Knowing the correct way to participate in cockfighting is something that many seasoned players and beginners alike search for. It’s important to note that the rules of cockfighting vary depending on the type of betting format used. Therefore, participants should thoroughly research the regulations and strategies before getting involved to avoid any unexpected risks. In this article, WINPH will guide you through the most accurate and effective methods for playing cockfighting.

When Should You Play Cockfighting?

A common question among new players is knowing when a cock is ready for combat. The answer is simple: when the rooster begins to crow, it signifies that the bird is ready to fight. However, roosters that are raised together from a young age typically do not fight each other. They will only begin to engage in combat when they crow aggressively.

Before this stage, roosters are kept in groups and allowed to roam freely. If roosters that have grown up together are placed in close quarters while crowing, they will inevitably fight, which could lead to injuries or even death. This unintended consequence is why experienced breeders separate the roosters as soon as they start crowing or near this stage, preventing unnecessary battles that could result in harm.

Roosters that are kept together and are of unequal sizes or varying levels of aggression can lead to a dominant rooster overpowering a weaker one, which may result in the underdog being bullied or even killed. In such situations, the weaker rooster’s development could be stunted, and it may even avoid crowing altogether.

How to Fight and Play Cockfighting for Beginners

Cockfighting Methods and Rules for Newcomers

To participate in cockfighting events, players need to understand the proper cockfighting methods as outlined below:

How to Match Roosters Before Fighting

When two roosters are brought out to compete, handlers use several methods to rank fighting cocks:

• Weight-based matching: If a fighting cock is heavier by more than 1 “lang” (traditional weight unit), they shouldn’t fight. Some players might still arrange impromptu matches, but these aren’t officially counted. When one rooster is heavier, the owner must handicap it by muzzling its beak for a certain period. The handicap duration depends on the weight difference and is determined by mutual agreement between both parties.
• Age-based handicapping: Older roosters must be handicapped by either wrapping their spurs or muzzling their beaks. In cockfighting, the age difference becomes apparent only after some time fighting, which often causes disputes during matching.

Match Duration and Rounds

Cockfighting matches are divided into rounds. Each round lasts 15-20 minutes. After completing a round, the fighting cocks rest for approximately 5 minutes. During this break, handlers “make water” for the roosters, helping them recover and regain alertness before continuing to the next round. Skilled handlers can restore their roosters’ energy quickly—a crucial factor when participating in competitions.

Another important aspect is “borrowing time” during a match. Typically, roosters should only rest between rounds, but if a rooster sustains a serious injury during fighting, handlers may request a few minutes to address issues such as fixing a dislocated beak or spur.

Betting in Cockfighting

In cockfighting, roosters are divided into teams. Initial betting is called “da bao” (flat betting). For example, “bao 200K” means you stand to win 200,000 currency units. As the match progresses, the strengths and weaknesses of each rooster become apparent, leading to side bets with handicaps. Spectators negotiate these bets every round or every few minutes. Depending on how the match unfolds, a rooster’s value may increase or decrease significantly. Therefore, the initial flat bet often differs considerably from the actual wagering during the match.

Important Considerations for Cockfighting

Cockfighting isn’t merely entertainment but requires attention to several factors:

• Selecting fighting cocks: Players should choose roosters with clear origins and good pedigrees. When selecting fighting cocks, handlers must carefully examine physical attributes such as a muscular body, beautiful scaled legs, sharp spurs, and other desirable traits.
• Care and nutrition: Handlers should provide protein-rich foods like eel, beef, and lizard meat, and give roosters clean water early in the morning. Additionally, players should supplement the diet with greens like bean sprouts and water spinach for fiber. Importantly, don’t let fighting cocks drink excessive water before matches.
• Training techniques: Handlers should exercise roosters regularly to increase stamina and endurance. Morning exercise is particularly beneficial for muscle development. Additionally, handlers often use turmeric water or traditional herbal medicines to massage the roosters, helping thicken their skin and improve their ability to withstand hits.

Conclusion

This article on WINPH has shared detailed information about cockfighting methods for new handlers. As we’ve seen, cockfighting regulations are divided into various categories. In addition, handlers can learn useful experiences and secrets of cockfighting to increase their winning probability when participating in rooster fights.