Title:
The Game of “Cootie”
Description:
The 1949 Cootie game, produced by W.H. Schaper Manufacturing Company, is a classic children’s dice game for 2-4 players where the goal is to be the first to fully assemble a plastic, bug-like creature. Players roll a die to acquire specific body parts—body, head, antennae, eyes, proboscis, and legs—and build their ”cootie” piece-by-piece.
Key Features and Gameplay (1949 Edition):
Components: The game includes plastic parts for the bugs (a beehive-shaped body, head, legs, etc.), a single die (often called a ”Cootie cube”), and no traditional board, as the assembly is 3D.
Gameplay Rules: Players must roll specific numbers to acquire parts. A player must obtain the body (1) first, followed by the head (2), before adding the remaining, smaller parts.
Objective: The first person to assemble a complete, six-legged cootie wins the game.
Origins: Created by William H. Schaper in 1948, the game was inspired by a fishing lure he designed and became an instant success, selling thousands in its first year.
Simplicity: The game relies entirely on chance, making it easy for young children to play.
Key Features and Gameplay (1949 Edition):
Components: The game includes plastic parts for the bugs (a beehive-shaped body, head, legs, etc.), a single die (often called a ”Cootie cube”), and no traditional board, as the assembly is 3D.
Gameplay Rules: Players must roll specific numbers to acquire parts. A player must obtain the body (1) first, followed by the head (2), before adding the remaining, smaller parts.
Objective: The first person to assemble a complete, six-legged cootie wins the game.
Origins: Created by William H. Schaper in 1948, the game was inspired by a fishing lure he designed and became an instant success, selling thousands in its first year.
Simplicity: The game relies entirely on chance, making it easy for young children to play.
Max Number of Players:
2-4
Category:
Children’s Game
Building
Collectible
Educational
Nature
Science
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Publisher:
W.H. Schaper Mfg. Inc.
Playing Time:
15
Year Published:
1947
Suggested Ages:
For All Ages
Complexity:
1
Date Added:
2026-01-27 14:10:02
Automatic Estimated Value:
~$13.97
Automatic Estimated Date:
2026-01-27
Date Added:
2026-01-27 14:10:02