It's a big boys' game of capture the flag.
I've heard it called playing chess and pool at the same time, with people, because it's all about outwitting your opponent and knowing the angles. It requires a lot of training and practice.
In general, most players will describe it as being snapped with a towel. It will sting for a couple seconds, but you forget about it. Sometimes it will leave a bruise, but it's not painful to the touch - most of the time.
In a tournament, if you take first place you might get a prize. But it's a fifth to a quarter of the value you put into winning.
