We all have fond memories of gathering around the kitchen table for a round of Scrabble or spending rainy afternoons strategizing our next Monopoly conquest. But, have you ever wondered about the origins of these beloved board games?
Their history is more fascinating than you might think. Join us on a journey into the surprising past of your favorite board games.
Chess: A Game of Kings and Queens
Perhaps one of the oldest known board games, Chess's origins are shrouded in the mists of time. It's generally agreed that the game originated in northern India during the Gupta Empire around the 6th century. Initially known as Chaturanga, it represented a four-division of the military - infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariotry, represented by the pawn, knight, bishop, and rook.
By the 10th century, the game spread to the Middle East, where it was adapted into Shatranj. The modern game we recognize today didn't come into existence until the 15th century in Europe, where the powerful queen and long-ranging bishop were introduced.
Monopoly: The Icon of Capitalism
One of the most popular board games, Monopoly, has its roots in the early 20th century, but not in the way you might think. The original version was called "The Landlord's Game," created by Elizabeth Magie in 1903 to demonstrate the tragic consequences of land monopolism. Ironically, it would later evolve into Monopoly, a game celebrating property acquisition and wealth accumulation.
It wasn't until the 1930s, during the Great Depression, that Charles Darrow popularized the game with its current form, which was then sold to Parker Brothers. The names of the properties are based on actual streets in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Scrabble: From Obscurity to Popularity
Scrabble, the game of vocabulary prowess, was created by Alfred Mosher Butts, an architect from New York, during the Great Depression. Initially called "Lexiko" and later "Criss-Crosswords," the game failed to gain traction for many years. It wasn't until entrepreneur James Brunot acquired the rights and renamed it "Scrabble" that the game's popularity skyrocketed in the early 1950s. Today, it's estimated that one in three American households owns a Scrabble set.
Clue: A British Whodunit
Clue, known as Cluedo outside of North America, is the classic murder mystery game we've come to love. The game was invented by Anthony E. Pratt, a British musician, during WWII as a way to pass the time during air-raid blackouts. It was initially patented under the name "Murder!" and was meant to reflect the intrigue of the elite in a mansion. The game was published by Waddingtons in the UK in 1949 and then in the US by Parker Brothers as "Clue."
Backgammon: The Race Game of the Ages
With a history spanning over 5,000 years, Backgammon claims the title of one of the oldest known board games. Excavations in Iran have unearthed similar game boards dating back to around 3,000 BC. The game as we know it today was standardized in the 18th century in England, and it has remained popular ever since, known for its blend of strategy and luck.
Candy Land: A Sweet Journey for Kids
A game that has sweetened many childhoods, Candy Land, was actually developed in the late 1940s by schoolteacher Eleanor Abbott while she was recovering from polio in a San Diego hospital. The game was tested by the children in the same wards and was created to entertain them and distract them from their illness. Candy Land was published by Milton Bradley (now part of Hasbro) in 1949 and has been a staple of children's board games ever since. With its colorful board and anthropomorphic sweet treats, it’s a game that has delighted generations.
Battleship: From Paper to Board
You might not know that the game Battleship, originally a pencil and paper game dating back to World War I, was played by Russian officers before Milton Bradley introduced it as a board game in 1967. With its simple concept of sinking the enemy's fleet, it's a game of strategy and prediction that continues to be a favorite among children and adults alike.
Risk: The Game of Global Domination
Risk, a game of strategy, diplomacy, and conquest, was invented by French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse in 1957. Originally titled "La Conquête du Monde" (The Conquest of the World), it was an instant hit in Europe before Parker Brothers brought it to the U.S. in 1959. Despite its complicated rules and lengthy gameplay, Risk's appeal lies in its replay value and the ever-changing dynamics of territorial control.
The Game of Life: The Path to Success
Milton Bradley, an American game pioneer, invented The Game of Life in 1860. However, the version we know today, with its iconic 3D elements like mountains, buildings, and bridges, was created by Reuben Klamer in celebration of the game's 100th anniversary. The Game of Life teaches kids about the various stages of life, including education, career, and retirement, with the objective being to retire with the most wealth.
Scrabble: A Wordy Affair
Scrabble, a game that has tested our vocabulary skills for generations, was invented by architect Alfred Mosher Butts during the Great Depression. Butts manually calculated the frequency of letters in words using examples in newspapers and books to create the distribution of letters in the game. Originally called "Lexico" and then "Criss-Cross Words," it was finally patented as "Scrabble" by James Brunot in 1948. The game gained massive popularity in the early 1950s and continues to be a favorite among word enthusiasts.
Dominos: Made in China
Dominos, although not a board game in the traditional sense, has a rich history. The game originated in China during the Song Dynasty (1127–1279), but the version we play today, with its familiar dotted tiles, evolved in 18th century Italy. The game spread across Europe before reaching England and then the Americas. Domino games vary widely, but the most popular variant remains the "blocking game," played with a set of 28 tiles.
These games, with their diverse origins and interesting histories, remind us that board games are not just for entertainment. They reflect our culture, historical events, and technological progress. Whether we're embarking on a sweet journey in Candy Land, navigating the high seas in Battleship, or connecting dotted tiles in Dominos, we are partaking in a shared human experience that transcends borders and generations.
