Gluckshaus (German for House of Luck) is a simple Renaissance dice game for 2 or more players which was common among taverngoers and mercenaries in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is also called House of Fortune, Lucky Pig, or Game of Seven. See below for how to play.

Here’s the recipe to make this game-in-a-bag to play at the Renaissance Faire: Using permanent fine point marker, trace the design onto sturdy fabric. Add a second layer of fabric underneath so design won’t show through the bag. Pin layers together and cut around the edge. All around the circle, fold and pin the front and back edges inside the piece to hide the cut edges and protect from fraying. Using needle and thread, baste around the circle then remove the pins. Refer to an online tutorial for adding crochet edging to fabric. Add one row of basic sc or hdc edging on the front of the piece, and repeat on the back. Add a joining row of sl st in each pair of front and back edging sts. Add final row: ch 3, dc in next st, * skip next st, ch 2, skip next st, ch 2, dc in next 2, repeat from * around, sl st join to top of ch-3, fasten off. Add drawstring cord, place dice and coins on top of gameboard design, cinch drawstring closed… game-in-a-bag is done!

Here’s how to play Gluckshaus. Before the round, players agree on a fun rule for rolling 4, e.g. Kiss a wench, Drink a shot, Tell a joke, Pick pockets (take 1 coin from each of the other players), etc. Players join the round with an ante on 7. If you roll 2 you’re the “Lucky Pig”. You win all coins except those on 7. If you roll 4 do the agreed-upon rule. If you roll 7 you’re a “Wedding Guest”. Bring a gift: put a coin on 7. If you roll 12 you’re the “King”. You win all, and are generous. Ante on 7 a coin worth more than a penny. If you roll 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, or 11, and that numbered space is empty leave a coin there; if there is already a coin, take it.