Patolli

Patolli is an ancient Aztec board game that takes its name from the Aztec word for bean - patolli, meaning fava or kidney bean. The game is played on a curious diagonal cross-shaped board with red and blue markers and 5 bean-shaped tokens as dice. Patolli was associated with gambling and players often wagered vast treasures on its outcome. The game consists of throwing beans (dice) to bring tokens onto the board, and move them towards an exit ramp at the other end. Tokens are safe on some squares, but mostly can be "eaten" if an opposing player lands on them. The Kirk edition of the game includes a 49-page booklet on the history and background to the game.