Step away from screens and gather around, because it’s time for some good old-fashioned board game fun!

No matter what kind of game you’re into, we’ve got you covered with our handpicked selection of amazing board games. From classic favourites to exciting new discoveries, there’s something for everyone in this ultimate board game collection. Whether you’re playing with friends, family or even going solo, these games will provide endless entertainment and laughter.

So, let’s explore and find the perfect game for your next game night!

Chess

Chess is an ancient and timeless game that has captured the hearts and minds of players for centuries. It is a battle of wits and strategy, where every move counts and even the smallest decision can have a deep impact on the result of the game. The simplicity of the chessboard, with its black and white squares, sets the stage for a complex and thrilling contest of skill and intellect.

Chess consists of several distinct parts, a standard chess set includes 32 pieces, with 16 pieces for each player. It has one king, one queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights and eight pawns. The game is played on a square board of eight rows (called ranks) and eight columns (called files).

Monopoly or Karorpatti

Monopoly, or Karorpatti as it is known in our regions, is a classic board game that brings out the inner tycoon in all of us. It allows players to experience the ups and downs of real estate and financial transactions in a fun and competitive setting.

Buying properties, collecting rent and planning to bankrupt opponents are all part of the exhilarating journey that Monopoly offers.

Jenga

Most of you may have played Jenga, an absolutely amazing and thrilling game of steady hands and nerves of steel. The objective is simple: remove one block at a time from a tower and place it on top, without causing the tower to topple. As the tower becomes increasingly unstable, the tension rises and players must carefully consider their moves.

Jenga encourages focus, patience, and a touch of daring, making it an exciting and engaging game for players of all ages.

Snooker or billiard

Snooker, also known as billiards, is a cue sport which requires accuracy, strategy, and finesse. Played on a large table with coloured balls and a cue stick, snooker challenges players to hit the balls in a specific order, earning points along the way. The combination of skilful shots, positional play and tactical thinking make snooker a fascinating game that demands concentration and careful planning.

Catan

Catan, also known as The Settlers of Catan, is a modern classic in the world of board games. It is still not widely played in our region, but is famous all over the world.

It transports players to a vibrant island where they compete to build settlements, roads and cities, all while managing resources and negotiating with other players. Catan also combines elements of strategy, resource management and social interaction, creating a dynamic and immersive gaming experience that never fails to entertain.

Scrabble

One of the simplest yet challenging word games, scrabble challenges players to showcase their vocabulary and spelling skills. With a set of letter tiles, players create words on a grid on board, in order to score more by tactically placing letters on premium squares.

Scrabble is not only a test of linguistic prowess, but also a source of fun and excitement as players strive for high-scoring words and cleverly block their opponents’ moves while taking their turn.

Snakes and Ladders

One of the most loved and played game around the world is ‘Snakes and Ladders’, which has been cherished by generations. It offers a playful journey of ups and downs, where players climb ladders to advance and encounter snakes that send them back (assuming to be stung by them).

The game teaches valuable lessons of perseverance, luck and the unpredictable nature of life. With its colourful board and simple rules, Snakes and Ladders remains a delightful choice for family gatherings and casual play.

Uno

Uno is a fast-paced and thrilling card game that requires quick thinking and strategic planning. Players take turns matching colours, numbers and special action cards to be the first to discard all their cards.

The game is known for its unpredictable twists, such as reverse cards, draw cards and wild cards, which keep players on their toes and create exciting moments of suspense and surprise.

Checkers

Checkers, a timeless game played on a square board, is a captivating blend of strategy and tactics. Players aim to capture their opponent’s pieces by cleverly manoeuvring their own across the board. Checkers requires foresight, concentration, and the ability to anticipate your opponent’s moves. With its simple rules and deep gameplay, Checkers offers endless opportunities for strategic thinking and friendly competition.

Ludo

Ludo is an all-time favourite of most of the families in our country. It is a delightful race to the finish line where players guide their tokens (Gottian) around a colourful board.

The roll of the dice determines the movement of the tokens, and players must make strategic decisions to outsmart their opponents and reach their home space first. Ludo is a game that combines luck and strategy, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement with every roll of the dice.

Connect Four

Connect Four is a game of tactics and spatial reasoning that challenges players to form a line of four coloured discs in a grid. By carefully considering each move and analysing their opponent’s choices, players strive to outsmart each other and block potential winning lines of discs.

Carom board

Carrom board is an exciting tabletop game that brings together players of all ages for hours of fun and friendly competition. The game is played on a square board with four corner pockets and involves flicking small round disks into those pockets using a larger disk called a striker.

Each player takes turns to strike their coloured disks, aiming to pocket them while deliberately preventing their opponents from doing the same. The objective is to score points by pocketing your own disks and ultimately be the first to reach a target score.

Backgammon

This is a timeless and thrilling board game that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is played on a board with 24 triangles called points, which alternate in colour and are arranged in a mirrored pattern.

The game involves two players who each have 15 checkers of their own colour. The objective is to move all of your checkers around the board and bear them off before your opponent does the same. Players take turns rolling dice and strategically moving their checkers based on the numbers rolled. The game combines elements of luck and skill, as players must make decisions on whether to advance their checkers or block their opponent’s progress.

Sequence

It is a strategic card game that combines elements of luck and skill. The objective is to create sequences of matching cards on a game board, aiming to be the first to complete a designated number of sequences.

These are just a few examples, the world of board games is vast and varied, with countless options to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re a fan of strategy, wordplay, teamwork, or friendly competition, there is a board game for you. From the classics like Chess and Monopoly to newer favourites like Catan and Sequence, these games have achieved widespread recognition and have become a part of our cultural fabric.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 24th, 2023