Game of the Goose

The Game of the Goose, also known as the Royal Game of the Goose^[1] is one of the first board games to be commercially manufactured.^[2] It is a race game, relying only on dice throws to dictate progression of the players.^[3] The board is often arranged in the form of a spiral, with game pieces starting on the most outward part.^[2] All spaces on the game board are numbered, with some depicting an illustration of either a goose or a hazard indicating a specified action. The aim of the game is to reach the 63^rd space before any of the other players, while avoiding hazards such as the Hotel, the Bridge, and Death.

The game is thought to have originated in Italy during the 15^th century,^[3] being given by Francesco de Medici as a gift to King Philip of Spain.^[1] In the 17^th and 18^th century, the game gained immense popularity throughout Europe. The game's popularity led it to different adaptations throughout Europe and the United States. Despite numerous adaptations, the rules have largely remained the same throughout the years.