https://marcosticks.org/ten-thousand-ways/ Skip to content Marcosticks Logo_Trimmed_185x30 * * * * New * Learn * Grips * About * 3D-print * Buy * Discuss * Zhong Wen * Search this website [ ] Menu Close Ten thousand ways to use chopsticks You are currently viewing Ten thousand ways to use chopsticks Ten thousand ways to use chopsticks * Post author:Staff * Post published:December 27, 2020 * Post category:Grip Classification * Post comments:8 Comments OK, OK. There aren't exactly ten thousands different ways to hold chopsticks. But there are more than the one presumed, "correct" way to use chopsticks, and the one presumed, "incorrect/crossed" way to use chopsticks. This article provides a visual guide to different chopstick grips that we have observed and recorded in real eating situations, such as the Standard Grip, the Idling Thumb grip, the Vulcan Grip, and the Chicken Claws grip. These are all fine ways of using chopsticks. In the spirit of #utensilequality, all grips are equal at the table. But these chopstick holding styles are also all different. We have captured this view in our retrospective, The Art and Science of Chopsticking. Our objective analysis of these grips does show that Standard Grip provides the most balanced profile for efficiency, dexterity, reach and power. There is a reason why it is the traditional grip. But all grips work for those who wield them well. Many far exceed Standard Grip in specific tasks. And some people have anatomical differences making some grips better suited for them. Count-to-4 and Equal Opportunity come to mind. The thumb issue is documented in Caswellian thumb. Table of Contents [ ] * Posters and catalogs * YouTube video available * Made it to a cool guide * Added to family tree of grips * Articles published * Grip analyzed * Video footage documented * Picture received * Collaborators Posters and catalogs Elsewhere on marcosticks.org, you will find posters showing and contrasting chopstick grips, such as illustrated below left. You will find variations of this poster, including international versions, and left-handed versions, in the posters article. A separate article illustrates in a family tree how each alternative grip relates to the standard grip, based on the degree of its departure from the standard finger dynamics, as illustrated below right. Marcosticks - English - Ten thousand ways to use chopsticks - first twelve grip types - cool guide 12 common grips Marcosticks - Pen n chopsticks - Child grips of Idling Thumb - branches within the family tree - FRD Family tree of grips There are also a clickable catalogs of common chopstick grips. Head to the clickable catalogs article to see them. These are a cross of the above two posters. It features beautiful cel-shading illustrations of grips from above left, and groups these grips roughly based on relatedness. In addition, every cel-shading illustration is clickable. Separately, we classify chopstick grips by finger placement and finger movement, for each combination of top/bottom chopsticks and open/closed postures. [Marcosticks-header-image-Classification-of-chopstick-grips-by-finger-placement-and-chopstick-movement-scaled-1-1024x489] This article is different. This one has all grip types we hear or documented. But not all grip types we are aware of have been thoroughly studied and published here. This article shows all grip types in their respective journeys from discovery, to analysis, through publishing, and finally a YouTube highlight. We also have YouTube videos showcasing chopstick grips we have documented. The series "The Varieties of Chopsticking Experience" features chopstick grips from groups of related or associated people, to celebrate the ingenuity of folks who independently found grips that worked for them. Each chopstick grip is presented as a "card" in sections below. The name of the