Games for a Rainy Day: Bilboquet

We do not want amusement: bilbocatch, at which George is indefatigable; spillikins, paper ships, riddles, conundrums, and cards, with watching the flow and ebb of the river, and now and then a stroll out, keep us well employed; and we mean to avail ourselves of our kind papa’s consideration, by not returning to Winchester till quite the evening of Wednesday.

Letter from Jane Austen to Cassandra
October 29, 1809

Family letters and remembrances tell us that Jane Austen was what we might call today ‘the fun aunt’. She played a variety of games with her young nieces and nephews, and was quite good at many of them.

A favorite indoor game, great for rainy days inside, called bilboquet or bilbocatch is still played today.

The origins of the game are not entirely clear. Some references suggest it was played in the 14th century, others put it as late as the 18th century, no one is really quite certain. Bottom line, it has been around a long time. The game was (and still is) played through out the Europe and the Americas, Japan and even in the Arctic.

Several variations of bilboquet exist, but all involve throwing a tethered object, usually a ball or rings, and catching it on a pin or in a cup.

The game became something of a craze during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I when it became known as ‘cup and ball’. It is said not only did the queen enjoy playing, but her courtiers did as well.

The Girl;s Own Book by Mrs. L. Maria Child, 1833 describes the game:

CUP AND BALL.
Here a wooden ball, with a hole in it, is used instead of a bird. A stick is made with a cup at one end, and a point at the other. The object is to catch it in the cup, or on the point. The cup and ball are fastened together with a string.

I remember playing with one of these as a child–gosh it’s been a long time. I’m thinking I need to get one of these for my grandson. We could definitely have some fun with it.

Have any of you ever played with one of these games? Tell me about it in the comments.