Game of the Goose
The Game of the Goose is a historical board game of some significance but is also good fun!
Game of the Goose holds the accolade of being the first modern commercial board game. Invented in Italy as early as 1500, Game of the Goose (Gioco dell'Oca) was given by Francesco de Medici ( 1574-1587) as a present to King Phillip of Spain. It has been constantly in production ever since that time and so one could argue that it is also the most successful commercial board game ever.
The game is a simple race game governed only by the throw of dice - the game pieces (often in the shape of Geese) move from the outside of the spiral towards the middle. The design has been copied, re-branded and varied hundreds of times over the centuries but a few aspects almost always remain the same:
- Most Goose games end on square number 63
- Square 58 is the Square of Death! Land on this square and you are returned to the beginning.
- There are some squares (often 13) with a Goose - these send you forward by the amount on the dice.
Other squares commonly found on Goose boards include a pair of dice, a bridge, a maze, an tavern, a well, a prison and a goblet.
The Game of Goose is also notable for the attractiveness of the boards - some designs over the centuries are astonishingly intricate or remarkably artistic.
Goose Game - with miniature metal geese
Click picture for a large version
Goose Game - with miniature metal geese
Ref: 00KH41
Was: £26.99
£21.99
£18.33 (Ex.VAT)
ETA: 1 working day + transit time
A charming Goose Game with a wonderfully illustrated, thick cardboard board and delightful metal geese playing pieces. Also included are 4 wooden dice barrel shakers and 4 painted wooden dice.
- Wonderful reproduction of the traditional favourite
- Delightful metal geese playing pieces and wooden components
- A good size thick cardboard game board
- A simple race game that is especially fun for younger children
- Language of Rules/Instructions: German, Spanish, French, English, Greek, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese
- For ages: 8+
- Number of players: 2 - 4
- Average game time: 30 minutes
A full set of rules are included that go into depth about each of the special squares on the board, such as the Goose square which triggers another roll of the dice and the Death square which forces the player who lands there to return to the beginning of the board. The inclusion of these action tiles and many others adds to the excitement of the game.
A cloth bag for storing the components is also included with the game.
Approx. Dimensions:
Board: 465 x 337mm
Board: 18.3x13.3 inch
Contains small parts. Unsuitable for children under 36 months.
BuitenSpeel Large Game of Goose
Click any picture for a large version
BuitenSpeel Large Game of Goose
Ref: 00H601
Was: £35.99
£32.99
£27.49 (Ex.VAT)
ETA: 1 working day + transit time
- An extra large version of the Game of Goose
- A simple an fun race game for children to enjoy
- A delightfully colourful playing board filled with cheerful icons
- From renowned toy manufacturer Buiten Speel
- For 2-6 players
A delightful, large Wooden Game of Goose from renowned toy manufacturer BuitenSpeel.
This extra large version of the classic board game is great fun for children and is for 2 to 6 players. Youngsters will love the large colourful board filled with cheerful pictures.
Can be enjoyed outside or indoors and includes dice and counters.
Approx. Dimensions:
50 x 50 x 2cm. Weight: 1.2kg
19.7x19.7x0.8 inch. Weight: 2lb, 10oz
Giant Game of Goose Floor Game - 1 metre mat
Click any picture for a large version
Giant Game of Goose Floor Game - 1 metre mat
Ref: 00KH35
Was: £14.99
£13.49
£11.24 (Ex.VAT)
ETA: 1 working day + transit time
A large, colourful Game of Goose floor game featuring a 1 metre square playing mat with bright, vibrant illustrations, 4 foam playing counters and a large foam die.
The large size plastic floor mat is washable and water resistant so the game can be enjoyed inside or outdoors. The large size and colourful nature of the game further enhances the appeal making it a great game for children and fun at home or school.
- Large size Game of Goose floor game
- 1 metre square playing mat
- Includes large foam playing counters and a foam die
- Bright and colourful design
- For ages 5+
- Language of Rules/Instructions: German, Spanish, French, English, Greek, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese
- For ages: 5+
- Number of players: 2 - 4
- Average game time: 30 minutes
Instructions / rules are included.
Approx. Dimensions:
Mat: 1m square
Mat: 3.3 feet square
This game is showerproof and can be left outside overnight during summer months. However, it should be brought inside in extreme weather and should be stored in a dry place over winter.
Contains small parts. Unsuitable for children under 36 months.
