When you hear “board games” do you instantly think of Monopoly or chess. For the average board game player, who is not familiar with board games, these may also be their first association with the term. That’s why we need to take a step back and find some more board games to play.
Board games existed long ago. The Mesopotamian people played a game known as “Senet”, which was like a racing game. As time went by and civilizations advanced, more and more board games came about. More than we could ever list in one board games article.
So, we have put together a shortlist of some of the best board games. These have been around for a while and are popular among friends and families.
Chess: Most Popular Board Game
The game of chess is a board game that originated years ago. The objective for the two players is to battle on eight-by-eight grids. Each player starts with 16 pieces that represent an army ready to save their queen. Opponents battle it out in a strategic and thought-provoking way. They move whichever piece they choose into the opponent’s territory. As they invade the other player’s section of the chessboard, they capture the enemy soldiers/pieces. Trying to get a checkmate by capturing the Queen.
Monopoly: Classic Board Game
Monopoly is the grandfather of them all. I’m sure most of us have played this or know someone who has. The goal is to buy up properties and charge rent when other players land on them. Worse, yet, you go to board game jail from time to time. Monopoly is a game that many people across the world know and love. The Monopoly board game also comes with two decks of cards that contain instructions a player must follow. They make the game more interesting and unpredictable.
Risk: Strategy Board Game
This game is all about conquering territories. Players can either invade their opponents’ territories or occupy them. While defending your own territory. The rules of the Risk board game can be difficult to comprehend. But they’re worth learning. Risk is one way to teach players how different strategy moves and counteractions work. The risk of getting lost in a board game is far less than the chance of an evil mastermind leading you astray.
Cluedo/Clue: Murder Mystery Game
The board game, Cluedo also known as Clue, tasks players with solving a murder. By figuring out who did it, where it happened, and what weapon the murderer used. Clue Board games are a fun way to spend some time with friends. Players move around the Cluedo decorative board. As they strategically move, draw clue cards and find clues. They try to solve the games’ murder mystery.
Scrabble: Family Board Game
Can board games make you smarter? Then try the scrabble board game. It can surely test your spelling skills. This game challenges players to find words in a pile of scrambled letters. It can get pretty intense and have a high word recognition factor. Which helps to improve young children’s vocabulary skills. Family members or friends sit around and have a great time taking turns making words by combining letters.
Taboo: Board Game for Adults
Taboo is a party game. You are giving a card with a word that your teammates must guess. In addition to that main word, there are five additional words, that you can use to describe the main word. Your task is to describe that main word or phrase without using any of the five forbidden words. While your teammates have to guess the main word within a short time. Taboo Board games are a fun trend in the world of socializing.
Scattergories: Board Game for Kids
While Scattergories is not a board game per se, it is an award-winning party game. In this fast-paced challenge, players have one minute to list things that fit various categories. Such, as “Things you find outside…”, “Parts of the body” etc. before time runs out. But, first, you must roll a die with all the 26 letters of the alphabet, to get one letter. The answers you give for the Scattergories categories must start with that letter. Scattergories is a game that guarantees bursts of laughter. As players come up with peculiar, funny, and non-existing answers.
Are Board Games Still Popular?
These are a few of the many popular board games that you can find on store shelves today. However, it is true that playing board games are losing popularity for decades. They continue to do so with each passing year.
With the internet and other digital and technological distractions. But, board games offer something different. Many options for your typical party game experience without sacrificing anything else.
With all the different kinds of board games to choose from, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Round up your family and friends and get ready for some fun.
