Native American games fall into two general categories: games of skill, and games of chance, the outcome of which depends on luck. Many of the games played were guessing games. Games of chance are played with
sticks, dice, or involved guessing. Whenever a group gathered, whether it be at a potlatch or just a chance meeting, it was usually an occasion for games, especially gambling games.

Nowadays there are regular tournaments, especially slahal. Long ago at potlatches, the women watched the men’s gambling games and helped in the singing, but never participated. They, however, had games of their own in which they staked such articles as they also used for potlatch gifts.
There are other games played by men, women, and children for fun and not gambling. In addition to the gambling games, there were athletic contests and children’s games.

Native Americans highly honored skilled athletes just as they honored brave warriors. Many games played by men and boys served to train them in skills needed for warfare and/or hunting. These games tested a boy’s skill, dexterity, agility, strength, and stamina. Today these games are becoming more prevalent like canoe races.