Checkers was for many years known as “draughts”, and was played actively and daily by Roman soldiers, of course for money, and the practice has continued right up to the present day, as you’ll see around any cracker barrel or its equivalent, in any small town, anywhere on the planet and beyond.

Roman soldiers had little to do other than road-building, and eagerly sought exciting ways to pass the little leisure time they had to themselves, and every game they played involved money, even hopscotch, where the purse was placed on the chalked or stick-inscribed game layout.

Chess was played by the sons of rulers, to teach elements of strategy and defense, and Tic-Tac-Toe was a murderous game where you could lose your shirt quicker than a five-card stud player can lose theirs.

Many games are considered stress-busters, and backgammon is probably the best-known relaxation board game ever invented, although kalah and checkers might be just as popular. Continue reading →