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15 Best Board Games Singapore To Play [2024]

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Best Board Games Singapore

Best Board Games Singapore
Best Board Games Singapore

Board games have long been a favorite pastime worldwide, offering endless hours of entertainment, strategy, and camaraderie.

The best board games in Singapore include snakes and ladders, Chinese checkers, Blokus, battleship, and KerPlunk.

When selecting a board game to enjoy in Singapore, take into account aspects like the player count, age group, and level of complexity.

Board games captivate players with their distinctive mix of strategy, social interaction, and competitive excitement.

This guide presents the best board games in Singapore, catering to different preferences and group sizes, guaranteeing an exciting game night ahead.

Quick Summary

  • Best board games in Singapore include snakes and ladders, Chinese checkers, Blokus, battleship, and KerPlunk.
  • When choosing a board game to play in Singapore, consider factors such as the number of players, age range, and complexity level.
  • Board games captivate and engage players through their unique blend of strategy, social interaction, and the thrill of competition.

Our Selection Criteria

When selecting the best board games to suggest, we carefully considered key factors to guarantee an inclusive and fun experience for all players in Singapore. Here are the criteria that influenced our choices:

  • Popularity and Accessibility – We prioritized games that not only have a strong following but are also easily obtainable in local stores or online to ensure no one misses out on the fun.
  • Age Appropriateness – Our selections cater to a variety of age groups, making it easier to find games suitable for family nights as well as those that challenge adults.
  • Gameplay Duration – Understanding that time is of the essence, we included games with varying lengths of gameplay to fit different schedules, whether for quick entertainment or an immersive evening.
  • Educational Value – We highlighted games that offer more than just entertainment by encouraging strategic thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.
  • Replayability – To maximize value and enjoyment, we chose games that are engaging and fun to play over and over again, with each game offering a new experience.

Best Board Games Singapore

1. Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders
Snakes and Ladders

Everyone adores this classic game!

Believed to originate from ancient India, it can be enjoyed by two or more players.

By rolling the dice, you determine the number of steps to take.

Climbing up ladders and dodging snakes adds thrill – reach the top to win! Age is just a number for this enduring board game.

Psst – involve the kids in creating their own board for a simple, enjoyable activity that gives you a moment of peace!

2. Chinese checkers

Chinese checkers
Chinese checkers

Players select a color in Chinese checkers and aim to move all their pieces across the board.

Each move can be one step or a leap over another piece.

It’s all about strategy; however, brute force can also lead you to win. Ensure fair play to avoid cheating.

3. Blokus

(Credit: Toys"R"Us)
(Credit: Toys”R”Us)

Blokus is a surefire hit for families.

This abstract strategy board game, designed for two to four players, has clinched prestigious awards like the Mensa Select Award and the 2004 Teacher’s Choice Award. Despite first impressions, it’s far from boring.

It’s a strategic battle to place your pieces on the board before facing blocks or running out of space.

It’s a challenging and engaging game that really gets your brain working.

4. Battleship

Battleship
Battleship

Battleship is a game of strategy for two players, where the goal is to sink the opponent’s ships.

Prior to starting, each player positions their ships discreetly on their side of the grid, both horizontally and vertically.

The players then take turns guessing the locations of the enemy ships. Caution: ships may be moved in frustration.

5. KerPlunk

(Credit: Recovery in the Bin)
(Credit: Recovery in the Bin)

KerPlunk, with its iconic plastic design, has remained popular since the 1960s and still offers family fun today.

It consists of a tube, numerous plastic sticks, and many marbles.

Players remove one stick at a time, aiming to prevent marbles from dropping through the straws into their tray.

The player with the fewest marbles at the end emerges as the winner.

In essence, keeping your marbles intact leads to victory in this game.

6. Risk

(Credit: Toys"R"Us)
(Credit: Toys”R”Us)

Engage in the battle with Risk! Designed for ages 10 and up, this game revolves around world domination and outmaneuvering opponents (even if they’re your family members) by conquering their lands and fulfilling your secret mission.

Competition is fierce, so get ready! Got younger children? Try Risk Junior, a perfect gateway to the main game.

7. Guess Who?

(Credit: Dicebreaker)
(Credit: Dicebreaker)

A game that began over 40 years ago as a two-player challenge has received a modern update with character art tailored for the 21st century.

The original edition featured just five female characters out of 24, all lacking diversity.

The new version showcases 11 female characters and 14 characters of color. Children enjoy flipping the characters and posing creative questions to unravel each other’s mystery character.

This game remains a timeless favorite for good reasons.

8. Settlers of Catan

(Credit: Ars Technica)
(Credit: Ars Technica)

It’s a board game that can end friendships and ruin relationships, yet we keep coming back for more!

While it may seem like a game about resources, Catan is anything but civil.

Success in this game requires more than luck and strategy; you need top-notch negotiation skills, plenty of practice, and some might argue, a steely resolve.

9. Pictionary

(Credit: Board Game Halv)
(Credit: Board Game Halv)

Pictionary is a hit with everyone, including the whole family (yes, even the grandparents!).

You have a minute to flaunt your inner Picasso for your team to guess the card. The best part? The hilarious guesses!

10. Connect 4

Connect 4
Connect 4

Connect 4 requires critical thinking skills and quick reflexes.

Players take turns dropping colored discs into a vertical grid, aiming to be the first to align four in a row.

It’s simple yet enjoyable, with each game bringing new challenges.

11. Monopoly

Monopoly
Monopoly

The roots of this enduring family board game classic can be traced back to 1903, when American anti-monopolist Lizzie Magie devised a game to illustrate the single tax theory.

