Far more important than knowing how to play castinets is knowing when NOT to play them. Carol C, Jack the Sailor and I attended a singaround last year at which there were some fine musicians, playing some great music. Also in attendance was a woman who had the foresight to bring along her castinets, apparently believing that these would be appropriate for the occasion. After a few drinks she started playing the damned things during every tune or song that was played. We saw no point in remaining at the gathering to endure more of this or to see whatever carnage might follow and so quickly motored away from the scene.