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
1See it at Amazon
### Pandemic
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### Ticket to Ride
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### Catan
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### Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
0See it at Amazon
### Can't Stop
0See it at Amazon
### Acquire 60th Anniversary Edition
0See it at Amazon
### Diplomacy
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### Yahtzee
0See it at Amazon
### 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 design trends that began in the mid-1990s. However, exploring games from before this period can uncover true gems. Here, in reverse chronological order, are some of the best classic board games that have stood the test of time.
Azul (2017)
### Azul Board Game
1See it at Amazon
Azul, despite its 2017 release, is quickly becoming a modern classic. This abstract game is visually stunning, featuring a bag of bright, chunky tiles reminiscent of sweets. The gameplay is straightforward: players take matching tiles from pools and arrange them on their board, scoring points for completing rows, columns, and sets. Yet, the game's simplicity belies its depth and strategic interaction, making each play a delightful surprise.
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, a genre now widely enjoyed. Players work together to save the world from spreading diseases, represented by cubes on a map. The game's clever mechanics and accessible rules make it a thrilling race against time. 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 a highly accessible game based on the set collection mechanics of Rummy. Players collect colored cards to claim train routes on the board, connecting cities to score points. The game's tight maps and player interactions create a tense and exciting 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, particularly in English-speaking markets, cannot be overstated. Despite falling slightly out of favor, Catan remains a compelling blend of luck and strategy worth revisiting.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1981)
### Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
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This unique game blends board game elements with a choose-your-own-adventure style mystery. Players explore Victorian London, solving cases as efficiently as possible. The atmospheric writing and engaging scenarios make it a standout, with numerous expansion packs available for continued sleuthing.
Can't Stop (1980)
### Can't Stop
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A lively and accessible game by Sid Sackson, Can't Stop challenges players to reach the top of three columns on the board. The game's dice-rolling mechanic adds an element of risk and excitement, making it a constant battle between luck and strategy. It's also available in an excellent mobile version.
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 on a grid, balancing spatial strategy with economic tactics. This timeless game remains fresh and thrilling, as detailed in our review of the 60th Anniversary Edition.
Diplomacy (1959)
### Diplomacy
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Diplomacy is notorious for testing friendships with its strategic depth and lack of randomness. Players navigate 19th-century Europe, forming alliances and plotting betrayals to conquer the continent. The simultaneous movement mechanic adds a layer of suspense, making it a game of intense negotiation and strategy.
Yahtzee (1956)
### Yahtzee
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Yahtzee is a classic roll-and-write game that's more strategic than it appears. Players roll dice and fill in a scorecard, requiring both luck and skill. Fast-paced and family-friendly, it's a timeless game that's easy to enjoy.
Scrabble (1948)
### Scrabble
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Scrabble combines vocabulary with spatial strategy, challenging players to create words from random letters. While turns can be slow, the game's balance of skill and chance makes it a beloved classic. Its widespread popularity ensures there's always someone willing to play.
Othello / Reversi (1883)
### Othello
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Often mistaken for an ancient game, Othello is a strategic battle where players flip opponent's disks by sandwiching them. Its simple rules lead to complex gameplay, making it a favorite for those who enjoy abstract strategy games.
Crokinole (1876)
### Crokinole
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Crokinole is a dexterity game from Canada that combines flicking skill with tactical positioning. Players aim to score points by flicking disks into zones on the board, 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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Known by various names, Liar's Dice involves bidding on the total value of hidden dice. Players must bluff and call out others, creating a game of statistics and strategy. Its simple setup belies the depth of gameplay, making it a timeless favorite.
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 beautiful 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, ensuring their enduring appeal.
Go (~2200 BC)
### Go - Magnetic Board Game Set
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Go, a game of profound strategic depth, originated in China and is hugely popular in Asia. Players place stones on a grid, capturing opponent's stones by surrounding them. Its simplicity and complexity make it a game that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
What makes a board game a “classic”?
The term "classic" is subjective, but key factors include sales, influence, and brand familiarity. For instance, Ticket to Ride's massive sales and widespread availability mark it as a classic. Influence is seen in games like Acquire, which introduced concepts later used in other popular games. Brand familiarity is evident in games like Chess, which are instantly recognizable and beloved worldwide. These elements together define what makes a board game a timeless classic.
