Mikado (game)

Mikado is a pick-up sticks game of European origin, played with a set of same-length sticks which can measure between 17 and 20 cm (6.7 and 7.9 in). One of the oldest preserved sets of Mikado game sticks dates back to the 17th century. The game's origins are likely Eastern, as evidenced by the existence of preserved game sets from that region.

In Colonial America, the game was first called Jackstraws, and later named in the US as pick-up sticks. This term is not very specific in respect to existing stick game variations. The "Mikado" name may have been avoided because it was a brand name of a game producer. The game is named for the highest scoring (blue) stick "Mikado" (Emperor of Japan).