What was the first popular game?

Defining "popular" and "game" can be tricky, as different cultures and time periods have different definitions of both. However, some of the most commonly cited contenders for the first popular game include:

* Go: Originating in China over 2,500 years ago, Go is considered one of the oldest board games still played today. It's known for its strategic complexity and has a dedicated following worldwide.

* Mancala: A family of board games played with seeds or stones, Mancala has been played in Africa and the Middle East for centuries. It's known for its simple rules and strategic depth.

* Senet: An ancient Egyptian board game, Senet is thought to date back to 3,000 BC. It's played with dice and features a spiritual theme.

Ultimately, it's impossible to definitively crown a single "first popular game." But these examples highlight the long and rich history of games, which have entertained and challenged people for millennia.