This volume delves into the origins of over 140 games from black-jack to yo-yo demonstrating how this aspect of life has crossed social, historical, cultural, political and geographical borders. Many games are relics of ancient religious rituals or originated as a means of training young people in hunting and fighting skills, or just to sharpen mental ability. Some of the 140 games featured include: boules, backgammon, chequers, scrabble, tiddly-winks, poker, marbles, hopscotch and lacrosse.