Mikado (Pick-Up Sticks): Rules, History and Best Sets

By Mikado Editorial Team · Updated October 7, 2026

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Few games test a steady hand and patient strategy quite like Mikado, the classic pick-up sticks game enjoyed by families for generations. Known in the United States most commonly as pick-up sticks or jackstraws, this deceptively simple pastime involves carefully removing intricately colored sticks from a tangled pile without disturbing the others. It’s a game of pure skill that requires a gentle touch and a sharp eye, making it a perfect, screen-free activity for players of all ages. Whether you have a vintage wooden set or a modern plastic version, the core challenge remains the same. Let’s delve into the history, official rules, and how to choose the best Mikado set for your next family game night.

A Brief History of Mikado and Pick-Up Sticks

The origins of Mikado are believed to be ancient and Eastern, with roots tracing back to Asia. The game is thought to have developed from the yarrow stalks used for divination with the Chinese I Ching. The name “Mikado” itself comes from Japanese, meaning “Emperor,” which is also the name of the highest-value stick in the game. rombol.de

The game made its way to Europe and eventually to Colonial America, where it was first called Jackstraws. en.wikipedia.org It grew in popularity throughout the 1800s and saw a surge in the 1930s-50s with manufactured sets like the 456 Pickup Sticks by O. Schoenhut Inc. en.wikipedia.org While “pick-up sticks” is the common American term, “Mikado” often refers to the specific version with standardized stick values and colors.

Official Mikado Game Rules

A standard Mikado set contains 41 sticks, each with a specific point value denoted by its color coding. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players and is recommended for ages 5 and up. cannactiva.com

Setup and How to Play

1. Starting the Game: One player holds the entire bundle of sticks upright, with the tips resting on a flat surface like a table. The player then releases their grip, allowing the sticks to fall into a random, tangled pile. marquoir.fr
2. Taking a Turn: Players take turns in a clockwise direction. On your turn, you must attempt to remove a single stick from the pile without moving or disturbing any other stick. You can use your fingers to gently grasp the stick or press down on its tip to lever it free. cannactiva.com
3. The Turn Continues: If you successfully remove a stick without moving any others, you keep that stick and your turn continues. You can try to remove another stick.
4. Ending a Turn: If you cause any other stick in the pile to move, your turn ends immediately. The stick you were attempting to take is returned to the pile (in some traditional rules), and play passes to the next player. en.wikipedia.org

Mikado Stick Values and Scoring

The sticks are distinguished by their colored stripes, and each type has a specific point value. The classic scoring system is as follows: en.wikipedia.org

The game ends when all sticks have been picked up from the pile. Each player adds up the points from the sticks they collected, and the player with the highest score wins. The single Mikado stick, worth 20 points, can provide a significant head start. marquoir.fr

The Special Mikado Stick: Your Secret Weapon

A key strategic element involves the special Mikado stick. Once a player has successfully acquired the blue Mikado stick, they are often allowed to use it as a tool during their subsequent turns. They can use it to carefully lift, lever, or separate other sticks in the pile, making them easier to retrieve without using their fingers. Rules on tool usage can vary; some versions allow only the Mikado to be used, while more casual rules permit the use of the Mikado and the Mandarin sticks. en.wikipedia.org, cannactiva.com

Types of Mikado and Pick-Up Sticks Sets

Mikado sets come in various sizes and materials to suit different preferences and play environments.

• Standard Sets: The most common type, these are typically around 17-20 cm (6.7-7.9 inches) long and are made of wood, bamboo, or plastic. They are perfect for tabletop play at home. en.wikipedia.org
• Giant/Jumbo Sets: For outdoor fun or larger groups, giant Mikado sets are available. These can be much larger; one version described has sticks that are 93 cm (37 inches) long, turning the game into a physical, lawn-sized activity. en.wikipedia.org
• Travel Sets: Many modern sets are designed to be compact and portable, often coming in a cylindrical tube, making them ideal for taking to the park, the beach, or on vacation. chessgammon.us

When choosing a set, consider durability (wooden or sturdy plastic sets last longer), clarity of the painted stripes, and size based on where you plan to play most often.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Mikado and pick-up sticks?

“Mikado” typically refers to the specific game with 41 sticks that have standardized colors and point values (Mikado, Mandarin, etc.). “Pick-up sticks” is a more general American term that can describe any game with the same core mechanic of removing sticks from a pile, which may have simpler or different scoring systems.

Can you use your hands after picking up the Mikado stick?

Yes, that’s the main advantage. Once you have the Mikado stick, you can use it as a tool in addition to your hands to carefully manipulate other sticks in the pile, making them easier to remove without causing a fault.

What happens if I move another stick while trying to pick one up?

Your turn ends immediately. In traditional rules, the stick you were trying to take is not counted and is returned to the pile. Play then passes to the next player. Some casual versions are more lenient, but the classic rule is strict to maintain the challenge.

Is Mikado a game of luck or skill?

Mikado is primarily a game of skill. While the initial drop of the sticks introduces an element of chance in how they land, success depends entirely on a player’s manual dexterity, patience, and strategic planning in deciding which stick to attempt next.