When the weather outside is frightful, boardgames are oh-so delightful. Sorry about that – but it was pretty irresistable. So, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with family or friends, a steaming mug of cocoa in hand, and diving into some good old-fashioned fun. Perfect for cosy evenings, rainy afternoons, or those days when venturing outside is just not an option, these timeless classics are guaranteed to warm up your spirits.
Monopoly: The king of all boardgames
Ah, Monopoly, where friendships go to die. It’s the ultimate capitalist fantasy — buying properties, charging rent, and gleefully bankrupting your nearest and dearest. This game has been around since 1935 and still knows how to bring out everyone’s inner tycoon. Just make sure to agree on the house rules first (no one has time for a six-hour stalemate over Mayfair).
Top tip: Hide the money from the family banker. We all know someone who gets a bit too generous with their “change.”
Scrabble: Words and wits collide
For the linguistically inclined (or those who enjoy arguing over whether “qi” is a word), Scrabble is an absolute gem. It’s all about flexing your vocabulary muscles and crafting high-scoring words. Bonus points if you manage to use all seven tiles in one go for that coveted bingo!
Fun fact: The game’s inventor, Alfred Butts, decided which letters to include and how many points they’d be worth by analysing front-page headlines. Talk about dedication.
Cluedo: Solve the crime, win the game
Few games are as delightfully dramatic as Cluedo. A murder, a mansion, and a cast of suspicious characters — it’s basically a soap opera in game form. Was it Colonel Mustard with the candlestick in the library? Or perhaps Miss Scarlett has something to hide? Get your detective hat on and start deducing!
Pro tip: Accusations should always be made with flair. Bonus points for over-the-top Poirot-style reveals.
Chess: The timeless strategy showdown
Chess is the thinking person’s game. Simple to learn but fiendishly difficult to master, it’s been challenging brains for over a millennium. Whether you’re a grandmaster or a beginner still figuring out what a knight does, the satisfaction of checkmate is unmatched. Plus, it’s the only boardgame where silence is not only acceptable but expected.
Quick warning: Be prepared for your opponent to turn into a philosopher about “life being like chess” if they win.
