Popular Board Games

Chess and Checkers are among the most popular classic board games globally, often sold together due to their shared board.
The 2020 Netflix miniseries The Queen’s Gambit boosted chess board sales by 215%.
Among modern games, Monopoly and Scrabble stand out. As of 2015, Monopoly sold 275 million copies and has over 2,000 editions.
By 2022, it held a 31.88% share of the global board games market. Scrabble has sold over 150 million copies and has around 4,000 clubs worldwide.
In the board game industry, selling 10,000 copies is considered successful, while 100,000 copies mark overwhelming success.
The most valuable board game edition is the Jewel Royale Chess Set, valued at $9.80 million in 2005.

Classic board games

Classic board games have maintained their popularity over time, becoming well-known worldwide. While precise sales data might be lacking, the enduring presence of these games is a strong testament to their widespread appeal.

Chess is widely considered the best-selling classic board game of all time, with over 3 million sets sold annually in the US alone.
Checkers is likely the second best-selling classic game.
The frequent bundling of Chess and Checkers sets, due to their shared 8×8 board, has boosted their popularity.
Given their enduring popularity and 500-year history, it’s likely their total sales exceed those of any modern board game.

#	Title	Year	Number of players
1	Chess	1475	2
2	Checkers	1535	2
3	Backgammon	1646	2
4	Mancala	700	2
5	Go	500 BC	2

Modern board games

Advancements in manufacturing have made modern board games more accessible to a wider audience. While some may find the recommended retail prices steep, the social and mental benefits, along with their replayable nature, often justify the investment for consumers.

Monopoly is the best-selling modern board game, with 275 million copies sold—1.83 times more than Scrabble or Clue.
Five titles have surpassed 100 million copies sold: Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue, Battleship, and Trivial Pursuit.
The newest on the list is Cranium, released in 1998, while the oldest is The Game of Life, dating back to 1860.
Over 5,000 unique board games or expansions are released annually.

#	Title	Copies sold	Year	Number of players
1	Monopoly	275 million	1935	2-8
2	Scrabble	150 million	1938	2-4
–	Clue	150 million	1949	3-6
4	Battleship	100 million	1931	2
–	Trivial Pursuit	100 million	1981	2-6
6	The Game of Life	70 million	1960	2-6
7	Rummikub	55 million	1950	2-4
8	Candy Land	50 million	1949	2-4
9	Cranium	44 million	1998	4+
10	Othello	40 million	1883	2
–	Catan	40 million	1995	3-4
12	Pictionary	38 million	1985	2 teams
13	Stratego	20 million	1961	2
14	Risk	Unknown	1957	2-6

One of the most popular modern board games is Scrabble. If you’re having trouble finding the best word for your next move, try WordsRated’s Word Finder. It allows you to adjust the word length, helping you discover high-scoring 2 and 3-letter words!

Popularity of board games

Google Trends data can be used to compare top board games and determine their ranking and relative popularity. By analyzing search interest over time, you can gauge which games are most frequently sought after and how their popularity compares to others.

From 2019 to 2023, Chess consistently emerged as the most popular board game each year and averaged the highest popularity over the entire period.
In terms of relative popularity, Chess is nearly as popular as all other listed games combined.
Scrabble ranked second both annually and on average, and, excluding Chess, Scrabble surpasses the combined popularity of all other games.
Monopoly ranked third on average, with Checkers outperforming Monopoly in popularity in 2022.

By rank

Board game	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	Average (period)
Chess	#1	#1	#1	#1	#1	#1
Scrabble	#2	#2	#2	#2	#2	#2
Monopoly	#3	#3	#3	#4	#3	#3
Checkers	#4	#4	#4	#3	#4	#4
Backgammon	#5	#5	#5	#5	#5	#5
Catan	#6	#6	#6	#6	#6	#6
Risk	#7	#7	#7	#7	#7	#7
Pictionary	#9	#8	#8	#8	#8	#8
Battleship	#8	#9	#9	#9	#9	#9
Trivial Pursuit	#10	#10	#10	#10	#9	#10

By value

Board game	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	Average (period)
Chess	41.43	47.79	49.52	53.19	70.04	52.59
Scrabble	26.92	34.35	27.52	23.52	21.58	26.76
Monopoly	10.41	11.37	9.83	7.17	9.36	9.62
Checkers	6.75	7.24	7.34	7.85	7.54	7.35
Backgammon	3.05	3.86	3.34	3.45	3.82	3.51
Catan	1.76	2.53	1.84	1.87	2.03	2.01
Risk	1.11	1.33	1.13	1.08	0.84	1.10
Pictionary	0.85	1.29	0.99	0.87	0.81	0.96
Battleship	0.93	1.09	0.63	0.57	0.42	0.72
Trivial Pursuit	0.56	0.78	0.56	0.49	0.42	0.56

By generation

In an increasingly digital world, board games offer a nostalgic way to bring people together through traditional competition. They provide a social setting where players of all ages and backgrounds can engage with one another, reminiscent of gatherings from the past.

