Playing on the go

In historical terms, humans became sedentary only recently. But people have always played games, so the idea of portable games emerged early. Dice have been known for five thousand years, and chess sets compact enough for travel since the Middle Ages.

Pegged travel chess sets also appeared from the 18th century. They were designed to stop the pieces shifting when jolted. Increasing mobility from the 18th century made this necessary: travel time became a widespread and, for many people, new experience. Passengers wanted something to do while sitting passively in jolting carriages or rolling ships as they travelled from place to place.

Until the beginning of the electronic age (and still today), countless games whose purpose is to kill time alone or with fellow players appear.