Most of the games played in the United States are variations of games that originated in England. Bear in mind that rules vary wildly from region to region and making up a game on the spot isn't unusual. Archboard This is one of the oldest known marble games. Each hole in the box is given a pretty arbitrary number. When your marble goes into a hole, you score that number of points.
First player shoots one marble.
Second player trys to hit the first player's marble. If he hits it, he collects both marbles. If the two marbles are close enough, he can attempt to 'span' them. He places his thumb on his own marble and his index finger on his opponent's marble. He then draws his hand up while bringing his fingers together.