grip is first identified in Chinese and in English. Then a thumbnail picture illustrates the stereotypical posture of this grip. You can click on the image to learn more about it. Or you can continue reading on, to find a one-sentence description of said grip. Wherever we have created a 128x128 emoji for a grip, said emoji is shown at the end of the description sentence. After that we show the grip name in other languages wherever available. Language labels: t: Taiwanese, and j: Japanese. YouTube video available This section lists grips that have its own video in our YouTube series named after this article , Ten Thousand Ways to Use Chopsticks . Click on the thumbnail picture to watch the YouTube video. Biao Zhun Wo Standard Grip * [Marcostick] * A grip with a good balance of power, reach and control. [Mar] * t: Biao Zhuen Fa Phiau-chun hoat j: Biao Zhun Learn more Made it to a cool guide This section lists grips that have been illustrated in a cool guide diagram such as this poster. The next step is for these grip to have their own YouTube videos. Wa Ken Vulcan * [Marcostick] * Named after the Vulcan salute which is unmistakable. [Marc] * t: Mou Qian Bo[?]-khan j: barukan Learn more Shou Zhi Qiang Finger Pistol * [Marcostick] * Named after the hand gesture for pistol. [Marc] * t: Zhi Tou Zi Bi Chong Cheng-thau-a pi chheng j: Zhi Tie Pao Learn more Qi Liang Xiao Zhi Forsaken Pinky * [Marcostick] * Named after the lone pinky finger, which is left to its own devices by the rest of fingers. [Marc] * t: Fang Song Wei Zhi Pang-sat boe-chain j: Gu Er Learn more You Shou Ding Ze Righthand Rule * [Marcostick] * Named after the famous rule in methematics and physics. [Marc] * t: Zheng Shou Ding Lu Chian-chhiu teng-lut j: You Shou noFa Ze Learn more Jia Chong Da E Beetle Mandibles * [Marcostick] * Resembles a Giant Stag Beetle maneuvering its long mandibles. [Marc] * t: Jian Zi Gui Chian-a ku j: kuwagatanoooago Learn more Lan San Mu Zhi Idling Thumb * [Marcostick] * Looks like Standard Grip, but sadly the thumb only loiters around. [Marc] * t: Ping Duan Zhi Tou Mu Pin-toan cheng-thau-bo j: Qin Zhi aidoringu Learn more Feng Zhua Chicken Claws * [Marcostick] * An exaggerated variant of Idling Thumb, with a special move for lifting the top stick. [Marc] * t: Ji Jiao Zhua Ke-kha-jiau j: Ji noZhua Learn more Bao Long Zhua Dino Claws * [Marcostick] * Two claws suffice to manage chopsticks, like T-Rex . [Marc] * k: Ba Wang Long Zhua Pa-ong leng jiau j: Kong Long noZhua Learn more Xuan Gua Gun Dangling Stick * [Marcostick] * The bottom stick is left dangling by itself. * t: Jia Yi Zhi Zhu Giap chit-ki ti j: buraXia gariBang Learn more Bu Ou Zui Muppet * [Marcostick] * As bottom stick is closed and let open, a muppet speaks. [Marc] * t: Bu Dai Xi Po[?]-te-hi j: mapetsuto Learn more Jian Dao Shou Scissorhand * [Marcostick] * (Edward) Scissorhand is an Under Swing variant of Chicken Claws. [Orig] * t: Jiao Dao Shou Ka-to chhiu j: Jia Learn more Added to family tree of grips This section lists grips that have been added to the family tree based on their connections to other grips. The next step will add these to a cool guide. Tou Cheng Yi Shi Turncoat * [Marcostick] * Diametric opposite of Forsaken Pinky. [Marc] * t: Zhong Zhi Tou Cheng Tiong-chain tau-seng Learn more Shu Zhi Si Count-to-4 * [Marcostick] * Named after the number 4 hand gesture * t: Bi Dao Si Pi kau su Learn more Shu Zhi Wa Ken Si Count-to-Kehkuh * [Marcostick] * A cross between Count-to-4 and Vulcan grip * t: Bi Dao Mou Qian Si Pi kau Bo[?]-khan su Learn more Wu Li Biao Zhun Wo Weak Standard Grip * [User-4-sna] * Weak version of Standard Grip * t: Wu Li Biao Zhun Fa Bo-lat piau-chun hoat Learn more Peng Shou Wa Ken Cupped Vulcan * [Marcostick] * Cross Chicken Claws with Vulcan, and cup your hand. [Mar] * t: Gong Shou Mou Qian Giong-chhiu Bo[?]