Indian board games have been around since the dawn of civilization, but not everybody knows what they are or how they’re played. Your whole family could be enjoying a better game night if you just learned the ropes. So, here’s what you need to know.
The 3 most popular Indian board games of all time
Picking out the perfect Indian board game for a fun family night doesn’t have to be a headache. Remove the guesswork by checking out these three popular kid-friendly options:
- Snakes and Ladders (Moksha Patam) – The Americanized version is called “Chutes and Ladders” if that gives you an idea of how this game is played. Participants roll dice and move according to the number they roll. The object is to reach the top of the board before your opponents do.
- Pachisi (Parcheesi) – Four players race around a square game board to be the first with all their pieces back in the nest. Parker Brothers™ makes a similar game called “Trouble” but it’s not nearly as competitive.
- Mancala (Pallankuzhi) – This two-player game is perfect for the younger crowd. It features a simple rectangular board with 14 small cups cut out. Each player then moves beads around the board until they fill all the holes with their color.
DID YOU KNOW: Hopscotch was originally invented in India too.
How to pick the best one for family game night
It’s not always easy picking out fun games for family nights when you have kids to consider. Little ones can take longer to grasp complex concepts, so keep it simple. Here’s how:
- Simplicity – Indian board games with elementary instructions are much easier for small children to understand.
- Visuals – Games with colorful or detailed boards keep kids interested so they won’t get bored.
- Object – Give kids a chance to kick an adult’s butt and they’ll be happy for days.
Talk to your family before picking out a game so you can determine what everyone wants. Often, kids will agree to play anything as long as they get to spend time with their favorite people.
Tips for playing Indian board games with your kids
As an adult, it’s your responsibility to make sure the kids have a good time. Here are some tips to help you get that done:
- Be Patient – Remember, it’s always hard to learn a new skill, especially when you’re surrounded by people who already know it.
- Keep the Instructions – Don’t throw away or lose the instructions to your Indian board games because someone might need to refer to them.
- Make Your Own Rules – If the game is too hard or too boring for your family, just switch it up by making your own version instead.
The best part about Indian board game night with kids is that they help keep things light and fun. So, don’t take things too seriously tonight.
The takeaway
Indian board games are fun for the whole family. However, you’ve got to pick the right one and play it with patience, kindness, and enthusiasm. Now, game on!
