Sapo

When gathering around for family game night, my family and I always opt for something a little conventional. Typically, we play a game that involves choking a frog with a gold coin. That’s totally normal, right? In Peruvian households, the answer is yes.

Sapo is a game that involves throwing 10 gold coins frisbee-style in an attempt to “choke” a golden frog in the middle of the playing board. If a player is able to accomplish this difficult task, the crowd cheers and the player exclaims, “Sapo!” Due to the amount of dexterity this game requires, there are other holes that award consolation points.

So, why did Peruvians decide to throw gold coins at golden frogs? The history behind this game dates back to King Titicaca, the Incan king. The king used to throw coins into Lake Titicaca in an attempt to win a frog’s attention. It was believed that if a frog choked on the coin, then the player would be awarded a wish. Along with this, the frog would turn to solid gold. In honor of this amphibian of good fortune, the king built a statue on his palace grounds. Eventually, Spanish conquistadors brought Sapo back to their home for others to enjoy. Today, Peruvian locals are proud of this game, and they continue to play Sapo century after century.

// By: Taylor Brown //