The Game of Goose is an ancient children's classic, possibly tracing its roots all the way to the Ancient Egyptian game of Mehen which was played in early Old Kingdom times.
Francesco de Medici in Italy sent a copy of this game to King Felipe II of Spain during the 16th century.
It became one of the most popular games in Europe during that time.
It turned up later in England under the title New and Entertaining Game of the Golden Goose published by Laurie.
By 1851 it had been copied by the American publisher J.P. Beach of New York who entitled it The Jolly Game of Goose. An 1855 edition was called simply The Game of Goose.
It is a simple game of racing, using a spiral track with lovely illustrations. The main principle is one shared with Snakes and Ladders as well as the later Game of Life: virtue is rewarded and vice is punished.
Schmidt Spiele rates their Gänsespiel for ages 5 and up.
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