Long Lawrence –Dice Game

Description of the Product

Long Lawrence (also spelled Long Laurence, Lang Lawrence, Long Lorren, and other old forms) is the name of a long, stick-shaped die, that was used in England from at least the 1600s.

Instead of numbers, the die uses symbols. The game played with it is called Put & Take. The oldest written description comes from the 1660s by an English writer, Francis Willughby, who wrote a book about games people played at the time called Book of Games. He described this die and exactly how the game worked.

The game was still remembered and played hundreds of years later. In the 1800s, people in Yorkshire (in northern England) were recorded playing it especially at Christmas time, using pins or other small objects as bets. Both 4-sided and 8-sided versions were used. The 8-sided die simply repeats each symbol twice, so the game works the same way.

The name Lawrence was not used for dice alone. “Lazy Lawrence” was used to describe someone who preferred idleness over work. People might say “Lawrence has got hold of him” to describe someone who had grown slow or lazy, and there was even a saying, “Lawrence bids wages,” reflecting the same avoidance of effort. The long, rectangular die known as “Long Lawrence” shares the same name, echoing the playful spirit of leisure and gaming that these expressions evoke.

Recommended number of players: 3–4. The game can also be played by two, but having more players adds excitement and makes the pot grow faster, creating more engaging rounds. With more players, turns take longer and there is more unpredictability.

The set includes the special die and full game rules, so you can start playing right away. Perfect for history enthusiasts, board game fans, or anyone curious to try a traditional English game of chance.

• Handcrafted bone die, faithful reproduction of the original
• Eight-sided, 50 mm long and 18 mm in diameter
• Original symbols engraved on each edge
• Includes special die and complete game rules
• Suitable for 2–6 players, best with 3–4 players
• A touch of 17th-century English history; a classic game of luck
• Manufacturer: Karhunhammas - Beartooth