Nilo Jean Sevilla | BSTM1-1 | THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL GAME TWO-UP

Australians are the greatest gambler in the world, and nowhere is this more clearly expressed than with two-up, two up or Swy (from the german swei means two) has its place along side Ned kelly, Banjo Paterson, The Eureka Stockade and in the tradition and folklore of Australia. From settlement, during the gold rushes of the 1800's through two World Wars and wherever Australians have congregated. Noted in 1794 that gambling was rife amongst convicts and that some had been known to lose everything on the toss of a coin. The two famous swy schools in Australia have been the Kalgoorlie school and Tommo's School in Sydney. Tommo's was begun by as ex-boxer and is the oldest "floating school" in Australia. Tommo by most accounts was both honest and respected. Gamblers who lost heavily were given their fare home, whilst big winners were offered free escort and safe carriage home. Sometimes the rule of the game may be decided by agreement, this are known as school rules. A variation of Two-Up with three coins is also played. This speeds the game up considerably since no odds can be thrown and the result, win or lose, is reached quickly, whichever way the game is played with two or three pennies, with blackened or polished coins, it's a great game and fun for all