This Standard is compiled from that of the Old English Game Bantam Club, and follows the Carlisle ideal. Other Standards exist, but essential differences are slight. Chief variations are in methods of interpretation. Old English Game bantams are of comparatively recent creation. They were evolved largely from the common crossbred bantam of the countryside. Probably there is very little large breed blood in them.

In the large breed it is usually agreed that a good Game bird cannot be a bad colour. This remark does not apply to the bantams, which are show birds only, colour playing a very important part. Nevertheless, the ideal is that the bantam should be a true miniature of the national fighting Game – though this is seldom the case.