I have to tell you about the bone-flicking game I’ll never forget. It’s called Shagai Shüürekh, and the goal is deceptively simple: catapult a tiny sheep bone through a small opening a few meters away. Spoiler alert: it’s way harder than it looks.
The herdsman teaching me—supposedly an expert—went first. He lined up, flicked, and completely missed. Everyone laughed. Then it was my turn. My first attempt. I had no idea what I was doing, and somehow, I hit the target instantly. The herdsman stared at me like I had some hidden talent. But trust me, it was pure luck. I didn’t bother trying again—I knew any shot after that would end up anywhere except the target. This game has been played by Mongolian kids and adults for generations, turning simple bones into endless fun, competition, and skill.