(すごろく)

すごろく
noun
sugoroku; Japanese board game
leisureentertainment
1. sugoroku; Japanese backgammon-style board game
A traditional Japanese board game where players roll dice and move pieces along a path, often played during New Year celebrations.
We played sugoroku as a family during New Year's.
双六(すごろく)サイコロ()った
I rolled the dice in sugoroku.
子供(こども)たち双六(すごろく)(たの)しんでいる
The children are enjoying playing sugoroku.

Cultural note

双六(すごろく) is a traditional Japanese game, especially popular during the New Year (正月(しょうがつ)). Modern versions often have themed boards with illustrations.

Types

  • 絵双六(えすごろく) (illustrated sugoroku - most common today)
  • 盤双六(ばんすごろく) (board sugoroku - older version similar to backgammon)

Gameplay

Players take turns rolling dice (サイコロ) and move their pieces along the board. Landing on certain spaces may advance or set back the player. The first to reach the goal (()がり) wins.

New year games

Sugoroku is one of the traditional New Year games along with: