If there’s one time of year you can convince everyone to break out the board games, it’s Christmas. Sure, we might end up flinging board pieces at each other in frustration, but we'll all be closer for it in the end.
So, we decided to try out some board game favourites - both traditional classics and easy online apps - to help you decide how to while away Christmas Day. Let the games begin!
Games to play offline
Of course, offline gaming usually requires a little prep - like getting the kit itself, or making sure you've got the right amount of people. But there's nothing quite like some simple, analogue fun. There’s a reason these games have been around for a while. And gathering at the table is a great way to have some laughs and (friendly) competition.
Plus, with so much screen time over Christmas, it can be good to take a break and do something a little easier on the eyes.
?$jpegSmall$)
Monopoly
How to play
The aim of Monopoly’s game is to bankrupt your opponents by buying properties and charging rent. Each player starts with $1500. Somebody will need to double up their role and become the banker: their role is to manage the money in the game and act as a property manager. As you work your way around the board, you’ll need to think strategically about which properties to buy and build – and you’ll want to avoid income tax and jail!
Why play?
No board game says Christmas more than Monopoly. It’s a festive classic, and works with two to eight players, so it’s great for households of all sizes. It’s a great way to pass the time, too – depending on how you play, games can take anywhere from 20 minutes to three or more hours. Better grab those Christmas snacks and strap in for the long haul.
Tiddlywinks
How to play
Place a pot in the middle of the table and then take it in turns to fire winks (small plastic discs) into the pot using a squidger - a larger disc. It starts off with just trying to get your winks into the pot – but can soon escalate into serious strategy.
Why play?
It’s a game that requires genuine hand-eye skill and strategy. Plus, you can play on your own, with multiple players or even games in pairs – which amps up the competition. Tiddlywinks terminology includes phrases such as gromp, scrounger and crud (a power shot). Sure beats “offside.”
There’s also a World Championship. So, get your eye in over Christmas and perhaps 2022 Tiddlywinks glory awaits!
Draughts
How to play:
Draughts (or Checkers in the USA) is a simple game to play. The object is to take all the opposing players pieces. Your draught moves in a diagonal direction one space at a time until you can jump over an opposing piece – which takes it.
Why play?
As long as you have the board and pieces, it’s a great game for two players. It’s kid-friendly too, since it's far easier and quicker to play than chess – and getting a turn where you take two or three of your opponent’s pieces at a time is a glorious moment. It also teaches you about logic and problem solving – so your brain keeps busy too.
Bar Skittles
How to play:
Bar skittles is the much smaller version of classic skittles – but the object is the same: knock over the skittles. The ball is attached to a pole and each player gets three goes to knock down 9 skittles each time – with a maximum score of 27 per turn. The game continues until someone reaches 101.
Why play?
It’s fun! This version requires much less space than traditional skittles and you’ll even get a bit of a workout swinging the ball and then collecting up the scattered skittles. Great for burning off some of those mince pies!
Games to play online
This is a great option if your Christmas is going to be a smaller affair. Or if you want to take on family/friends or strangers from around the globe.
Since most people will have access to a screen – i.e. a phone or tablet – you won’t need the equipment needed for the more traditional games. You’ll also find loads of traditional board games in app form – so you can still get your board games fix remotely.
?$jpegSmall$)
Christmas pub quiz
How to play:
This one’s a simple idea. Just gather all players on Zoom, House Party, Whatsapp etc. Each team has to come up with a series of questions to outfox the other teams. Winner is the team with the most points.
Why play?
If your extended friends or family are spending Christmas apart, this can be an excellent opportunity to gather everybody together and do something fun together. Plus, because you set the questions, you can put together rounds totally personalised for your family or friends.
Words With Friends 2
How to play:
It’s classic Scrabble – but on your phone. Take it in turns to add your words to the board to rack up the highest score possible.
Why play?
It’s a great game for people who love words. Plus, Words With Friends 2 includes a Lightning Round – where two teams of five players go head to head against the clock. So, if you’ve got a family member who always takes waaay too long on their turn, this mode will make them get a move on!
Uno
How to play:
Get rid of all the cards in your hand – using special cards to stop your opponents from doing the same. Just make sure that all players have downloaded and signed up to the app.
Why play?
The app lets you have a maximum of 4 players, so it might be perfect for your family/ friends. It’s a simple game but the ability to play a card that drops your opponent in it is great for a bit of festive rivalry!
Got your Christmas sorted?
We've got loads of advice on every part of Christmas - from the perfect turkey to the best festive films. Plus, if you're after some more high-tech gaming gear to play over the holidays, check out our gift guide for gamers.
