The Game and The Rules of Der Stumpf

The Game of Der Stumpf

Der Stumpf literally means ‘the stump’, referring to the large pine log upon which the old alpine drinking game of Nageln (nails) is played. Friends gather around the stump taking it in turns to try and bang their large nail fully into the stump surface using the thin ‘wrong end’ of a brick hammer. Sometimes you see it being played with the edge of a large door hinge. It takes quite a few rounds, with many misses and a few bent nails before the winner is cheered. The loser typically has to buy a round and the following games get slightly more difficult and a whole lot more hilarious.

Our game, Der Stumpf, is between two players head-to-head, best of three. Around the log is just the Referee and the two players. Spectators are not allowed inside the playing arena, they watch from behind the ropes.

The aim of the game is to take less turns than your opponent to hammer your nail all the way into the log surface. The Referee declares whether or not a nail is all the way in - the test is whether the Referee can get a finger nail underneath the nail head. If both players hammer their nails in using the same number of turns, that game is replayed. The first player to win two games is declared the winner.

To decide who goes first, the Referee will spin a nail and whoever it points to will start first. There is no advantage to going first other than the psychological lift a player gets from making a great first hit.

The Referee is responsible for setting up the nails so that they are at the right height, safely tapped 35mm into the log, the same distances from the edge and perpendicular to the surface.

The Referee will remind players of the rules and then players take it in turns to strike at their nail until a winner is declared.

If you accidently bend the nail or move it off the perpendicular, the Referee will officially straighten it for you... but you lose a go. Only the referee can decide (sometimes using V.A.R.) when a nail is fully into the log.

The Log (Der Stumpf)

You can't just use any old log for Der Stumpf. Only a soft pine, like Tyrolean Pine, offers the correct softness - we have tested many varieties. The surface of the log should be between 80 and 90 cm from the floor, and between 60 and 80 cm in diameter. To make the game accessible, we also have logs suitable for anyone who needs a lower playing surface, wheelchair users for example.

The Hammer

The chosen hammer for Der Stumpf is a standard 16oz brick hammer. We provide two identical hammers. The Referee will remind players of hammer etiquette and safe handling. One or both hands can be used to hold the hammer.

The Nail

We use a standard 125mm (4.92 inches) stainless steel round wire nail with a 5.6mm round head. The nail is tapped into the log to a depth of 35mm, leaving 90mm proud of the playing surface. We have a special gauge for this purpose. Tapping the nail in by 35mm stops nails from 'pinging out' if hit awkwardly and makes it less likely for nails to move from the perpendicular.

Safety

We will always put your safety first. There are obvious dangers with a game that involves hammers and nails and crowds of people. We have our own Health & Safety consultant and perform necessary risk assessments. Ultimately the Referee is there to ensure that safety measures are adhered to.

We will have safety glasses available for anyone concerned about eye protection. We have been very careful to eliminate the possibility of a nail or splinter going flying off but we recognise that some feel more comfortable with extra protection.

The Referee

Each game must have a qualified referee. Qualified means that they fully understand the rules and are very mindful of the safety of the players and the spectators.

Our fresh-faced and immensely wise Referees are there for your safety, enjoyment and to ensure fair play. Decisions are often checked by V.A.R. - Very Argumentative Referee.

You strike the nail using the wedge end (or 'wrong end') of the hammer. It's one continuous movement and you are not allowed to raise any part of the hammer past nose height.

The starting position of the hammer is touching the log surface but not touching the nail. At the side or in front of the nail is recommended.

For safety the Referee will tap the nails in to a depth of 35mm using a special gauge! That leaves 90mm left for the game.

Der Stumpf can be played on a whole log or a 'slice' of log as illustrated. Tyrolean pine is best. The surface should be between 80-90cm from the floor and 60-80cm in diameter.

Our chosen hammer for competition use is a 16oz standard brick hammer. One piece hammers are best.

Please don't bring your own! We supply them securely tethered.

After trials we settled on a 125mm stainless steel round wire nail with a 5.6mm round head.

Housekeeping

As much as we enjoy a freshly-poured and perfectly chilled German lager, the referee will ask anyone who has enjoyed it a bit too much to come back another day.

Games can generate a crowd and they can get quite excited! For safety, only the players and the Referee are allowed in the playing arena.