History:
Tea dueling has a long and illustrious history, stretching back to as early as 2010. It is a popular competitive pastime in steampunk communities throughout the United Kingdom and the United States.
Our Academy:
We here at the Sword & Teapot Dueling Academy adhere to a strict Code Duello (kōd dyoo-elˈō), which is a set of rules governing formal duels to settle disputes among gentlepersons, designed to manage violence and loss of tea through strict, ritualized etiquette.
General Rules:
Two competitors shall face each other, each armed with a cuppa piping hot tea, and a biscuit. The duelists shall immerse their biscuits simultaneously into their own teacups as directed by the mistress or master of the duel. The biscuits must be immersed at least ¾ of their length into the tea, and must remain in the tea until the end of a count of three.
Once the duelists remove their biscuits from the hot tea bath, they hold it upright and the real danger begins. The goal is to be the last person to pop the biscuit in their mouths, and to avoid at all costs a biscuit that crumbles upon the table, floor, the teacup, or their person.
Scheduled Matches:
Our inaugural tea dueling event will be held at Steampunk Alchemy Fest 2026!
Tea dueling has a long and illustrious history, stretching back to as early as 2010. It is a popular competitive pastime in steampunk communities throughout the United Kingdom and the United States.
Our Academy:
We here at the Sword & Teapot Dueling Academy adhere to a strict Code Duello (kōd dyoo-elˈō), which is a set of rules governing formal duels to settle disputes among gentlepersons, designed to manage violence and loss of tea through strict, ritualized etiquette.
General Rules:
Two competitors shall face each other, each armed with a cuppa piping hot tea, and a biscuit. The duelists shall immerse their biscuits simultaneously into their own teacups as directed by the mistress or master of the duel. The biscuits must be immersed at least ¾ of their length into the tea, and must remain in the tea until the end of a count of three.
Once the duelists remove their biscuits from the hot tea bath, they hold it upright and the real danger begins. The goal is to be the last person to pop the biscuit in their mouths, and to avoid at all costs a biscuit that crumbles upon the table, floor, the teacup, or their person.
- A biscuit that crumbles to the table or floor before being consumed is known as a smatter, and results in an instant loss.
- A biscuit that crumbles partially or fully into the teacup is known as a splash, and results in an instant loss.
- A biscuit that crumbles partially or fully onto one’s person is known as a splooge, and results in an instant loss and a potential wardrobe change.
Scheduled Matches:
Our inaugural tea dueling event will be held at Steampunk Alchemy Fest 2026!
- Sign up to compete by completing this form.