10 Board Games that Everyone Should Own
Quarantine has shown us that board games are still a fun and exciting pass time, even in such a modern and tech-obsessed world. But how do you know your stash contains all the essentials? That’s why we are bringing you 10 board games that everyone should own.
Cluedo
This game is a classic, and with good reason too. Cluedo is a murder mystery game in which players have to discover how and where a person was killed as well as the culprit. Whoever guesses correctly first wins the game. It allows for up to 6 players but also works well in teams. While it may be too sinister for very young children, kids can team up with adults to even the playing field. Cluedo is a thrilling game and a personal favourite of mine.
Monopoly
While definitely a basic option, Monopoly is a must have. The game centres around generating wealth through tax collection while pushing your opponents to bankruptcy. Yeah...pretty brutal. This game has definitely led to many arguments. It is mainly based on luck making the game suitable for children and adults alike. There is no max player count which is good for family gatherings. Games typically last a very long, making it great for passing the time.
Picadice
Now this one is definitely biased, but I think Picadice is a game that would suit everyone. The combination of strategy and luck makes this game perfect for families. The winner is not determined by the most experienced or best player like it is in chess but it is not purely based on chance like ludo. This game is perfect for small families as it is designed for 2 - 4 players.
Ludo
Ludo and its variations have been around for centuries. Players race to get their four tokens to the centre of the board and win the game. This game is primarily luck based making it a good option for young children. Ludo is suitable for small families or friend groups as it can accommodate 2 - 4 players. Ludo evolved from the game Pachisi which was invented in India in the 6th century.
Checkers/Draughts
Checkers is a strategy game for two players that is at least 5000 years old. It uses the same board as chess but the pieces are circular counters. The aim of the game is to capture all of your opponents pieces by jumping over them. Once a player has no pieces left their rival wins the game. This game is very competitive and excellent for keen tacticians. Similar games have existed for thousands of years so it is clear to see why checkers remains so popular today.
Scrabble
Scrabble is an enthralling word game which has entertained many generations. 2 - 4 players use letter tiles to create words and gain points based on letters used and certain bonuses. This game is based on luck, vocabulary and strategy. A game of Scrabble lasts longer than most other board games. There is no feeling more satisfying than getting a high score on a word in Scrabble. This game helps expand your vocabulary and brings out the competitive streak in us all.
Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative board game that is more relevant now than ever. Unlike many other games, players work together. The aim is to prevent the spread of four diseases before there is a pandemic. It is suitable for 2 - 4 players and is great for encouraging teamwork. It is also semi-customisable with the option to make the game more difficult as you play it more and get used to it. This makes Pandemic a great board game for beginners and experienced players.
Azul
Azul is a strategy game for 2 - 4 players. The aim of the game is to fill up your grid of colourful tiles and earn points. The game is quite new so it will be an unfamiliar experience for many players. This gives it a charm many of the games on this list do not have. It is also very visually appealing which is always a nice touch. This competitive game is sure to be a fun experience for all involved.
Catan
Catan is a multiplayer board game that centres around settling on a previously uninhabited island. Players collect resources and improve their settlements. The first player to reach 10 points wins the game. This is a great game for families and friends. It requires strategy and negotiation skills.
Trivial Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit is an essential in anyone’s board game collection. The game revolves around answering general knowledge questions, the nature of which are determined by the square a player lands on. As you progress through the game, players collect wedges. The first person to gain a wedge of each colour wins the game. Trivial pursuit is a 2 - 6 player game but teams are permitted. There are multiple themed editions making this game perfect for any household.