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.
お正月に家族で双六をした。
We played sugoroku as a family during New Year's.
双六でサイコロを振った。
I rolled the dice in sugoroku.
子供たちが双六を楽しんでいる。
The children are enjoying playing sugoroku.
CULTURAL CONTEXT:
双六 is a traditional Japanese game, especially popular during the New Year (お正月). Modern versions often have themed boards with illustrations.
TYPES:
- 絵双六 (illustrated sugoroku - most common today)
- 盤双六 (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 (上がり) wins.
NEW YEAR GAMES:
Sugoroku is one of the traditional New Year games along with:
- 凧揚げ (kite flying)
- 羽根つき (Japanese badminton)
- かるた (karuta cards)