We might be going nuts in lockdown, but could lockdown be good for Nut Sports?

2020 will be remembered above all for one thing: the coronavirus. Social distancing and self-isolation have challenged everyone, and all of us will come out of this changed in one way or another. While the world has adapted to video conferencing and virtual quizzes, businesses have had to adjust what they offer to better serve their customers.

The Conker Federation is no different. Whether it was an act of kindness or a response to falling revenues, the Conker Federation’s tight grip on regulated play has been relaxed for the first time in its history. In early March, the Federation rushed through legislation to bring back a long-forgotten version of the game, Gentleman’s Conkers, and as of today it recognises Street Conkers as a legitimate game.

“This is a landmark moment within the game’s history. I have been advocating this for years and I am over the moon this has happened in my lifetime.”

Chad Slammer, Street Conkers enthusiast

Conker Cup has welcomed the news and has begun work on two conker leagues to promote the two newly recognised games. Details of how the leagues will work have yet to be released, but it is expected that competitors who join a league will be issued a supply of aged conkers and a lace, with matches arranged between individuals. Chestnut Chat will report on this development as it unfolds.

The world can be a difficult place, and all can agree that COVID-19 is unwelcome. But there is comfort to be taken in small joys, and the accelerated evolution of the game of conkers is certainly one of them.