Gasing (Top)

GASING

The Gasing aka top or spintop is a traditonal game where a wooden contraption usually with an iron tip, would be set in motion by aid of a string or rope coiled around its axis which, when pulled quickly, causes a rapid unwinding that would set the top in motion. It is popular among the natives in Malaysia, the Malay community; especially amongst the villagers in the State of Kelantan and Melaka. After each rice harvesting season, villagers will come together to challenge each other in an ultimate test of skill, brain and brawn. 

Gasing comes in different shapes, sizes and weights. Gasing can be played by both the young and old; where the old usually play the bigger and heavier tops while the lighter and smaller ones are more suited to kids. 

The Gasing or spin top is traditionally made of wood. Blocks of wood are notched and scraped by hand until it resembles the shape of a top. 

Shapes of Gasing

1. Plate-Shaped 
2. Heart-Shaped 
3. Hat Top
4. Egg-Shaped 
5. Berembang-Shaped

Types of Gasing

1. Gasing toyol
2. Gasing begelen
3. Gasing berembang
4. Gasing buku benang
5. Gasing jantung

Gasing Gameplay

1. The "Spinning Contest", the one who can spin his top for the longest time wins the match. Once the top has been launched, the top is carefully scooped off the ground using a thin wooden bat. It will then be transferred to a little wooden surface and left to spin for as long as possible. The trick here is to ensure that the top doesn't topple during the transit. Tough as it may seem and unbelievably so, the current record stands at two hours.
2. The "Striking Match" is far more exciting that the first. At least you won't need to stand there for hours watching a top spin and spin and spin. The "striking match" is as the name suggests. Each contestant must try to hit their opponent's tops so that the already spinning tops will topple and loses its balance and speed.