7 board games you probably never heard of but should play

From storytelling to strategy, today’s board games are more than just dice rolls—they’re about creativity, competition, and screen-free fun

Boredom is now passé. With so many options around, who even has the time to get bored anymore? And no, we’re not talking about mobile games or PlayStations. We mean the good old-fashioned fun of board games.

Now, if the first names that pop into your head are Ludo, Monopoly, or Scrabble, stop right there. The board game world has had a complete makeover. From imagination-fuelled storytelling to mind-bending strategy, today’s games are not just about rolling dice—they’re about sparking laughter, challenging your brain, and revealing a competitive streak you didn’t know you had.

Across India, social board game clubs are bringing people together to rediscover this joy. I recently attended one such event in Chandigarh. The organiser, Akshit Srivastava, an entrepreneur who has hosted over a hundred board game gatherings in the city says, “Not everyone wants to be glued to their phones. Some people actually love to have their mind churning, be competitive, and enjoy at the same time. For them, there are many board games that keep things lively.”

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His co-organiser, Charanpreet swears by some of the newer titles on the market, games you may never have heard of, but once you play, you’ll wonder why you stuck to just Ludo and Monopoly all these years. “The new games prove that board games aren’t stuck in the ‘90s. They’ve evolved into vibrant experiences that can liven up your evenings, unplug you from screens, and remind you how much fun a shared laugh over a board can be,” he says.7 Board Games That Deserve a Place on Your Table

1. Dixit
This award-winning storytelling game has illustrated cards that are as dreamy as they are deceptive. One player gives a clue, the others try to guess the right card. It’s as much about creativity as it is about bluffing.

2. Long Shot
Imagine horse racing, but on a board. You can bet, bluff, and strategise your way to victory. It’s equal parts luck and cleverness, making it a crowd favourite.

3. Codenames
Two rival teams try to uncover their secret agents using single-word clues. The challenge? Not revealing the assassin by mistake. It’s fast, sharp, and ridiculously fun in groups.

4. Ticket to Ride
A cross-country adventure where you build railway routes. It’s simple to learn, yet competitive enough to leave someone sulking. Think maps, trains, and a dash of plotting.

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5. Azul
Inspired by Portuguese tiles, Azul is a visual treat. You draft colourful tiles to complete beautiful patterns. Easy on the eyes, tough on strategy.

6. Pandemic
Unlike most games, here you don’t compete, you cooperate. The goal: to save the world from global outbreaks. Perfect for groups who secretly like to boss each other around.

7. Splendor
You’re a Renaissance merchant collecting gems to buy developments. Quick to learn, hard to master, and highly addictive. Perfect for when you want strategy without a headache.