38% of both Gen Z and Millennial respondents find board games very enjoyable.
In contrast, 47% of Baby Boomers consider board games somewhat enjoyable.
Interestingly, 12% of both Gen X and Baby Boomers find board games not very enjoyable, while 8% of Baby Boomers feel that board games are not enjoyable at all.

Opinion	Gen Z	Millennial	Gen X	Baby Boomer
Very enjoyable	38%	38%	34%	31%
Somewhat enjoyable	44%	41%	44%	47%
Not very enjoyable	2%	11%	12%	12%
Not at all enjoyable	3%	4%	7%	8%

What are board games?

Board games are usually designed for 2 or more players and include elements like a board, cards, and dice. The complexity of these games can range from very simple with few rules to highly intricate with extensive rulebooks. Many board games feature a theme, which can attract enthusiasts with specific interests.

While board games are inherently competitive, the level of competition largely depends on the players and the setting. Originally created for recreational purposes, many board games now host official competitions where players can compete for money or other prizes.

When board games were invented

The earliest known board game is Senet, dating back to 3500 BC in predynastic Egypt. Throughout history, board games have been created, played, and evolved across various cultures and societies. Classic board games generally fall into the following categories:

Race Games: Players compete to be the first to reach a destination.
Space Games: Players strive to dominate a physical space on the board.
Games: One player attempts to capture another; if the pursued player escapes, they win.
Displacement Games: Players try to maneuver their opponents into positions that benefit them.

How board games have changed over time

The earliest board games were often used for ceremonial or religious purposes, or as tools for teaching life lessons. They were designed to be entertaining yet simple to play.

As board games spread across civilizations, they became a popular pastime for diverse backgrounds and classes. Beyond entertainment, they offered educational benefits and helped develop problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. The invention of the printing press further increased their accessibility.

In recent years, advancements and changing trends have continued to shape the board game industry. New technologies have enabled adaptations into digital formats and hybrid formats that blend traditional board games with digital elements, fostering growth and appealing to younger generations.

How to store board games

When storing board games, there are a number of factors to consider in order to keep them in the best possible condition:

Location: Select a clean and uncluttered space to make handling and moving the games easier.
Environment: Store games in a cool, dry place to protect them from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and humidity.
Keep Upright: Position the boxes upright to avoid damage from excessive movement.
Containers: Use clear plastic storage containers to shield the outer box from damage and to view the contents easily.
Organization: Ensure that all pieces and instructions are kept in their original positions to maintain organization.

FAQ’s

What are the most popular classic board games of all time?

Chess and Checkers are among the most popular classic board games worldwide, often sold together due to sharing the same board.

Which modern board game has sold the most copies?

Monopoly is the best-selling modern board game, with over 275 million copies sold worldwide.

How did the release of “The Queen’s Gambit” impact chess sales?

The release of “The Queen’s Gambit” on Netflix in 2020 boosted chess board sales by as much as 215%.

What makes Monopoly so popular?

Monopoly’s popularity can be attributed to its simple rules, competitive gameplay, and the vast number of themed editions available.

How many copies of Scrabble have been sold?

Scrabble has sold over 150 million copies and remains one of the most popular word-based board games.

What is the oldest board game still played today?

The Game of Life, originally created in 1860, is one of the oldest board games still played today.

How many new board games are released each year?

More than 5,000 new board games (or expansion sets) are released annually.

Which board game has the highest market share?

Monopoly holds a 31.88% share of the global board games market and a 42.54% share of the US market.

What are some of the most popular themed editions of Monopoly?

Popular themed editions of Monopoly include Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel-themed versions.

Are board games still popular in the digital age?

Yes, board games remain popular as they provide a social and interactive experience that digital games often cannot replicate.

Which board games are most popular among millennials?

Millennials tend to enjoy strategy games like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride, in addition to classics like Monopoly and Scrabble.

What is the most valuable board game ever created?

The Jewel Royale Chess Set, worth $9.80 million in 2005, is considered the most valuable board game edition ever created.

What are race games in the context of board games?

Race games are board games where players compete to be the first to reach a specific destination on the board.

Why do some board games have lasting popularity?

Board games with simple rules, broad appeal, and replayability tend to have lasting popularity.

What are the benefits of playing board games?

Board games offer social interaction, mental stimulation, strategic thinking, and a break from digital screens.

How do you store board games to keep them in good condition?

Store board games in a clean, dry environment, upright, and in clear plastic containers to protect them from damage.

What is the significance of themed board games?

Themed board games often attract players with specific interests, enhancing their appeal and creating a loyal fan base.

Are there official competitions for board games?

Yes, many board games have official competitions where players can compete for prizes or recognition.

What is the difference between modern and classic board games?

Classic board games have been around for centuries and are widely recognized, while modern board games are often more complex and have been created in the last century.

Can board games be educational?