Medieval Life  Marry in Italy  Medieval Games and Recreation
Medieval society indulged in a number of games and recreation,
when the often harsh daily life permitted a break. Chess was
widely popular and often a source of gambling entertainment;
both in the traditional format and in a simpler version played
with dice. Dice were easy to carry and were played in all ranks
of society, even among the clergy.  Some games played during the
Middle Ages, including bowling, prisoner's base, blind man's
bluff (also called hoodman's blind), and simple "horseplay" are
still played today. Checkers were a popular pastime, as was
backgammon. Children wrestled, swam, fished and played a game
that was a cross between tennis and handball. Medieval knights
would incorporate training in recreation, performing gymnastics
and running foot races.  Spectators in the Middle Ages were
often drawn to cockfights and bullbaiting. The preferred
recreation for most adults was drinking in the local tavern. At
harvest time, villagers would