Gorodki was extremely popular in the USSR and was considered a “folk” sport.
Here are the key facts:
1. Popularity: Everyone played gorodki, from factory workers to academics. There were courts in almost every park, courtyard, and stadium.
2. The essence of the game: The goal was to knock out figures (“cannon,” “star,” “letter,” etc.) made up of five wooden cylinders (gorodki) with a ball from a certain distance.
3. Status: In 1923, gorodki became an official sport, and national championships were held. It was part of the GTO (Ready for Labor and Defense) system.
4. Symbol of an era: The game’s popularity is reflected in culture, from the cartoon “Well, Just You Wait!” to Mayakovsky’s poems and references to Lenin and Stalin’s fondness for playing gorodki.
The game “gorodki” (or “street gorodki”) has a long history and is a popular folk game, especially in the post-Soviet countries. It’s known by different names in different regions, but the essence remains similar.
History of the game “Gorodki”
Origin: The game “Gorodki” is considered one of the oldest traditional games, originating in Russia and other Slavic countries. The exact date of its origin is unknown, but its roots are believed to date back to ancient times, when people entertained themselves at festivals and fairs.
Rules: The game is usually played outdoors on a flat surface. Players build “gorodki”-like figures (usually towers or stacks) out of small objects (usually wooden or plastic). The opponent then attempts to knock these figures down using another object, such as a small ball or stick, by striking them.
Popularity: The game was especially popular among children during the Soviet period, promoting physical activity, developing coordination, and teamwork. Gorodki was played on streets, in courtyards, and on sports grounds, bringing children and teenagers together.
Modern variations: In recent decades, the game “gorodki” has experienced a resurgence. Competitions and tournaments exist, and the game has begun to develop as a sport. Various rules are used, and more games are organized at the school and sports club levels.
Educational aspect: The game is also seen as a means of teaching children strategy, planning, and teamwork. This helps develop not only physical skills but also mental ones.
Today, interest in gorodki is gradually reviving as part of the national sporting heritage.