It’s time to break out the board games! From classic board games to cooperative play, you’ll find that the common factor in all games is having fun with your family and friends. Keep reading to learn about the different types of board games.

Types of Board Games

Here are some of the most popular types of board games:

• Classic Board Games
• Educational Board Games
• Strategy & War Board Games
• Party Board Games

Classic Board Games

Classic board games are the more traditional board games that you’ve probably played during your childhood. They are well suited for players of all ages and range in player size, making them a versatile option for you and your family. Most classic board games are abstract strategy board games. They are fairly straightforward and have simple rules that are easy to understand. These games rely more on skill and strategy than luck. You’ll find that the moves you make will directly impact the rest of the game, making you weigh each decision carefully. Some common classic board games include chess, checkers, backgammon, and dominoes.

Educational Board Games

Educational board games make learning fun. They are geared toward learning a particular skill, topic, or technique in an entertaining way that won't feel like just another educational lesson. They are a great option for young children and adults alike. One fun educational game option is a brainteaser. A brainteaser is designed to give you a mental puzzle to solve. It is a great way to test yourself while having fun. Traditional puzzles also work to strengthen your mind as you put together pieces to create a picture. S.T.E.M. games that combine science, technology, engineering, and math also strengthen the mind and sharpen these skills, which provides great practice for children.

Strategy & War Board Games

These types of board games make the player think more strategically and tactically.

War games often reenact well-known battles in history or create fictional battles during play. Players must battle against each other to win the war (and thus the game).

Strategy games are all about making critical decisions. The decision that you make will determine the outcome of the game. These types of board games are great for working on critical thinking skills and situational awareness. Chinese checkers is a popular strategy game.

Party Board Games

Looking for an easy way to entertain friends at a party? Opt for a party-themed type of board game. They tend to be easy to understand and teach, so large groups of people can play together. Party games tend to rely more on social skills like bluffing or acting than strategy skills. Party games can vary in type from bingo to different drinking games.

Party games can also be cooperative, where everyone works together toward one goal, and they are less competitive than player vs. player games. Trivia games also make great party board games you can play individually or in teams to see who knows the most about fun topics.

Multiplayer Board Games

Sometimes it's not about what game you're playing, but about who you get to play with.

2-Player Board Games

Looking to challenge your family member or friend? Opt for a two-player game for a competitive challenge and see who can win! These types of board games can only accommodate two players and are best for small gatherings. Common favorites include ticktacktoe or chess.

4-Player Board Games

If you have a small family, opt for a board game that can accommodate four people so everyone has a chance to play. Some popular options are dominoes or Chinese checkers.

Board Games for More Than 9 Players

If you are looking for a game to play with a large group of people, opt for a board game that can accomodate nine players or more. Most of these types of board games will allow your group of players to split into teams to make the game move smoothly. Stacking games, like Jenga, or party games are popular choices for large groups of players.

Tip!

Looking to create the perfect game room? Read our guide, Game Room Ideas: Creating The Ultimate Entertainment Space.

Tabletop Sports & Desktop Games

If you want to find a more active game to play with your family, opt for a tabletop sports game or a mini desktop game. These games include air hockey, table tennis, foosball, or pinball. Whether playing a laid-back game with family or a competitive game with friends, you’ll certainly have fun.

Now that you know about the different types of board games, it's time to play!