Nagelstock: The Skillful German Bar Game That's About to Hammer Its Way into Franzel in Goshen

If you've ever been to a proper German Biergarten, Oktoberfest, or a classic Gasthaus, you may have seen it: a group of friends circled around a massive wooden stump, hammers swinging, nails flying, and plenty of laughter (and maybe a round or two of drinks on the line). That game is Nagelstock — also known as Nagelbalken, Nagelspiel, Hammerschlagen, or simply “Stump” in the States. It's one of those gloriously simple, slightly dangerous-feeling bar games that Germans perfected and that has been winning over drinkers and festival-goers for generations.

So… What Exactly Is Nagelstock?

At its heart, Nagelstock is a nail-driving competition played on a thick wooden beam or tree-stump cross-section. The name comes from the German words "Nagel" (nail) and "Stock" (stick or stump). It combines precision, power, a dash of strategy, and just enough risk to keep things exciting. It’s the kind of game that turns strangers into instant teammates (or rivals) and guarantees a good story by the end of the night.

How to Play Nagelstock – The Rules

1. Setup

A solid wooden stump or log (usually a cross-cut section of hardwood) sits on a sturdy base at about table height. Each player gets their own nail—typically a sturdy 16d common nail or similar.

2. Starting the Nails

Everyone lightly taps their nail into the top of the stump so it stands upright, out of the wood. All nails should be at roughly the same height so the game is fair.

3. Game On!

Players take turns going clockwise around the stump. On your turn you get one swing with the hammer (usually a bricklayer’s hammer or cross-peen hammer—the narrow “peen” end is what you strike with).

- Most versions require you to rest the hammer head on the wood right next to your nail before you swing (this keeps things safe and adds an extra layer of control).

- You’re only trying to drive **your own nail** flush or below the surface of the wood.

- If you bend your nail sideways, you can either straighten it on your next turn or hammer it in at an angle—no extra swings.

4. Winning

The first player to sink their nail completely flush (or slightly below) the wood wins! In bar versions, the loser(s) often buy the next round of drinks. Some groups play elimination style: once your nail is fully in, you’re out, and the last person left with a nail still sticking out buys the beer.

Pro tips from the old country:

- Keep your hand behind any safety line marked on the hammer handle.

- No leaning on the table, no moving other people’s nails (unless your local rules say otherwise).

It sounds easy until you’re three rounds in and your nail is still stubbornly standing tall while everyone else is cheering.

Nagelstock Is Coming to Franzel in Goshen!

We’re thrilled to announce that this legendary German bar game will be making its debut at Franzel right here in Goshen, New York. Starting soon, you’ll be able to grab a Maß of beer (or one of our craft German-style brews), order some schnitzel or schweinshaxe, and challenge your friends (or make new ones) to a round of Nagelstock on our custom-built stump.

Whether you’re a seasoned nail-driver from the Midwest Oktoberfests or a total newbie who just wants to swing a hammer and have fun, Nagelstock at Franzel is going to be the perfect mix of old-world tradition and modern good times. We’ll have safety rules posted, plenty of hammers, and—most importantly—cold drinks waiting for the winners and the “almost-winners.”

Bring your crew, your competitive spirit, and maybe a band-aid or two (just in case). The stump is almost ready, and the nails are waiting.

Prost to good friends, cold beer, and perfectly driven nails!

See you at Franzel — 47 West Main Street, Goshen, NY.

Keep an eye on our socials and website for the official launch date of Nagelstock nights. We can’t wait to see who drives the first winning nail.

Franzel – Modern German cuisine with a side of old-school fun.