Use string as an alternative if you are playing marbles indoors.

Other names for the shooter marble include Aggie, boulder, Steele, king, and middleman. [4] X Research source Use a big marble as your shooter so it is easier to knock the marbles out.

Never let another person trick you into playing for keeps if you are a beginner.

This method of determining the playing order is called lagging. Alternatively, you can decide with a coin flip or by playing Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Use your dominant hand to shoot the marble. [8] X Research source Some variations of the game give a penalty (like losing a turn) if you touch the chalk circle with your knees while shooting. Decide with your friends whether you want to play with this penalty.

Some variations of the game state that if you got a marble out, it is still your turn. Ask the other players whether they want to follow this rule. [10] X Research source

Decide with your friends whether you want to add a penalty for those who move their shooter marble by accident while it’s in the ring.

Because shooter marbles are bigger and heavier, they are generally harder to knock out than other marbles.

Write down the points on a piece of paper and add them up to ensure accuracy.

For added challenge, make knocking your opponents’ marbles into the hole allowed.

Trade your marbles with friends to expand your collection. Avoid using your most special marbles in any games, especially if you’re playing for keeps.