Parcheesi

From LoveToKnow BoardGames

The Parcheesi game has been an American favorite since the mid 1800s, although the original version of the game was created in India in the fourth century A.D.

The Details of the Game

The object of the game is to move your four pawns from the area marked Start to the area marked Home. Each move is dictated by the number that is rolled on the dice. While this sounds very simple and straight-forward, there are challenges in every turn.

  • You must first roll a five in order to put a pawn in play.
  • You must avoid blockades and your opponents.
  • You must avoid being sent back to start.
  • You must roll the exact number needed to enter Home.

Pieces

parcheesi board

There are four sets of pawns. Each set is one of the following four colors:

  • Red
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green

The Game Board

The game board is colorful. There are four, colored stalks that jut out from the center of the game board. Each stalk corresponds to one of the colors of the game pieces. The stalks make up the cross, and the center of the board is the circle.

Ancient Cross and Circle Games

Parcheesi is counted among the category of games called cross and circle games. Versions of these ancient games appear all over the world. It is difficult for historians to decide on a definite date of origin because the boards are so widespread. There were versions found that dated from as early as 300 A.D. in Korea.

Some of the countries and cultures that have versions of this ancient game are:

  • Korea
  • Ceylon
  • Syria
  • Mayans
  • Aztecs

These games were often played by royalty to pass the time. In fact, one Indian Emperor, Akbar I, loved the game so much that he had huge courts of inlaid marble created. He chose 16 of the most beautiful women from his harem to be the "game pieces." Dressed in the colors of the game, they would move around the board according to his instructions.

Parcheesi in America

Homemade game boards from the 1850s have been found in the United States. The earliest reliable records show that John Hamilton of the Hudson River Valley held the copyright to the game in 1867. He sold those rights to Albert Swift who sold them to Selchow and Righter, a game company, in 1870. The company registered the official trademark for the game in 1874.

It was a best seller for the next several decades. Parcheesi was played in Victorian parlors and farmhouse kitchens by adults and children alike. Because of the keen interest the Victorians had in the ancient world, this game was considered very sophisticated and stylish. It became known as the "Royal Game of India", adding to the exotic appeal.

It is still one of the most popular games available today. Hasbro now holds the rights for the game.

International Variations

There are variations of Parcheesi all over the world today. Each country may have its own slightly different set of rules or way of playing, but each is descended from the original Pachisi.

  • Spain-Parchis
  • Columbia-Parques
  • Germany-Mensch-ärgere-dich-nicht (Don’t Be Angry, Man)
  • France-Petits Chevaux (Little Horses)
  • Italy-Non t'arrabbiare (Don't Lose Your Temper)
  • England-Ludo (Latin for, I Play)

Modern Versions

There are many Pachisi game variations available today. Lego has a version of Ludo that is made with classic Lego blocks. There are wooden versions, magnetic versions, and computerized versions of this popular game. Some modern games that are based on Pachisi are:

  • Trouble
  • Aggravation
  • Sorry

Many folk artists create handmade game boards that are works of art in themselves. It is also possible to find beautiful vintage and antique boards on the Internet as well as in local shops.

Parcheesi is a game that is perfect for the whole family. The rules are not hard to understand so the youngest child can play. The element of chance, coupled with the need to use strategy, will keep the most competitive adult interested as well. This ancient game is a classic that almost everyone enjoys.

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