Russia has a rich cultural history that extends beyond art, literature, and architecture. It includes a number of traditional games that entertained generations. These games, rooted in fold traditions and daily life, give us a glimpse of traditional Russian society.
From energetic games like Lapta to Bandy, these games provide fun for all ages. So let’s take a look at the top 3 traditional Russian games you need to know about.
Gorodki
Gorodki is a traditional Russian folk game that combines elements of bowling and horseshoes. The main objective is to knock down a cylindrical wooden pin formation arranged in a specific order like a cannon, star, or aeroplane. The player needs to throw a wooden bat from a fixed position to knock down all the wooden pins.
This game dates back to at least the 17th century and was popularized by figures like Peter the Great. It remains a cultural pastime in Russia and neighbouring countries to date, and while it may not be widely known, it continues to attract enthusiasts due to its simplicity.
Bandy
Bandy is a winter sport, essentially ice hockey with a ball. It’s often described as the predecessor of modern ice hockey as it is played with a curved stick in two teams. The only difference is that it’s played with a ball instead of a puck.
It originated in England and gained popularity in Russia in the 19th century to the extent that Bandy is considered the country’s national sport. Their national team has dominated several international bandy competitions.
Lapta
Lapta is an ancient Russian game that involves a bat and a ball. It’s similar to cricket or baseball and is played outdoors on a rectangular field. The game involved two teams for batting and fielding.
The batting team tries to hit the ball and run across the field while avoiding being hit by the ball thrown by the fielding team. It dates back to over 400 years and was historically played by the Russian soldiers to maintain their physical health.
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