Examines such traditional games as pick-up sticks, H-O-R-S-E, jump rope, hide-and-go-seek, Red Rover, and more.

Why people play : the meaning of games -- A cross-cultural language : using games to communicate -- In the parlor : games for rainy afternoons -- Our four-footed friends join the party : animals' role in games -- You're "it" and other childhood pastimes : our heritage of children's games -- From games to sports : rules, officials, and spectators -- A national pastime : baseball's traditions -- Reflections of the real world : games that offer us a deeper vision.