Because it is often played with large or irregular numbers of players, it is considered a more social and accessible alternative to conventional American handball, especially in schoolyard settings.
[1][2] Chinese handball can be played by any number of players that can comfortably fit on the court at once.
In New York variations of the sport, "watermelons" are a risky alternative to hitting the ball.
[6] Chinese handball, like its American relative and other playground games, is generally self-regulated.
There is often room for debate or talk-back, colloquially known as "fishmongering" among New York's Upper East Side Chinese Handball communities, but with rounds lasting only a few minutes, flow of play is prioritized over prolonged discussion.
[7] A 2010 PBS documentary, New York Street Games, shows people playing Ace-King-Queen.