Amish Winter Games

AMISH WINTER GAMES - INDOOR

By Kevin Williams

AMISH WINTER GAMES:  I've written about Amish recreation before but in the blogosphere so many people come and go, there is so much "churn" that topics have to be repeated.  Although if you are one of my regulars, thanks for sticking around!  Anyway,  the Amish aren’t all work and no play. The serious, somber side that many outsiders think of when they see the Amish isn’t at all representative.

One of the most popular indoor winter games among the Amish is  card game called  Dutch Blitz.  I've had some enjoyable times with Amish friends playing this game on cold winter nights.

This is how Walmart.com describes the game: The Dutch Blitz Game is known for being easy to play yet hard to master and offers fast-paced excitement. Developed in Pennsylvania Dutch country, it includes 160 cards and complete rules. The object of the game is to be the first to get rid of your blitz card pile. Playing it is a fun way to develop quick thinking and strategy skills. Designed for up to four people ages 8 years and older, the Dutch Blitz card game is a good choice for family and friend game nights. Gather your opponents and revel in this challenge of speed, luck and skill.

Not uncommon at all to have tables set up in an Amish living room with each group having their own Dutch Blitz game going.  I spotted these for sale recently at an Amish bulk and sundry store.

Dutch Blitz is a popular card game among the Amish.

Rook is another card game popular among the Amish, you can see that pictured above also.

Board games, naturally, are more popular during the cold, dark evenings of winter, while summer brings softball and swimming.

Checkerboard belonging to an Amish checker champ

In the Amish settlement of Pinecraft, Florida shuffleboard courts are always full, a popular outdoor game that is easy on the senior set.  So next time you are in Amish country don’t be surprised at all if you witness the playful side of being Plain!