ground rules you think are appropriate at the beginning of a battle.
6) Always remember: the bigger the markers, the bigger the marks.
You will quickly learn any other important items as you begin to marker fight.
One of the best ways to initiate a marker fight is simply to pick a target and attack. Planned battles are for pansies. Of course, it is always a good idea to choose such targets wisely. It is not a good idea to attack one's employer. Trust me.