In pictures: World Conker Championships

King Conker Vic Owen opens the event.

Conkering is a serious business and the rules are clear. Competitors cannot use their own conkers, so there are no pickled, baked or varnished chestnuts.

The lace between knuckle and nut must measure eight inches (20cm). The striker must aim at the conker and not deliberately miss.

The striker has three shots. The opponent then has three shots. The game continues until a conker is smashed.