How to Research Classic Board Games

After you have selected a favorite or interesting game, scroll down to see if it has been included in the histories listed below. Research the story about the inventor/creator of the game, the rules of the game and local clubs or organizations that have "live" tournments. There are also Internet sites that have online competitions. Finally, you may find collectors of your favorite game who buy and sell older or rarer editions.

BACKGAMMON (Circa 1st Century AD)


Some historians state that the ancient Egyptian game of "Senet" or "30 Squares" was the basis of Backgammon. The Roman game of "Tables" or "Tabula" which was played by Emperor Claudius more closely resembles the modern game. The modern game has had additional updates including the "Doubling Cube" and the "Crawford Rule" for tournament competition.

CHECKERS (Circa 3000 BC)


A very similar game with a board and pieces was discovered in ancient ruins of modern day Iraq. The present day version can be traced back to 1200 BC. An Egyptian game called "Alquerque" can also be considered a possible link. In England, Checkers is known as "Draughts." Today, there is an active Checkers community in the United States.

CHESS (Circa 4000 BC)


Once again, we have one of the oldest of the ancient games. Approximately 3000 years ago a similar game called "Chaturanga" emerged in India. A thousand years later, another game called "Shatrang." The New World explorers of the 14th century introduced Chess to the Americas. Englishman Howard Staunton (1810 to 1874) designed the first standard chess pieces. This is a game of pure skill and strategy. The United States Chess Federation (USCF) is the governing body.

CHUTES AND LADDERS (Circa 1750, India)


This game was played in ancient India, with a more modernized version called "Snakes &Ladders" created in Victorian England in 1892. Chutes and Ladders was created to teach young children the reward of good deeds and consequences of bad behaviour. It was brought to the United States in 1943 by Milton Bradley, the game company. It is geared toward children ages 5 to 8.

CLUE (1947, England)


Clue was invented in the UK by Anthony Pratt, who worked as a clerk. The prototype of the game was created in 1944; however, WWII delayed the actual production of the product. Parker Brothers (Beverly, Massachusetts) bought the U.S. rights to Clue in 1949. The game has become a worldwide classic with many fans and devotees. It has also been featured on TV and in the movies.

GO (Circa 1500 BC, China)


Go was originally called "Wei-chi." Although it started in China, it quickly moved to Japan and Korea. Chairman Mao required that all of his generals become proficient at this game. It is played on a board that is ruled with lines. There are 180 White stones and 181 Black Stones, and the board is a battlefield. Go is one of the ultimate tests of strategy and tactics.

LIFE (1860, U.S./1960 Update, U.S.)


Milton Bradley (yes, there was a real person with this name!) created the "Checkered Game of Life" in 1860. It became very popular and several thousand sets were sold during the Civil War. The game faded; however, Mr. Bradley was now in the game business. One hundred years later, a freelance inventor created "The Game of Life." This was updated in the early 1990s and has become a classic.

Milton Bradely was acquired by Hasbro, Inc. in the 1980s.

MONOPOLY (1933, U.S.)


This venerable classic was invented by Clarence Darrow of Philadephia during the Depression years. It was originally rejected by Parker Brothers, and after some persistence by Mr. Darrow it was finally accepted. The streets in Monopoly are named after Atlantic City streets. More than 200 million sets have been sold since the first year of release! There are many versions of the game created specifically for other cities and themes. An original Monopoly game (published by Mr. Darrow) is worth more than $10,000 in good condition!

OTHELLO (1971, Japan)


Othello, a game loosely based on "Reversi," was invented by Goro Hasegawa. It reminds one initially of a combination of Go and Checkers. There is much more to it than that! Each side takes a color (Black or White) and places disks on the board. The idea is to surround or flank your opponent's disks. When you do, his disks become yours as they are flipped to your color! Othello came to the United States in 1975 and has been a favorite ever since.

PICTIONARY (1985, U.S.)


Pictionary has sold more than 15 million games since its release more than 20 years ago. Inventor Robert S. Angel created the game, which is often described as "Charades on Paper." Hasbro has just released a special anniversary edition of Pictionary. A popular TV show was based on this game.

SCRABBLE (1947, U.S.)


Alfred Butts invented a game called "Lexico." It was the early 1930s and the country was in the Depression. He upgraded and improved his basic game, and in 1947 a partner, James Brunot, agreed to co-market the game. Together they manufactured the newly named product "Scrabble." Selchow &Righter owned the original rights. Many years later the game was sold to Coleco. Hasbro/Milton Bradley acquired Scrabble in 1989. Millions of games have been sold and there is now an association of Scrabble players and a World Championship tournament.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT (1979, Canada/1983, U.S.)


In 1978, Chris Haney and Scott Abbott of Montreal came up with the idea for Trivial Pursuit while playing a game of Scrabble. After a few years of design changes and rules modifications, the first copies of the game were published in Canada. Finally, in 1983 Trivial Pursuit (Genus I) was licensed to Selchow &Righter in the United States. The rest is history. Hasbro now owns the rights and multiple theme editions have been created. Millions of sets have been sold. And we now have legions of trivia geniuses!