-khan Learn more Yao Gan Ma Italian Grip * [Marcostick] * Named after the famous Italian hand gesture. [Marc] * t: Bu An Zhan Beh an-choan Learn more Da Cheng Zhong Dao Middle Path * [Marcostick] * A sibling grip of Beetle Mandibles. [Marc] * t: Ying Ma Zu Ngia Ma-cho[?] Learn more Yi Shi Tong Ren Equal Opportunity * [Marcostick] * Five fingers spend equal attention on both sticks * t: Wu Da Xi Mu Bo toa-se-bak Learn more Wai Ce Wo Fa Lateral grips * [Marcostick] * A large family of grips sharing a common Compression posture. [Mar] * t: Zhi Tou Mu Yi Kao Er Zhi Bian Zi Cheng-thau-bo oa kho ji-chain pin-a Learn more Wai Ce Wu Zei Lateral Squid * [User26-THU] * A Lateral Classic variant where five fingers pulse like a squid, when extending chopstick apart. * t: Bian Zi Rou Yu Pin-a jiu-hi Learn more Wai Ce Feng Zhua Lateral Chick * [Marcostick] * A Lateral Classic variant which serves as a bridge connecting Lateral Class to Chicken Claws. [Marc] * t: Bian Zi Ji Zhua Pin-a ke-jiau Learn more Wai Ce Jiang Nan Style Lateral Gangnam Style * [User56-THU] * A Lateral Turncoat variant with finger dance a la Gangnam Style. * t: Bian Zi Jiang Nan Style Pin-a Kang-lam Style Learn more Wai Ce Tou Cheng Yi Shi Lateral Turncoat * [User36-THU] * A hybrid of Lateral Classic and Turncoat grip. * t: Bian Zi Zhong Zhi Tou Cheng Pin-a tiong-chain tau-seng Learn more Shu Qian Lateral Money * [Marcostick] * A sideway-swing variant of Lateral chopstick grips, with a money-gesture-like index and thumb movement. [Marc] * t: Suan Yin Piao Sng gin-phio Learn more Mu Zhi Xiang Pu Lateral Thumb Wrestler * [Marcostick] * An underswing variant of Lateral chopstick grips, where the thumb operates the top chopstick as if thumb-wrestling. [Marc] * t: Zhi Tou Mu Xiang Yan Cheng-thau-bo sio-ian Learn more Articles published This section lists grips that we have analyzed and written about. The next step will add them to the family tree. Shuang San Jiao Jia Double Tripod * [Marcostick] * A variant of Standard Grip where the bottom chopstick too is supported by a tripod of three fingers. [Marc] * t: Shuang San Jiao Zhu Siang san-kha-tu Learn more Gou Jia Qian Hook n Clamp * [Marcostick] * The index finger pries chopsticks open, and the middle finger clamps chopsticks shut. [Marc] * t: (TBD) Learn more Shuang Gou Double Hook * [Pop-cultur] * Extends chopsticks apart with Idling Thumb, but closes them with Lateral compression. A variant of Chicken Claws. [Marc] * t: (TBD) Learn more Grip analyzed Video footage documented Shou Zhi Qiang 2 Toggle Switch * [Marcostick] * A Finger Pistol variant Learn more Shu Mu Zhi Thumbs Up * [User51-Var] * A variant of Righthand Rule with an Idling Thumb. The Thumb base holds the top chopstick. Learn more Yi Da Li Wo 2 Italian2 Upward * [User54-THU] * Turncoat grip (with thumb joint engaging top chopstick) turns into Underswing variant of Finger Pistol, which is what we call the Italian Grip. But this user wields the Italian Grip with palm facing upward. Learn more Peng Shou Tou Cheng Yi Shi Cupped Turncoat * [User39-THU] * Cupped Turncoat to Turncoat is like Cupped Vulcan to Vulcan. In fact, this user switches between Cupped Turncoat and Cupped Vulcan mid action. Ce Bai Wa Ken Vulcan Sideway-swing * [User42-THU] * Sideway-swing variant of Vulcan where the top stick is pushed sideways by the thumb. Wo Jin Quan Tou Clenched Fist * [User47-THU] * All four fingers curl into a fist. The thumb caps both chopsticks against the clenched fingers. The thumb prods the rear of the top chopstick to extend tips apart. Xia Bai Shou Zhi Qiang Finger Pistol Underswing * [User50-THU] * A textbook underswing variant of Finger Pistol. Also very similar to Italian Grip. Yi Da Li Wo 3 Italian Grip3 Variant * [User52-THU] * Looks like scissorhand where the bottom chopstick is sandwiched by the middle finger and the ring finger. But this is