The birds take turns fighting, two by two. As soon one pair is announced, the arena explodes into an orgy of noisy betting and bet-taking. Signals are like those in a stock exchange - a finger under the chin, a finger against the side of the nose or a fist punching the air. About three minutes later, the cocks are unleashed. They are beautiful creatures, with deep, glossy colours, their neck feathers bristling, straining to get going.
Fighting can go on for several minutes or be over in seconds.
One peck means it's a draw. Sometimes, there is no loser to peck - it is a crumpled heap on the floor. In that case, someone just sweeps up the feathers and blood, and the next pair is brought in. After that - accounting. I was amazed to see people paying up by literally throwing money around.