Board gaming has never been more exciting, thanks to the vast array of new options available today. Whether you're into family board games, strategy games, or any other genre, there's something for everyone. However, the allure of modern games doesn't diminish the value of older classics. These timeless games have remained popular among both beginners and seasoned players for good reason.
TL;DR: The Best Classic Board Games
Azul Board Game
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Pandemic
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Ticket to Ride
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Catan
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Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
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Can't Stop
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Acquire 60th Anniversary Edition
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Diplomacy
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Yahtzee
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Scrabble
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Othello
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Crokinole
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Liar's Dice
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Chess - Magnetic Set
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Playing Cards
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Go - Magnetic Board Game Set
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Modern board games are largely a result of a design trend that began in the mid-1990s. However, exploring games from before this period can uncover true gems. Here are some of the best classic board games, presented in reverse chronological order, that have stood the test of time.
Azul (2017)
Azul Board Game
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Azul, despite being released in 2017, has quickly become a modern classic. This abstract game is visually stunning, featuring a bag of bright, chunky tiles. The gameplay is simple yet engaging: players take matching tiles from pools and arrange them on their board, scoring points for completing rows, columns, and sets. The game's depth and strategic interaction make it a standout choice.
For more details, check out our in-depth review of Azul or explore its many expansions.
Pandemic (2008)
Pandemic
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Pandemic is the game that popularized cooperative gameplay. Players work together to save the world from spreading diseases, using clever mechanics and straightforward rules. The challenge lies in racing against time to find cures before outbreaks spiral out of control. Alongside the base game, numerous expansions and offshoots offer even more ways to enjoy this classic.
Ticket to Ride (2004)
Ticket to Ride
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Designed by Alan R. Moon, Ticket to Ride is an accessible game based on the set collection mechanics of Rummy. Players collect colored cards to claim train routes, connecting cities to score points. The game's tight maps and player interactions create a thrilling experience. With various versions and expansions, Ticket to Ride has become a staple in the board game community.
Settlers of Catan (1996)
Catan
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Now simply known as Catan, this game revolutionized modern board gaming with its innovative mix of dice mechanics, trading, and route planning. Its impact on the gaming scene, especially in English-speaking markets, cannot be overstated. Catan remains a compelling blend of luck and strategy, well worth revisiting.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1981)
Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
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This unique game blends board game elements with detective work and choose-your-own-adventure storytelling. Players explore Victorian London to solve mysteries, aiming to outdo Sherlock Holmes himself. The atmospheric writing and engaging scenarios make it a timeless classic, with numerous expansion packs available.
Can't Stop (1980)
Can't Stop
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A lively game by Sid Sackson, Can't Stop challenges players to reach the top of three columns on the board. The game's risk-reward mechanic, where players can choose to keep rolling or end their turn, creates an exciting balance of luck and skill. It's available as a board game or a mobile app.
Acquire (1964)
Acquire 60th Anniversary Edition
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Sid Sackson's Acquire is often credited with pioneering modern gaming concepts. Players create, merge, and invest in companies, navigating spatial and economic challenges. The game's enduring appeal lies in its strategic depth and fresh gameplay. For a deeper look, check out our review of the Acquire: 60th Anniversary Edition.
Diplomacy (1959)
Diplomacy
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Diplomacy is notorious for testing friendships with its no-randomness gameplay. Players vie for control of 19th-century Europe, requiring alliances and strategic planning. The simultaneous movement mechanic adds a layer of tension and surprise, making it a classic that continues to captivate players.
Yahtzee (1956)
Yahtzee
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Yahtzee is a fun and fast-paced roll-and-write game that's more strategic than it appears. Players roll dice and fill in a scorecard, balancing luck and skill. Its family-friendly nature and engaging gameplay make it a beloved classic.
Scrabble (1948)
Scrabble
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Scrabble combines vocabulary and spatial strategy, challenging players to form words from random letters. While turns can be slow, the game's depth and accessibility make it a timeless favorite. It's perfect for casual play with friends and family.
Othello / Reversi (1883)
Othello
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Othello, often mistaken for an ancient game, is a strategic battle where players flip opponent's disks by sandwiching them. The game's simple rules belie its deep tactical possibilities, making it a classic that can swing dramatically until the end.
Crokinole (1876)
Crokinole
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Crokinole is a dexterity game from Canada that combines flicking skill with strategic positioning. Players aim to score points by flicking disks into zones, navigating around obstacles. Its unique gameplay and beautiful boards make it a cherished classic.
Perudo / Liar's Dice (1800)
Liar's Dice
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Liar's Dice, known under various names, involves bidding on dice values hidden under cups. Players must bluff or call out others, creating a game of statistics and strategy. Its simple yet engaging mechanics make it a classic that's easy to learn but hard to master.
Chess (16th Century)
Chess - Magnetic Set
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Chess, with origins tracing back to 600 AD, is a globally recognized strategy game. Evolving from the Indian game Chaturanga, modern chess has captivated players worldwide. Its deep strategic layers and numerous chess sets make it a must-have for any board game collection.
Playing Cards (~900 AD)
Playing Cards
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Originating in China, playing cards offer endless gaming possibilities. From poker to bridge, and lesser-known games like Jass and Scopa, a standard deck can provide a lifetime of entertainment. Modern designers continue to innovate with card games, making them a versatile and enduring classic.
Go (~2200 BC)
Go - Magnetic Board Game Set
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Go, a game of profound strategic depth, originated in China and is popular in Japan. Players place stones on a grid, aiming to capture territory. Its simple rules and complex strategy have made it a classic that challenges even the best AI systems.
What makes a board game a “classic”?
The term "classic" is subjective, but key factors include sales, influence, and brand familiarity. Games like Ticket to Ride, with over 10 million copies sold, have crossed into classic status due to their widespread popularity. Influence is seen in games like Acquire, which introduced innovative concepts long before they became mainstream. Brand familiarity is evident in games like Chess, which are instantly recognizable and beloved worldwide. These elements combine to define what makes a board game a timeless classic.
