Two Up – About As Australian As Vegemite, The Hills Hoist And A Koala All Wrapped In One: On ANZAC Day, 25 April, the Australian nation comes together, whether it be at dawn, 11:00am or at some stage through the day, to remember those who have served or fallen whilst fighting for our country.
And no matter where you are, or how you decide to celebrate the historic ANZAC Day, thanks to this How-To guide you’ll also be able to join in with the proud pub staple of Two Up.
It can be a little daunting when you show up to the pub for a feed, drink and a game, only to realise you’re a little rusty on the rules.
But don’t fear, we’ve got you covered.
FIRST OFF, LET’S GO OVER THE TWO-UP LINGO:
Boxer: the game owner. This person runs the game and the betting. They do not bet.
Ringie: the supervisor in the ring.
Kip: the flat board used to throw the coins (you can use a small plank of wood or thin cheeseboard).
Spinner: the player who tosses the pennies (make sure you get this gig-it’s fun)
Sling: a tip given to the boxer
OK, SO LET’S PLAY:
1. A “Ringie” places two coins, tail side up, on a paddle (“Kip”), while punters gather around the game and roar phrases like “Tennahead!” (meaning $10 on both coins landing on heads, pretty easy huh?).
2. When the call “Come in Spinner” is made from the “Boxer“, the “Spinner” tosses the coins up.
3. It’s the Ringie’s job to ensure that the coins are tossed at least three metres into the air.
4. All coins need to fall within the crowd’s circle. If one or more fall outside, the “Ringie” declares the game void. The “Spinner” then makes another turn.
5. During this time, bets on heads or tails are taken ringside in the direction of the head-better.
6. If both coins show the side you bet on, you win. The spinner continues to until two of the same side appear.
7. And that’s it! Whether you win or lose, it’s guaranteed you’ll have a great time.
THE HISTORY OF TWO-UP
The origins of the game detail that it evolved from pitch and toss, which was a gambling game that involved tossing a solitary coin in the air and betting on the outcome. From here, a second coin was added, and the iconic game was born. Two-up first became popular in 18th Century England, particularly among poor English and Irish citizens. When the gold-rush hit Australia in the 1800s, settlers from all parts of the globe arrived, hoping to make their fortune on the fields. They brought with them fashion, culture, food and unsurprisingly, two-up. By the 1850s, the game was a popular pastime on the goldfields of Kalgoorlie and Broken Hill.
Two-up continued its run of success throughout the early 1900s as well. In World War I, Australian soldiers played the game in trenches and on troopships, thus leading to the strong association with Anzac Day.
Why You’re Only Allowed To Play Two Up on Anzac Day
Two-up, while an Anzac Day tradition is illegal on all other dates. This is because the game is a form of unregulated gambling, which is an act that must adhere to the government’s strict regulations and standards. The game has been illegal for quite some time. In fact, in the 1800s, a designated watchdog, known as a ‘cockatoo’ was implemented for most games, ensuring that players were protected from the long arm of the law.
Despite the strict laws against unregulated gambling, the New South Wales government sought to give two-up the cultural recognition it deserved. In 1989, the government passed the Gaming and Betting Amendment Act, which declared that playing two-up on Anzac Day was not illegal in the state. Additionally, two-up games can legally be conducted in NSW on Victory in the Pacific Day (August 15) and Remembrance Day but only after 12pm. Victoria followed suit in 1991.
The law requires that the game must be played on a not for profit basis. If the game is held at a club, there should be no entry fee and all proceeds must be donated to charity. The only place in Australia where two-up is legal year-round is Broken Hill, which has secured a special licence from the NSW government.
Do remember to gamble responsibly and be a good sport – comradery is what the day is all about.
