Classic Marble Game: Conqueror
A Game for Shooters
Conqueror is a centuries-old marble game where accuracy and risk meet. Popular in both casual circles and competitive “for keeps” play, it’s a game where a single shot can win you not just a marble — but perhaps your opponent’s entire tally. This ruleset is based on the clearest instructions we’ve found and compiled.
Equipment & Surface
Marbles: Any size may be used. Players may mix sizes, from peewees to mibs to shooters.
Players: Any number can join.
Playing Area: A hard, smooth, stone-free surface is best.
Objective
Capture marbles by hitting them with your own marble. The player with the most captured marbles at the end wins.
Setup
Decide play order.
The first player throws a marble forward to any distance, usually one that suits their shooting accuracy. This marble becomes the target.
How a Turn Works
The next player aims for the target marble.
If you hit the target:
You capture it, and it becomes yours.
You also retrieve the marble you just shot.
Next, you throw a new target marble to restart play.
If you miss:
Your marble stays where it lands, now a legal target for others.
The next player can shoot at either the original target or any marble in the field.
Ricochets & Multi-Captures
A forceful shot that strikes more than one marble in the same turn captures every marble it touches.
End of Game & Winning
The game ends when:
One player has captured all marbles in play, or
A set number of rounds is completed, with the player having the highest count of captured marbles winning.
What We Know—and What’s Missing
The Conqueror Tally Variant (Historical Rule)
In early English play, sometimes the goal wasn’t just to hit—it was to break. Breaking another player’s marble made you “Conqueror.” If that broken marble had already won others, you inherited those victories too. Capturing (or breaking) another “Conqueror” with your own “Conqueror” accumulates in your record.
In Summary
These rules are based on our best understanding of Conqueror. They are likely abridged folk versions — condensed, passed along by memory, and missing details that were once common knowledge. Some finer points may be lost to history.
Historical context suggests Conqueror was often played “for keeps.” If you lost all your marbles, you were out of the game. This high-stakes format meant each shot carried real risk, but also the chance to win an opponent’s entire tally through the “Conqueror-of-N” mechanic.
Why You Should Try It
Conqueror is one of many marble games where all you need is a handful of marbles to create hours of play. Whether for friendly competition or a nostalgic nod to playground traditions. It’s simple, skill-based, and always ready to play—anywhere, anytime.