Originally known as The Landlord’s Game, it evolved into Monopoly by 1932. Not only can this game last hours – even days – but it can also stir up a bit of tension.

So, brace yourself for potential tears and tempers if things don’t go as planned – yours, not the children’s. Kids always seem to possess a talent for negotiating their way to triumph in Monopoly.

12. Jenga

Jenga
Jenga

The giant outdoor Jenga is fantastic if you have the space.

Otherwise, the classic Jenga game offers lots of fun (and the occasional jump scare – even though you know the bricks will tumble) for kids of every age.

The goal is to remove bricks from the tower, place them on top, and wait for your opponents to make it all fall down by taking out one brick too many.

13. Scrabble

Scrabble
Scrabble

A true test of one’s lexicon, Scrabble, remains a beloved board game worldwide.

Engaging players aged 8 and up, it challenges participants to construct words on a game board, each letter earning points based on rarity and placement on special squares that multiply scores.

The strategic deployment of these letters can lead to significantly high scores, particularly for those who manage to utilize the ‘triple word score’ squares effectively.

Beyond the competitive element, Scrabble also serves as an educational tool, enhancing vocabulary and spelling skills in a fun, interactive setting.

It’s this combination of education and entertainment that solidifies Scrabble’s position as a staple in game collections everywhere.

14. Pandemic

(Credit: Amazon)
(Credit: Amazon)

After navigating the challenges of recent years, consider this cooperative board game designed for six players.

Collaborate to eliminate four diseases by discovering a cure.

Sounds straightforward, right? However, these diseases, similar to reality, can trigger city-wide outbreaks.

Admittedly, this game might not be the best choice given the current situation.

Players sometimes even use names of actual viruses in the game, which can feel unsettling.

Yet, if you approach it with a good sense of humor, it can be an entertaining choice!

15. Chess

Chess
Chess

Often regarded as the ultimate game of strategy, chess has a history dating back thousands of years.

Two players face off on opposite ends of a checkered board, each with sixteen pieces at their disposal – six types differentiated by shape and movement ability.

The objective? To capture the opponent’s king while simultaneously protecting one’s own.

This game requires intense concentration, tactical thinking, and a deep understanding of the potential moves and consequences for each piece.

While it may seem complex at first, chess is a rewarding game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

It’s also proven to have numerous benefits, such as improving memory and critical thinking skills.

Best Board Games Singapore

Whether you’re a competitive spirit looking to conquer the globe in Risk, a vocabulary virtuoso aiming to dominate in Scrabble, or a strategic mastermind plotting your moves in Chess, this diverse collection of board games promises endless entertainment and challenges for all ages and interests.

Each game, with its unique blend of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck, offers a chance to bond, learn, and create unforgettable memories around the table.

The world of board games is vast and varied, ensuring that whether you’re seeking laughter-filled family nights, intense head-to-head challenges, or cooperative problem-solving adventures, there’s always a game that fits the bill perfectly.

So, gather your friends and family, pick a game from this curated list, and prepare for hours of enjoyment and togetherness!

If you want to read more interesting articles, follow the links below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you have any questions about the best board games in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the best Board Games in Singapore below:

What are the best board games in Singapore?

The best board games in Singapore include snakes and ladders, Chinese checkers, Blokus, battleship, monopoly deal, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, Singaporean Dream, and KerPlunk.

What are the best board game cafes in Singapore?

The best board game cafe options in Singapore include Sunny Pair O Dice, Games@PI, Battle Bunker, King and the Pawn, and The Mind Cafe.

What is a great game to start with for a first playthrough with friends?

A fantastic choice for a first playthrough with friends would be “Catan”. It’s a great game that introduces the concept of collecting resources and strategizing against other players in a fun, engaging way. Its simplicity combined with depth makes it an excellent introduction to modern board gaming.

Can you recommend a super fun card game for older kids and adults?

“Exploding Kittens” is a super fun card game that appeals to both older kids and adults. It’s easy to learn, quick to play, and filled with hilarious illustrations that will keep everyone entertained. The game’s unpredictable nature ensures that every round is full of suspense.

Are there any board games that feature characters from Super Mario or Resident Evil?

For fans of video games, “Super Mario Level Up!” and “Resident Evil 2: The Board Game” offer a chance to dive into the worlds of these beloved franchises. “Super Mario Level Up!” brings the classic characters and competitive adventure to the tabletop, while “Resident Evil 2: The Board Game” provides a thrilling cooperative experience as players work together to survive the horrors of Raccoon City.

What board game can transport players to Middle Earth for an epic adventure?

“Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle Earth” is an immersive board game that transports players straight into the heart of Middle Earth. This adventure game combines role-playing elements with strategic gameplay, allowing players to become their favorite characters and embark on epic quests. It’s a golden opportunity to experience the golden era of Tolkien’s universe firsthand.

Which board game is ideal for those who love the concept of being the last person standing?

For those who relish the thrill of being the last person standing, “The Resistance: Avalon” is an excellent choice. This card game pits players against each other in a battle of wits and deception, where identifying the traitors among you before it’s too late is key to victory. It’s perfect for groups looking for a game that combines strategy, social deduction, and direct player interaction.

What card game signifies the golden age of board games and is highly played in Singapore?

The resurgence of board games has truly marked a golden age for enthusiasts. Among the plethora of options, “The Singaporean Dream” card game stands out as a quintessential experience that should not be missed. This satirical and humor-filled game allows players to navigate through unique challenges and opportunities with the aim of achieving their own version of the Singaporean dream. It’s a brilliant reflection of local culture and a must-play for those looking to dive into the world of card games in Singapore.

Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

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I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Singapore. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Singapore. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best Singapore has to offer.