Learning How To Beat Buzkashi? We Have Seven Tips For You

Image source: Gideon Tsang from Austin, USA [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Once again growing hugely in popularity after its ban under the Taliban the ancient sport of goat dragging is back in the spotlight so it’s an auspicious time to check out how to beat Buzkashi, perhaps the next big Asian sport you’ll be able to bet on at Unibet, one of the best online sportsbook sites in Kazakhstan at the moment. Whether you’re new to the sport or just trying to brush the rust off your stirrups we’ve got seven tips to help you on your journey to victory.

1. Getting Your Goat

Those of you squeamish about equestrian-based wrestling over either a goat or small calf carcass should probably not attempt to discover the secrets of how to beat Buzkashi. This isn’t the right sporting choice for all you vegans out there. To prepare your goat for play simply behead the creature, disembowel it, slice off its two front legs and then soak it in cold water for 24 hours ahead of time. This will toughen it. There’s nothing worse than a disintegrated goat during play.

2. Your Steed

You’re looking for the sort of animal that in other nations might be considered for barrel racing competitions. Stocky and powerful will be key with a good sense of response at the reins and the sort of temperament that can handle the push and shove of play. You can always bet on sports in Kazakhstan to be a little rough, but this one does place slightly more pressure on the poor beast beneath you than other less combative events, so be sure to choose a ride that handles the scrum.

3. Dress Code

If you’re learning how to beat Buzkashi the chances are you’ll already have noticed the attire that players sport is less about fashion and more about protection. The thicker the better is the name of the game here as each man does have a whip and long heeled boots on which might well allow him control over his horse, but also avails him of the option of ‘accidentally’ hitting other players. Military helmets are now often worn by serious players, body armour too is appearing.

4. Rules & Regulations

The codification of the sport has been a slow hard road over several centuries now, and the Afghan Olympic Federation has perhaps made the greatest strides towards us one day seeing odds on this effervescent game being offered up at Unibet, one of the best online betting sites in Kazakhstan and Asia today. However local variations within different communities can catch you off balance so be sure to ask or you’ll not know how to beat Buzkashi just get beaten at it.

5. International Regional Variations

6. Game On….and on and on and on….

Whilst these days Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and of course Afghanistan, all play the game under various rules and names, each have now set a time limit on the upper levels of the competition. Local games can be unlimited in duration and very hard fought, scrappy affairs that can spill from the field of play. No Kazakhstan gambling laws of fair-play will always be adhered to has been successful at Buzkashi, so don’t think you’ll be the first, and be ready for the long haul. 

7. Taking The Oath

Prior to some games you will be required to take an oath before the gathered crowd wherein you promise to play justly and not to either a) attempt to intimidate opposing fans by riding directly at, or indeed trampling, them as they watch, or b) gain any help or assistance from your own fans. This at least allows you to bet on Buzkashi being a survivable experience, and the odds on Buzkashi matches getting out of hand is much reduced, so don’t laugh, and pronounce it all right.