Who doesn't love a good classic board game? The competition, the bright colors and all the fun is what makes board games a standard family activity. Of course, the powers that be at all the major toy corporations have realized that and have been able to utilize those qualities in selling their game products. We've all heard the term "Family Game Night." That marketing strategy just reflects a culture that enjoys a good board game. So, this week's 10 FAVORITES is all about the best games we play with our families, our friends and (nowadays) even online.
THE 10 BEST BOARD GAMES
HONORABLE MENTION - YAHTZEE
This game is great because it combines the elements of Craps and Poker, and who doesn't love that? It's only Honorable Mention because technically it really isn't a "board" game.
GAME #10 - OPERATION
You gotta love a game where your main tool was a tweezers that, if handled improperly, could set off a buzz that would drive your parents nuts! Plus, all the hilarious cultural references to body parts (i.e. Funny Bone, Charlie Horse, Achilles Heel, etc.) were educational too.
GAME #9 - CONNECT 4
I know, technically it really isn't a board game, but this game was fun because it was like Checkers meets Tic-Tac-Toe. Plus, I always loved the little lever on the bottom that released and dropped all the pieces (That lever comes in handy when you're losing the game!).
GAME #8 - CHUTES AND LADDERS
Probably one of the most classic games marketed towards little children (initially), this game is truly timeless. And I have seen every incarnation from "Snakes and Vines" to the more adult versions (Google them, and you'll see what I mean!).
GAME #7 - SORRY!
This game, which is basically Parchessi with apologies, is great fun because as you get older you begin to strategize (and even make alliances!). Most people remember the classic Carol Burnett Show sketch with Mama and Eunice playing the game (with the annoying bell!).
GAME #6 - HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS
This game came out when I was a kid and we just loved it. It's objective was clearly simple but its mechanics were so fun (and easily breakable).
GAME #5 - THE GAME OF LIFE
I think what I loved most about this game was the board itself: the cars with the little pegs, all the possible lucrative jobs, the spin-wheel in the center (You knew which spaces were bad and which ones were good!). The downsides to this game was how long the game took AND no one really wanted to be the loser at "The Game of Life."
GAME #4 - CLUE
My parents loved a good mystery and so, this game was always a standard in our home. It was great to theorize, strategize and solve the case (and win the game!). Plus, the characters were just so classic (like they stepped out of Agatha Christie or Dashiell Hammett).
GAME #3 - MONOPOLY
This is probably the most famous board game of all and it derives perfectly from "the American Dream." There have been tons of incarnations from all different franchises (including Star Wars, Harry Potter, Wizard of Oz, The Simpsons and even Spongebob Squarepants).
GAME #2 - SCRABBLE
I love words and I love to play with words. This game is not about intelligence (well, not just about intelligence), it's about possibilities and the working things out (just like the Daily Jumble in the newspaper!).
AND...
GAME #1 - TRIVIAL PURSUIT
This is my favorite board game not just because I like it, but because it is a favorite of my family and my friends (maybe that says something about the people I hang with, but anyway...). Not only is it fun to know things (that possibly others don't!), but it is also great to learn things you might not have known before. Plus, look at all the pretty colors!
So, there you have it: THE 10 BEST BOARD GAMES. I hope your favorites are on here. And I am sorry to those who loved games like "Battleship" or "Risk" but they just aren't my cup of tea (which doesn't mean they aren't great!). Next Week, we'll take a look at TV Sitcoms again, but this time at those supporting characters we called: The Annoying Neighbor. Now, go out, buy a board game and have fun!
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