really a more dexterous Italian Grip with wide separation between index and middle fingers Picture received Wa Ken .5 Vulcan.5 * [Marcostick] * A Vulcan variation where the pinky does not remain idle Learn more Collaborators We acknowledge grip collaborators on individual grip articles. Here we'll document collaboration with folks on the overall ontology of grips. * A Yong from A Yong Tai Yu Aiong Taigi, and his friends at Shi Bao Wei Chiah pa *be! were instrumental in shaping both peh-oe-ji and Han Zi representations of chopstick grips. * Sakaki Yuan An Ying (Dr. Yasuhide Sakakibara) Published on Dec 27, 2020 Last Updated on September 29, 2021 by Staff Share This Article on: Share this content * Opens in a new window Twitter * Opens in a new window Reddit Read more articles Previous PostThe Turncoat Grip Next PostThe Middle Path Grip You Might Also Like Read more about the article The Dino Claws Grip The Dino Claws Grip February 1, 2020 Read more about the article The Count-to-4 Grip The Count-to-4 Grip March 14, 2020 Read more about the article The Lateral Squid Grip The Lateral Squid Grip May 15, 2021 This Post Has 8 Comments 1. Pingback: HackerNews Zhai Yao (2023-05-09 11AM) - GPT Du Xin Wen 2. Pingback: HackerNews Summary (2023-05-09 10AM) - GPT News Reader 3. Pingback: Found on the Web >> Diff'rent Grips 4. Pingback: oZhu noShi iFang 1Mo Tong ri - Shi Jie noHua Ti woRi Ben Yu dezatsukuriSu Zao kuQue Ren ! 5. [9496fd2f7b4f9a4a42b8] asdfasfd 24 Oct 2022 Reply but which one is best for cheese kungfu movie murder attempts? 1. [609054ef6f76ef9745d0] Staff 24 Oct 2022 Reply Lateral Gangnam Style 6. [51aaa40b7cd2527f47f0] Aviana 15 Aug 2022 Reply I have used chopsticks for about 3 years now. For the first 6 months I tried different chopstick styles, before settling on standard grip, because despite the claim there's not just one way to hold chopsticks, there is. I've taught several people how to use chopsticks. They all say it's hard and doubt they can do it, and their problem is always how they're holding them. Always. Once I've fixed their grip, they get it. I just taught a friend this week and she was shocked by how much control she had over the chopsticks movement and how easy it was to grip the chicken we were eating. Rice was more of a challenge at first, but when I showed her how to pinch and scoop the rice, she got that too. I am honestly way more comfortable with chopsticks than with a fork, and I've been raised on forks and spoons. I can eat with both my right and left hands with chopsticks about the same, whereas with a fork I can't eat left handed. I can also finish a meal faster. I truly believe chopsticks are the best eating utensil. Hands down. 1. [609054ef6f76ef9745d0] Staff 15 Aug 2022 Reply A large number of people will find, if given proper instructions, Standard Grip to be the most balanced grip given all of the factors we've researched. It is not the best in all factors - as documented, Lateral grips have the strongest compression forces in most cases. But of course, Lateral grips in general generate very little extension forces. With that said, some people will never wield Standard Grip well, due to anatomical differences - look at the Caswellian Thumb article and discussions in other articles for details. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers. Leave a Reply Cancel reply [ ] [ ] [ ] Comment[ ] Enter your name or username to comment[ ] Enter your email address to comment[ ] Enter your website URL (optional)[ ] [ ] Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [Post Comment] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] D[ ] Search Search this website [ ] Recent Posts * Why won't tips of chopsticks pinch together with Standard Grip? Why won't tips of chopsticks pinch together with Standard Grip? 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