Nobody's answered your question about splitting matches yet Chris... good, I get to help out on that one. If you're running short on matches, you split the match down the middle with your finger-nail, bottom first, the paper pulling apart will split the head nicely. To strike one of these half-matches, you hold the match-head against the striker and go for it... vigorously, not just a light scrape. When the match lights get your finger away from it FAST!!! This trick is best developed BEFORE you need it, if not, you'll just waste your matches. Again, and more clearly, master this ability BEFORE you need it. Also, never bet anybody that a safety match can't be lit without the striker, if you put a dollar bill (I'm told any piece of paper will work, but I don't have luck with anything but a bill) against a wall and strike the match over the edge of it (along the face and off the edge), you can light a paper match just fine. They'll also light when struck on smooth concrete... don't believe it? find a smoker who's spent time in jail and they may educate you.

Troy