What is starting the match in Thumb Wrestling?

Players grasp hands with fingers interlocked; Thumbs are positioned upright; Both players recite: "One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!"

Section 5: Rules of Play

Players face each other and extend their right (or left) hand
Players interlock their fingers, creating a "ring" with their hands
Thumbs are positioned upright, side by side
Players recite the traditional opening chant: "One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!"
Upon completion of the chant, the match begins
Players attempt to pin their opponent's thumb down for a count of three
The first player to achieve a three-count pin wins the match

Players grasp hands with fingers interlocked
Thumbs are positioned upright
Both players recite: "One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!"
Some variations add: "Five, six, seven, eight, try to keep your thumb straight!"
The match begins immediately after the chant

Section 5: Rules of Play

Basic Gameplay

Players face each other and extend their right (or left) hand

Players interlock their fingers, creating a "ring" with their hands

Thumbs are positioned upright, side by side

Players recite the traditional opening chant: "One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!"

Upon completion of the chant, the match begins

Players attempt to pin their opponent's thumb down for a count of three

The first player to achieve a three-count pin wins the match

Starting the Match

Players grasp hands with fingers interlocked

Thumbs are positioned upright

Both players recite: "One, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war!"

Some variations add: "Five, six, seven, eight, try to keep your thumb straight!"

The match begins immediately after the chant

Legal Moves

Dodging: Moving the thumb to avoid opponent's attacks

Feinting: Fake movements to mislead opponent

Pinning: Pressing opponent's thumb down against the hand

Blocking: Using the side of the thumb to prevent opponent's movement