Game night, in one grid
Board games bring everyone to the table, and this word search gathers the favourites. You'll be finding the classics — CHESS, CHECKERS and MONOPOLY — the word and number games like SCRABBLE and YAHTZEE, and the bits and pieces that make them work, from the DICE and PAWN to a spare COUNTER.
Each puzzle pulls a fresh selection from the list, so the games box changes every time you play — gentle on Easy, and a bigger game night once the diagonals and backwards words appear on Hard.
Classics and game-night kit
The grid is packed with the games cupboard. There are the deep strategy classics — CHESS, CHECKERS (or DRAUGHTS), BACKGAMMON, OTHELLO and RISK — the family favourites MONOPOLY, CLUEDO, LUDO, SORRY, JENGA and BINGO, and the word-and-number games SCRABBLE, YAHTZEE, DOMINOES and TRIVIA. Holding it all together are the pieces every player knows: the BOARD, DICE, a PAWN or TOKEN, a COUNTER, a SPINNER and a hand of CARDS.
Games that are far older than you think
Board games are one of humanity's oldest pastimes — people were playing them over 4,000 years ago, and ancient boards have been dug up from Egyptian tombs. CHESS grew from a game invented in India around 1,500 years ago, while BACKGAMMON is one of the oldest games still played today. They've lasted because a good board game does something special: it brings people face to face around a table to laugh, plot and compete.
Different games stretch different skills, too. CHESS and OTHELLO are pure strategy and planning ahead; SCRABBLE builds spelling and vocabulary; MONOPOLY sneaks in counting money and a little luck with the roll of the DICE; and JENGA tests a steady hand. Most teach the same gentle lessons — taking turns, following rules, winning and losing graciously — which is exactly why board games are a perfect indoor-day or wet-playtime activity, and a fun warm-up before a real game night.
Great for an indoor-day activity
It's a great fit for a games day or wet playtime — many names are short, and Easy mode uses a small grid with no diagonals or reverse words. Play online, print a PDF pack, or use Make Your Own to build a grid from your own favourite games.