Glückshaus

Number of players: 2+
Type of game: Dice
Period: 1500+

Glückshaus (German for “House of Fortune”) is a traditional dice game of luck and simple strategy. Played since the late Middle Ages, it uses a specially numbered board and two dice. Each number represents a “room” in the house, some of which have symbolic or festive meanings—most notably the Pig, Wedding, and King.

History of Glückshaus

Origins: Glückshaus originated in 15th or 16th century Germany, and became popular across Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries.

Period Games

Novem Cinque

Number of players: 2+
Type of game: Dice
Period: 1552

Novem-Cinque (Latin for Nine-Five) is an ancient Roman dice game of chance, likely played for wagers and amusement in taverns, camps, and homes across the Empire. Though the exact rules are lost to time, the name suggests a focus on the numbers 9 and 5, with reconstructions drawing from Roman gambling practices.

History of Novem-Cinque

Cultural Context: Played in the Roman Empire, likely during the Imperial period.

Period Games

Liar's Dice

Number of players: 2+
Type of game: Dice
Period: 1552

Liar’s Dice is a classic bluffing and deduction game played with dice hidden beneath cups. Each player must guess how many dice showing a certain face value are present across all players’ cups—but without knowing anyone else’s dice. Players bluff, challenge, and try to outwit each other to be the last one with dice remaining.

History of Liar’s Dice

Origins: Likely derived from Perudo or Dudo, a South American game with Incan roots.