‘Come in, spinner’: How to play traditional game two-up on Anzac Day
It’s a traditional Australian game that’s banned for most of the calendar, but you’ll see it played in pubs all over the country on Anzac Day.
Two-up is a traditional gambling game that is strictly illegal throughout the country except on Anzac Day.
The coin toss game is most associated with Anzac Day, although there is evidence that the game was played by convicts in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The game was played by officers during the First World War and became an increasingly popular pastime for men in the trenches.
Although its popularity has since waned, the double has remained a much-loved tradition among RSLs on Anzac Day.
It is generally illegal to play across the country for most of the year, with the only exception being April 25 each year.
However, these rules vary depending on the state you live in.
In Victoria people can only take part in doubles games in the seven days before Anzac Day and must only be played at an approved RSL sub-division or at an RSL Victoria-approved venue.
It’s a similar story in NSW; Here people are only allowed to take part in gambling in the afternoon on Anzac Day, Victory in the Pacific Day on 15 August, and Remembrance Day on 11 November.
The only exception to this rule is in Broken Hill, thanks to a special license from the NSW Government that allows the outback town to play the game year-round.
It is illegal in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and two other territories, except on Anzac Day.
It is legal to play year-round in Kalgoorlie, WA due to its historical connection to the game. The town also has the only legally designated two-man school in the country, where the game has been played since the 70s.
How to play doubles?
Playing deuce, like other coin toss games, is relatively simple, but the rules may vary depending on where you live.
Generally speaking, the keeper, known as a “ringie”, welcomes a player or “spinner” who is about to enter the game, usually by shouting “Come in, spinner!” He chooses by shouting.
The spinner will stand in the ring, a designated circle in the area where only the spinner is allowed to stand, and will hold a wooden stick known as a “kip” with two pennies on it.
Traditionally the game is played with pennies as they offer the perfect ratio of weight and size for easier turning and landing.
The spinning top will toss coins into the air (at least ten feet) and the crowd will have to bet on where the coins will land.
There are three possible outcomes: two heads, two tails, or one of each known as “odds”, with the spinner betting on one particular outcome and the crowd betting on the other.
In order for the coins to be accepted into the game, they must be thrown at least 3 meters into the air and fall within the boundaries of the circle.
Spectators can only bet on heads or tails, but some venues allow betting on odds and the outcome of the game is determined by ringie.
Ringie’s decision is final and the winner gets their winnings.
Remember to gamble responsibly.
