Cinderella is a classic fairy tale which has been told for thousands of years. There are numerous versions throughout the world but they all feature a rags to riches storyline. It is believed one of the first ‘Cinderella’ like tales was recorded by Strabo, the Greek Historian who lived from 63 BC -24 AD.

The story by Strabo is of Rhodopis. She was a Greek slave girl who married the king of Egypt. In that story, an eagle snatches one of Rhodopis’ sandals while she is bathing. The eagle carries the sandal in his claws across the land and drops the sandal in the lap of the King. It is said the King was taken by the shape and size of the sandal, and uniqueness of the incident. He sent men out in search of who the sandal belonged to have her brought to him. She was found and later married the King.

 In 1697, the fairy-godmother, pumpkin coach, and glass slipper were additions to the story made by Charles Perrault. It is this version of story that is so widely loved and told today – and of the card game.

The cover of the early 1900’s Milton Bradley Cinderella game depicts a young woman sitting on a stool with wash bucket in front of a fire. She is in her bare feet and is depicted as poor servant.

Inside the box are 33 cards. One of which is Cinderella in a fabulous gown and crown. The other 32 cards consist of eight Fairy Godmothers, eight Glass Slippers, eight Coaches, and eight Princes. Each set of these cards are numbered 1 to 8.

To play the game the cards are shuffled. One card is placed face down in the center of 2-8 players. The other cards are all dealt to players. The object of the game is to be the first player to receive 250 points. This is accomplished by tallying the rounds of play.

The game begins with the player who has the lone Cinderella placing it in the center and picking up the faced down card. This is worth 10 points.

Play moves around the table with players laying down cards of a particular order.

In a square around Cinderella is first placed all the cards of the Fairy Godmother. Whoever has number 1 lays it first, then the second, and so on to the eighth Fairy Godmother card is placed.

On top of the Fairy Godmother cards are next placed the Coach cards in the same way. Then the Glass Slipper cards, and lastly the Prince cards.

As soon as a player is out of cards, which could be at any time during play, the Round is over. The player who is out of cards receives the total of all numbers yet held in the hands of the other players.

The cards are shuffled again, with rounds continue to be played in the same manner until someone reaches 250 points and wins the game.

The game is won by pure luck of the deal. However, as in many games of the time, fun is had by relaxing around the table with friends and family.

Enjoy a game, any game, today.

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