Best 14 Classic Board Games of 2024 Reviewed

Discover the best old classic board games that we've enjoyed with friends, perfect for new players seeking timeless fun.
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Chess coverBackgammon coverScrabble cover

14 Best Board Games Based on Old Classic Board Games

On this list:

14 Chess

Chess cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Chess is the granddaddy of all old classic board games. We all know it has stood the test of time for good reason. It sharpens the mind and fosters strategic thinking. Plus, who doesn’t love feeling like a medieval king or queen for a bit? Whether you’re a novice or a grandmaster, Chess has something to offer.

13 Backgammon

Backgammon cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Backgammon has been around for almost 5,000 years, and that’s not by accident. Rolling the dice and moving your pieces around the board is fun, simple, and highly addictive. Bring this to a family gathering and you’ll see smiles all around. The blend of luck and strategy keeps things interesting.

12 Scrabble

Scrabble cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 50 minutes

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Scrabble is a wordsmith’s dream. For lovers of language, it’s a joy to place tiles and build words. Your vocabulary improves, and you can flex your intellectual muscles. Plus, there’s always some cheeky debate about whether ‘Qi’ is a valid word. Spoiler: it is!

11 Monopoly

Monopoly cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-8
  • Play Time: 180 minutes

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Ah, Monopoly, the game that can turn friends into lifelong enemies. Seriously, it’s a great way to teach kids about money management. Whether you’re buying Boardwalk or building hotels, this is a game that captures the highs and lows of financial decision-making. And don’t forget to brace yourself for some arguments!

10 The Game of Life

The Game of Life cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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The Game of Life is a staple for family game nights. It’s fun navigating through jobs, marriages, and life’s many other twists and turns. The spinning wheel and colorful board add a fun touch, making it a beloved old classic board game for generations.

9 Clue

Clue cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 45 minutes

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Who doesn’t love a good mystery? Clue lets you channel your inner Sherlock Holmes. The thrill of solving a murder is unmatched. Was it Professor Plum in the library with the candlestick? Only one way to find out!

8 Risk

Risk cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 120 minutes

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If you’re looking for world domination without leaving your living room, Risk is your game. It’s great for those who love strategy and a little bit of luck. Just be ready for a long haul, because this game can go on for hours.

7 Sorry!

Sorry! cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Sorry! is a game that can be played by all ages. It’s simple yet surprisingly competitive. Move your pieces around the board and try to get them home safely. The best part? Saying ‘Sorry!’ when you send someone back to start.

6 Trouble

Trouble cover

  • Age Range: 5+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Trouble is notable for its iconic Pop-O-Matic bubble. Press it, hear the satisfying pop, and watch the die roll. It’s a simple race to get your pieces home, but that bubble adds a layer of excitement. We’ve had some intense showdowns with this one!

5 Battleship

Battleship cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Battleship is a game of naval warfare that has thrilled generations. Guessing your opponent’s ship locations and shouting ‘You sunk my battleship!’ is always fun. It’s a perfect pick for some quick, strategic action.

4 Connect Four

Connect Four cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 10 minutes

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Connect Four is a game that’s easy to learn but hard to master. It’s all about strategy and quick thinking. Drop your discs and aim for four in a row. You can play this several times in a row without getting bored.

3 Chinese Checkers

Chinese Checkers cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Chinese Checkers is a game that you can play with up to six people, making it great for gatherings. Moving your marbles across the star-shaped board is challenging and lots of fun. It’s a classic that doesn’t get old.

2 Mancala

Mancala cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Mancala is one of the oldest games in the world. With simple rules but deep strategy, it’s a great game for all ages. Moving your stones around the board is both relaxing and intense. Plus, the tactile feel of the stones adds a special touch.

1 Catan

Catan cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 3-4
  • Play Time: 90 minutes

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Catan, without a doubt, is the best on this list. It’s modern but feels like an old classic board game. Building settlements, trading resources, and the race for ten points – it has it all. We’ve spent countless hours negotiating and plotting. The depth of strategy and endless replayability make it a top pick.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.