Top 5 board games to bring family and friends together

In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, board games provide a promising opportunity for in-person social interaction. They bring people together, fostering conversation, laughter, and a sense of community.

 

Regular board game nights can become a cherished tradition, giving families and friends something to look forward to, and a way to consistently spend time together. In many cultures, these games are an essential part of holiday celebrations like Christmas or Thanksgiving. 

There's a board game for everyone, from strategy enthusiasts to casual players. TBS lists the top five board games around the world that can be enjoyed with family and friends.

Six-player ludo 

Ludo is infamous for tearing friends and family apart. The four-player game is the root of many family feuds due to how competitive it can be. Now, imagine amping up the competitiveness with more people to accommodate your big fat family. 

Arunika offers a round, six-player ludo board. As the game includes more people, it will take 45 minutes to an hour to complete a game. The vibrant art on the board is beautiful and the game can double a piece of decor. Arunika also offers the game in its original four-player form.

Where to buy at: Arunika
Price: Tk980 to Tk6,750

Jenga

Jenga is a popular and classic board game that combines strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. The main goal of Jenga is to remove one block at a time from a tower and place it on top without causing the tower to collapse. The game continues until the tower falls. 

Jenga consists of 54 wooden blocks, each typically measuring 1.5 times as long as it is wide. The blocks are stacked in a tower formation with three blocks per level, alternating the direction of the blocks on each level. 

Jenga is one of those games which is easy to learn and can be enjoyed by players of all ages. Its simple rules make it accessible, while the challenge of keeping the tower standing keeps it engaging.

Where to buy at: Daraz
Price: Tk3,671

Scrabble

Over the years, Scrabble has become a beloved pastime for people of all ages, offering both a fun and educational experience by helping players improve their language skills while enjoying friendly competition. The game is typically played by two to four players, who take turns forming words in a crossword-style layout on a 15x15 grid. Each player draws seven letter tiles at the beginning of the game, and after each turn, they draw new tiles to maintain a hand of seven letters.

Points are scored based on the letter values and the placement of the word on the board, with certain squares offering double or triple letter and word scores. The game requires a mix of vocabulary knowledge, strategic thinking, and sometimes a bit of luck to outmanoeuvre opponents and achieve the highest score.

The Scrabble from Smart Deal comes in a 35x35cm (approximately) board and includes 4 racks. It contains 100 letter tiles and a tile bag

Where to buy at: Smart Deal
Price: Tk700

Monopoly Super Electronic Banking

Monopoly Super Electronic Banking is a modernized version of the classic Monopoly game, incorporating a cashless, high-tech experience. This edition replaces the traditional paper money with a sleek electronic banking unit and bank cards, making the gameplay faster, more dynamic, and futuristic.

Unlike the classic Monopoly, this version offers digital transactions, which speeds up the game and eliminates the hassle of counting bills. The streamlined electronic system ensures quicker turns, making the game shorter and more engaging for modern players. Moreover, each player's bank card comes with specific perks, adding a layer of strategy not found in the original game.

Like the traditional Monopoly, the aim is to bankrupt other players by acquiring properties and charging rent. The added advantage of the electronic banking system allows players to focus more on strategy and property development, making it a quicker and more tech-savvy experience.

Where to buy at: Rokomari 
Price: Tk3,442

Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is another popular board game that combines strategy, planning, and a bit of luck. Designed by Alan R. Moon and first published in 2004, the game is set in the world of railway travel and is known for its simple rules but deep strategy.

The main goal of Ticket to Ride is to score the most points by building train routes on a map of a specific region, which could be North America, Europe, or other locations depending on the version of the game. Players score points by completing specific routes listed on their Destination Tickets, building longer routes, and creating the longest continuous route of trains on the board.

Where to buy at: Knock 
Price: Tk3,600