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Thumb wrestling (also Thumb war) is a popular children's game played with two players, or in tournaments. It is often played in situations where larger or more complicated games might be inappropriate: in the car, a restaurant, or school. Players hook the four fingers of their right (or left) hands together such that both hands are clasped tightly. Then typically, after a short starting chant which varies by region (for example, "one, two, three, four, I declare a thumb war; five, six, seven, eight, try to keep your thumb straight. nine, ten, let's begin", the Thumb Wrestling Federation uses "Four, three, two, one, who will be the strongest thumb?"), the opponents proceed to attempt to pin (capture or trap) their opponent's thumb for five seconds (and often shouting something like 1, 2, 3, 4 I won a thumb war! or inky pinky 123!), while avoiding the same. The game itself is not necessarily fair: the length of the player's thumbs often contribute to an eventual victory, and left-handed opponents are often at a disadvantage if right hands are used. Also, a person with a double jointed thumb can move their thumb backwards more and avoid being trapped. In the 2000s, the term thumb wrestling has been used to describe non-verbal fighting using text messaging on cellular phones.

Like similar childhood games, cheating methods are often introduced. Some use the index finger, which is typically set aside with the other fingers, to move horizontally and sweep over the opponent's thumb in a sneak attack. This tactic is often referred to as a "snake," a "buddy," a "trap door", a "sidekick", or more commonly, "tag team," and can be specifically banned before each individual match. Other, less popular, tactics have been used, such as twisting the opponent's arm or wrist to gain leverage or introducing the unused hand into battle. Fast counts and misunderstandings of the game's home rules, i.e., whether the match begins after the abbreviated "1,2,3,4" chant or the extended "5,6,7,8,9" chant, or whether the pin count is to up to 5 also complicate the game's fairness.

Distracting the opposite player is also commonly used, as this briefly relaxes the muscles in the distracted player's thumb,helping win the game.

An additional tactic is where one opponent hides his thumb in his fist. During this time the other person can not hold the thumb down. This rule is pointless unless you put a time limit on how long you can hide.

One way to 'even up' mismatched opponents is to play Thumb War with the hand inverted, left hand to right hand (or vice versa). This matches a thumb with the little finger (pinkie). Due both to the usual lack of strength in the little finger and also due to its more limited mobility, this effectively handicaps the stronger player. Of course, purists might point out that this game is not strictly 'Thumb War' as it involves a thumb and little finger, but this handicap remains popular, especially in the UK.[citation needed]

In the 1980s, an attempt to capitalize on the game was made by toymaker LJN with its release of World Wrestling Federation-licensed thumb wrestling action figures. These figures took the shape of WWF action stars of the time, including Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, and others. Unfortunately, bulky action figures did nothing to improve the game and it was often difficult to win when using the action figures. Over the years, other toy companies have also attempted to capitalize on the simple children's game through plastic or cardboard "rings" that are placed over the hands to simulate a real professional wrestling ring.