As winter draws out, it might be high time to embrace the timeless charm of classic board games. From the strategic allure of chess and backgammon to the rhythmic play of mahjong and dominoes, these heritage games have captivated players for centuries — and are now seeing a resurgence.
Whether it’s an intimate match by the fire or an all-out battle with the kids, the right set turns any game into an elevated experience. This season, embrace both tradition and modernity with exquisitely designed boards and artisanal pieces — because a well-played game isn’t just about winning, but looking good while doing it.
Chess
Chess is the ultimate battle of wits, patience, and pretending you saw that move coming. A game where pawns dream big, knights move sideways through life, and queens reign supreme. Whether you’re a grandmaster or just here for the aesthetics, one thing’s certain — it’s all fun and games until the wrong person loses their king.
Scrabble
The perfect excuse for flexing your vocabulary, Scrabble starts civil — then someone drops a seven-letter word on a triple and the gloves come off. Whether you’re bluffing with questionable spelling, hoarding that Q, or calculating every move like chess with letters, in the end, it’s less about words, and more about quiet domination.
Backgammon
As much about strategy as it is about looking smug when you finally roll the perfect dice, backgammon is the perfect blend of luck, skill, and occasional drama, and the perfect way to turn a quiet evening into a high-stakes affair.
Draughts
Draughts (or Checkers, depending on where you’re from) is a game that looks deceptively simple, but turns into a ruthless battle for dominance. Move your pieces, jump over others, and feel supremely satisfied when you crown your first king — because that’s the moment you realise you’re far too invested.
Dominoes
Strategy meets sheer luck in a game of dominoes, and the real goal is in making your opponent think you have a plan. It’s a classic test of patience, bluffing, and finding satisfaction in that one perfect placement — unless, of course, you’re on the losing end.
Monopoly
More than a board game, Monopoly is a slow-burning power struggle disguised as family fun. It’s where friendships teeter over rent hikes and alliances are made and broken over Park Place.
Mahjong
Mahjong is like a puzzle, a strategy game, and a social event all rolled into one — if you can figure out the rules. Tiles fly, fortunes change, and the stakes feel oddly high for something that started as a casual pastime. Perfect for those who enjoy a challenge, a little drama, and a lot of luck.
