How to Make a Smart Board Game

Consider the age and demographic that the board game is designed for. Aim at making the game challenging for that group, but not so hard that it's impossible to play.

Focus on one subject. For example, Monopoly's focus is the business of property ownership and Trivial Pursuit covers a potpourri of everyday trivia. Keep the game smart by choosing an educational subject.

Add a theme to make the board game more interesting. The theme could be something whimsical, like Candy Land, or could be something based in the real world, like Risk.

Write out the rules to the game. Decide how many players can participate, how players advance and what kind of obstacles they will face. For the game to be smart, players' success should ride on their ability to answer questions, problem solve or plot strategy.

Design the look of the board game based on the rules of play. Keep the design simple and focus on intelligent interaction between players during game play.

Build the board game as per the design. Use wood or foam core to make a sturdy base, and paint or adhesives to decorate the board.

Make play pieces by hand from modeling compound or clay. Pieces can also be made of toys and trinkets from around the house.

Include with the game any other elements of play, such as question cards, dice, tokens, scrap paper and pencils or play money.

Test out the board game with individuals that have critical minds; choose people who will be able to foresee inconsistencies or loopholes in the game that shouldn't be there.