Ah, board games! Those magical little squares of cardboard, plastic, and nostalgia that bring families together… and then tear them apart. Remember the joy of rolling the dice and the sweet sound of pieces clattering against the board? Or, more accurately, the cries of betrayal echoing through the living room as your sibling steals your property in Monopoly?

Let’s take a whimsical stroll through the world of board games, the sibling rivalries they ignite, and the blissful benefits they offer to our mental well-being.

The Board Game Hall of Fame

First, let’s set the stage with some classic contenders:

Monopoly

The ultimate old-school capitalist showdown where friendships go to die. Nothing says “I love you” like a fierce negotiation over that last hotel on Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Just remember, when your brother inevitably declares bankruptcy, it’s not personal—just business!

Scrabble 

A test of vocabulary, strategy, and sheer willpower. Remember when your sister used “Qi” and you had to pretend you weren’t slightly impressed? Scrabble isn’t just about words; it’s about crafting the perfect blend of strategy and sneaky, underhanded moves.

Catan 

Where trading sheep for wood can spark a full-blown civil war in the friendship group. Who knew that the humble sheep could be the catalyst for such chaos?

Where to Play

Unplug Yourself is a top destination for tabletop games, offering a diverse range of playing and trading events for gamers nationwide and Catan just happens to be one of the popular games on offer, be sure to check them out.

Jenga

The ultimate test of steadiness and anxiety. Who would’ve thunk that pulling a block out of a tower could provoke panic akin to navigating a minefield? Just when you feel you’ve mastered the game, someone nudges the table, and it’s chaos!

Pictionary

This one’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get to showcase your artistic genius (or utter lack thereof). On the other, you might have to decipher your colleague’s abstract drawing of a cat, which looks more like a squashed potato, at a staff team-building.

Uno

The card game that promises family fun but ultimately ends in tears. Everyone pretends to love the “Uno” chant, but the real joy is watching your sibling draw four cards while you laugh maniacally. Which rules do you play?

Cluedo

The suspenseful whodunit where everyone is a suspect, and you’re left wondering if your cousin really did kill Professor Plum in the library with a candlestick or if they just made a poor choice in snacks.

The New Kids on the Board Game Block

Exploding Kittens
A delightful blend of strategy, luck, and pure chaos. In this card game, players take turns drawing cards from a deck until someone draws an exploding kitten, leading to a swift and humorous exit from the game. With quirky illustrations and absurd scenarios, it’s the kind of game that guarantees laughter—and maybe a few friendly betrayals when you “accidentally” set someone up for doom!

A Game So Good It Inspired a Series

It’s the ultimate battle between good and evil when God and Satan are hilariously sent to Earth as… talking cats. This devilishly clever adult comedy, based on the popular card game, pits the forces of heaven and hell against each other, but with a feline twist. Featuring the voices of Tom Ellis (“Lucifer”) and Sasheer Zamata (“SNL”), the series brings the game’s chaotic humor to life, blending sharp wit with a dose of the supernatural. Whether you’re a fan of the game or just love a good laugh, this show is purr-fectly wicked entertainment!

Cards Against Humanity

The party game for those of us born in the gutter, where the goal is to fill in the blanks with the most outrageous, hilarious, or downright filthy answers possible. It’s a test of wit and creativity, often leading to gut-busting laughter—or gasps of shock—depending on the cards played.

Throw Throw Burrito

The world’s first dodgeball card game! Players collect matching sets of cards while simultaneously dodging soft burritos thrown by their opponents. It’s a wild mash-up of strategic card play and active dodging, resulting in laughter and chaos as you try to avoid being hit. Remember, it’s all fun and games until someone gets beaned by a flying burrito!

Hot Seat

It’s like the Justin Bieber roast, but family-friendly. This game puts your friends or family in the spotlight and tests how well you really know each other. One player sits in the “hot seat” and answers questions while the others guess their answers. It’s a hilarious way to uncover secrets, share laughs, and sometimes reveal just how little you really know about your nearest and dearest.

Africa Tour

A fast-paced journey through the wonders of the continent! In this engaging board game, players race around Africa, testing their general knowledge and learning fascinating facts along the way. Whether you’re an expert on African geography or just curious to explore, it’s a fun and competitive way to improve your knowledge while enjoying a quick, exciting game. Plus, it’s made right here in South Africa —shout out to our local game makers! Check out our Africa Tour Board Game article here.

What’s the Deal with Board Games – Old or New, What Are the Benefits?

Our tabletop favourites do more than entertain and spark epic sibling rivalries that span millennia, they transport us back to simpler times filled with laughter and playful banter, reconnecting us with our inner child and the joy of limited stress. By immersing yourself in the game, you can shift your focus away from worries about work, money, or other challenges.

In fact, a Happier Human survey found that 64% of participants play board games to relax, while 53% do so specifically to reduce anxiety. The social interaction and challenge they offer release endorphins, improving mood and lowering the stress hormone cortisol.

One of the greatest perks? Well, board games also provide a great way for people to engage with others without the worry of having to think of things to talk about. For those who are shy or struggle with mental health challenges like social anxiety, playing can be a supportive way to navigate social situations without the added pressure of conversation.

Overall board games allow us to unplug, cut off from the constant buzz of the digital world, and truly switch off. Sitting around a table, face-to-face, we’re able to unwind, engage, and reconnect with those around us without the distraction of screens. 

So, Get Out and Game!

Board Game Cafe’s

Looking for places to dive into some board game fun? 

Head to The Big Box at Hermanus Waterfront, where you can both buy and play a variety of games at Lemonicious and Skybar—perfect for an afternoon of gaming with a view. 

In Parrow North, Fanaticus Board Games hosts regular board game events, so be sure to check their website or Facebook page for updates on the next big gaming session. 

For those in the Durbanville area, Durbanville Games also offers board game events and opportunities to play—just visit their website for more information. 

Grab your friends and let the games begin!

Quiz Nights Count!

While quiz nights may not technically be board games, we think they still count! After all, they share many of the same elements: teamwork, strategy, and a good dose of competition. Just like in classic board games, you’re relying on collective brainpower to outsmart opponents and snag that win. 

Whether it’s at Fancy Franks on Tuesdays at 7pm, Tiger’s Milk on Wednesdays at 7pm, or one of the Thursday night quizzes across the Western Cape at Simon’s Restaurant (Groot Constantia), Kapstadt Brauhaus (Blouberg), or The Wolf House (Kloof Street), these quiz nights let you flex your mental muscles while enjoying the same camaraderie and excitement that a good board game provides. 

So, whether igniting fierce family feuds or enjoying a nostalgic trip down memory lane, board games are a treasure trove of laughter, genuine connection and a brilliant way to disconnect from today’s digital landscape.

The only thing left to do is gather the crew and bring your A-game!