Traditional Iranian games

In this category we describe these games in clear language for families inside and outside Iran. You will find Haft Sang, where one team knocks down a stack of seven stones and then tries to rebuild it, Alak Dolak, a stick game played in open spaces, Gol ya Pooch, a guessing game for long winter evenings, Menchu, the Iranian name for a race board game related to Ludo, Dooz, a family of line-up games, and Gorgam be Hava, a chasing game for children.

Rules for folk games change from city to city and from family to family, so we describe a common version and mention where variations exist. We also explain what each game teaches, such as teamwork, quick reaction or reading other people. These games belong to everyone; nobody owns them. For a digital taste of traditional play, try our free browser games, including a stone-sowing game in the mancala family.