Three on a Match: The Superstition Behind Lighting Three on a Match

June 12, 2025

By Fz Match

If you’ve ever heard the phrase "three on a match", you might have wondered what it means — especially if you came across it while searching for something like “how to light a match” or “match safety tips.”  While it sounds like a game or a technique, lighting three on a match is actually tied to one of the most famous superstitions surrounding fire matches.

In this post, we’ll explore the origins of the "three on a match" belief, why it was taken so seriously by soldiers and sailors, and whether there’s any truth behind the myth.

What Does "Three on a Match" Mean?

The superstition known as "three on a match" warns against lighting three things with a single match.  In other words, if one person lights a cigarette (or cigar), then another, and then a third — all using the same burning match — bad luck will follow the third person.

This belief was especially strong among soldiers during wartime, where matches were often used at night to light cigarettes or pipes.  It was thought that the third person would be shot by an enemy sniper after giving away their position with the flame’s glow — hence turning a simple act into a deadly omen.

Fact: This idea became so widespread that many troops avoided sharing a match between more than two people — just to be safe.

Why Was This Belief So Common?

Like many superstitions, the "three on a match" rule likely started from a mix of real-world danger and psychological fear:

Visibility at Night: A lit match could make soldiers visible to snipers.

Delayed Reaction Time: Holding a match too long in dangerous conditions increased risk.

Power of Suggestion: Once a belief spreads, even logical people can begin to take it seriously.

While the superstition itself may not be based on hard facts, the caution behind it definitely had merit.

Is It Still Relevant Today?

Nowadays, lighting three on a match is mostly seen as folklore rather than a real threat.  But the story lives on — especially in military circles, among smokers, and in popular culture.

You’ll sometimes see references to "three on a match" in:

Movies and war dramas

Books and historical fiction

Video games featuring soldiers or survival scenarios

It's also occasionally mentioned in fire safety discussions — not because of bad luck, but as a reminder to always use matches carefully and never recklessly.

How to Use Matches Safely Today

Whether or not you believe in the superstition, knowing how to handle matches responsibly is still important.  Here are a few safety tips:

Only strike a match when you're ready to use it.

Never pass a burning match to someone else.

Always extinguish matches completely before disposal.

Keep matches out of reach of children.

Avoid using them near flammable materials unless necessary.

Pro Tip: If you're outdoors or in low-light conditions, consider using a lighter or flashlight instead of a match to avoid drawing attention.

Conclusion

So, is lighting three on a match really bad luck?  Probably not — but the superstition serves as a fascinating example of how fear, tradition, and real danger can blend together.

Whether you're a smoker, a history buff, or simply curious about old beliefs, remembering the tale of "three on a match" can add a little extra spark to your understanding of fire safety — and maybe even keep you from making the same mistake twice.