Georgia

One of the republics in the Caucasus, Georgia was an independent kingdom in medieval times, but from the early 19th century, it has been part of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union. In 1991 Georgia regained its independence; it shares borders with the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey. As a result, many of the influences in Georgia come from its neighbors—Chess from Russia, Backgammon from Turkey, and card games from nearby Iran. During the Middle Ages, the influence of the Byzantine Empire led to much mural painting, some of which survives in churches, as well as sculpture.

Many men were also interested in metalwork and leatherwork, not just as a means of income but also for personal use, the latter being important for a society that relied heavily on people being able to ride horses. The national sport played on horseback was tskhen-bourti; and there were also games involving strength and prowess such as the local version of wrestling known as tchidaoba.

Local folklore was imparted through poetry, much of it in the Persian (Iranian) tradition, and also through storytelling and theatrical and other shows, some using marionette puppets, that took place at markets and on holidays. Dancing and playing music were also popular pastimes. During these markets at Tbilisi, the port of Sukhumi, and towns such as Kutaisi and Rastavi, new games would be introduced. In 1801, Eastern Georgia became a part of the Russian Empire, followed by the rest of the country in 1810. By the late 19th century, Russian schools were built throughout Georgia, and boys and girls there were involved in playing with many other children their own age. During his time at school in the 1880s and early 1890s, Joseph Stalin (then Josef Djugashvili) was involved in forays in the countryside, where he and other boys would play Brigands, the local version of Cowboys and Indians.

During Georgia's period as part of the Soviet Union, the Young Pioneers Movement organized regular camps, hiking groups, and retreats, and at these and most schools, children played Russian games, including many involving cards, Wargaming—especially World War II battles—and with toy cars and trains. Soccer has become popular, as has recreational basketball, boxing, handball, and gymnastics. There were skating rinks, funfairs, and places to play with dodge'em cars. The Puppet Theater in Tbilisi was a great attraction.

Since independence, there has been a rebirth in Georgian cultural identity. With Georgia close to the Republic of Kamlykia (which has remained a part of the Russian Federation), the center of world Chess, many Georgians still play Chess and Georgia has produced a number of leading world players such as Iuri Akobia, Maia Chiburdanidze, Roman Dzindzichashvili, and Baadur Jobava. The Chess Federation of Georgia did much to encourage the country's youth. As Georgia interacts more with other European countries, there has been far more interest in recreational soccer in the country. There is now a small Scout association, founded in 1997, that has involved boys and girls in hiking and camping.