20 Of The Best Classic Board Games Everyone Knows And Loves


20 Of The Best Classic Board Games Everyone Knows And Loves


There is nothing better than getting cozy on a cold night to play a board game with friends and family. Board games offer an intimate, fun, and entertaining experience that can't be found anywhere else. Many games come and go but some become classics that can be found in almost every families home. That's why we've compiled a list of 20 of the greatest board games beloved by generations of people. 


1. Monopoly

Monopoly is a classic fan favorite board game where you are trying to monopolize the properties on the board and bankrupt your opponents. Its simplicity and competitive nature have made it the perfect game for friends and family.

Maria-Lin-Kim-Iumyohvesmi-UnsplashPhoto by Maria Lin Kim on Unsplash

2. Chess

Chess, the oldest game on this list, has withstood for centuries. It has a basic concept of 64 squares and two sides of equal forces. However, the battle to take down your opponents king is an endlessly difficult process the better you get.

Jon-Tyson-Slntp-Sli0Q-UnsplashPhoto by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

3. Scrabble

Scrabble is an incredible word building game that is known for expanding vocabulary and improving spelling. The games bonus squares offer an extra element of creating higher-scoring words which add to the competitive flair of the game.

Melinda-Gimpel-Zlbb-Anyo3I-UnsplashPhoto by Melinda Gimpel on Unsplash

4. The Game of Life

The Game of Life is a board game simulation of a person's life choices and experiences. People like this game for it’s reflection on life’s unpredictability, excitement, and options.

Randy-Fath-Kjmz5Tmbw0K-UnsplashPhoto by Randy Fath on Unsplash

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5. Clue

Clue is a murder mystery game that focuses on your ability to uncover the identity of the murderer, the weapon, and the location of the crime. The games simple deduction methods create an intensely fun experience.

Alexander-Lyashkov-Ldueoewfpd0-UnsplashPhoto by Alexander Lyashkov on Unsplash 

6. Risk

Risk is a game of strategic conquest where players aim to take over the world. It’s beloved for it’s focus on strategic planning and diplomacy.

Dave-Photoz-Bdifit1Ilds-UnsplashPhoto by Dave Photoz on Unsplash

7. Settlers Of Catan

Catan is a strategy game focused around settling on the island. It’s a race to 10 victory points that can be accumulated through various settlements, cities, and progress cards. The game is beloved for its ever changing board landscape that makes each play through an entirely new adventure.

Galen-Crout-Mvkyyizy1Jq-UnsplashPhoto by Galen Crout on Unsplash

8. Battleship

Battleship is a unique strategy game, where players try to guess the coordinates of their opponent's ships. First player to sink all them all wins. The ships placements and strategic guessing make for an engaging game beloved by many.

U.s. Navy Capt. Plays The Board Game Battleship With A Patient At Children’s Hospital. (30116294906)Photo by Official U.S. Navy Page on Wikimedia Commons

9. Pictionary

Pictionary is an artistic game, built around drawing pictures and having people guess what they are. It’s a fun lively game, that's perfect for larger groups.

Pictionary PartyPhoto by François Haffner on Wikimedia Commons

10. Trivial Pursuit

Trivial Pursuit is a trivia game that tests your general knowledge across the 6 categories. It's the perfect game for any trivia fan offering a blend of fun and learning potential.

Trivial PursuitPhoto by Pratyeka on Wikimedia Commons

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11. Candy Land

Candy Land is a classic board game built around colors. You pick cards with 2 colors and then choose the color which space is further down the board. It’s basic colorful concept make it a great game to play with your younger children.

CandyPhoto by Iwona Castiello d'Antonio on Unsplash

12. Connect Four

Connect Four is a game based around a standing 6x7 grid. Players take turns dropping in their colored discs, trying to get 4 in a row in any direction. Its quick format combined with strategic gameplay have made it universally popular.

Connect 4 (8417028000)Photo by James Petts on Wikimedia Commons

13. Checkers

Checkers is a board game where players move their colored pieces diagonally and jumping over opponents pieces to capture them. It simple but tactical game play has allowed checkers to be popular for many years.

Leonard-Reese-Dc-Urrofrr4-UnsplashPhoto by Leonard Reese on Unsplash

14. Jenga

Jenga is a reverse building block game requiring physical skill and concentration. Your goal is to outlast your opponent by removing the blocks at the bottom to create a taller, less study structure. Its suspenseful nature make  it a hit at parties.

Michal-Parzuchowski-Gennfqfvw48-UnsplashPhoto by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash 

15. Twister

Twister is a contortion game played on a colored mat that requires flexibility and brings players closer, literally. You spin the wheel and have to move your body part to the color on the mat. The hilarity of watching people move in silly ways has made this another fan favorite party game.

Twister At Twa HotelPhoto by Utilizer on Wikimedia Commons

16. Backgammon

Backgammon is one of the oldest known board games. It’s centered around rolling dice and move your pieces to the opposite end safely. It’s combination of strategy and luck continues to appeal to people all over the world.

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17. Sorry!

Sorry is a classic family board game where you try to get your pieces around the board while sabotaging your opponents at the same time. The game has simplistic strategy and widely unpredictable outcomes. Keeping families on edge for years.

Sorry Diamond EditPhoto by myguitarzz on Wikimedia Commons

18. Yahtzee

Yahtzee is a dice game where you roll 5 dice 3 times each turn, trying to get the highest accumulative score on your scorecard. Each unique combination can only be used once. It’s quick layout, easy-to-follow rules, and element of luck are why its stuck around for such a long time.

Crazy-Yatzi-Mit-KniffelPhoto by Lino Wirag on Wikimedia Commons

19. Uno

Uno is a card game where you try to get rid of your cards as fast as possible. This can be done by matching the color or number of the cards in the pile, or by using the many special cards. The game has gained huge popularity in recent years due to its simple, fast-paced, and friendly nature.

Colin-Davis-Kls--Xno Kg-UnsplashPhoto by Colin Davis on Unsplash

20. Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders is a board game where your goal is to reach the top as fast as possible. You roll the dice and move your piece hoping to land on ladders which move you up, while avoiding snakes which push you backwards. The game is completely luck based which is why it's a favorite among younger gamers.

Vd-Photography-6Eebglcvonw-UnsplashPhoto by VD Photography on Unsplash