Games to pass the day

Games in the Renaissance

The people of 16th-century Europe played many types of games to pass their leisure time with their friends or families. Games enthusiast Fearghus Mac Cailin taught us how the history and rules of play of many games on Sunday, July 13, 2025.  At our request, he graciously shared the rules of play for several of his favorites.

Backgammon - A 2 player race game

Bassetta - A 2-4 player betting card game

Briscola - A 2-6 player trick taking card game

Draughts (MKA Checkers) - A 2 player abstract strategy game

Game of the Goose - A 2-6 player race game with betting

Hazard - A multiplayer gambling dice game