What is scotch and thread?

Scotch and thread was a type of 18th-century gambling activity in which a ball of string would be suspended in midair and gamblers would bet on which side the ball would fall. The ball was usually suspended by a cord stretched across a room or courtyard. The winner was the person whose guess matched the side on which the ball fell.

The game was popular among soldiers, sailors, and other people who had a taste for gambling. It was often played at fairs, carnivals, and other public events. Although it was a simple game, it could be quite exciting, and sometimes large sums of money were wagered.

Scotch and thread was banned in some jurisdictions because it was considered a form of gambling. However, it continued to be played in many parts of the world until the early 20th century.