The Best Board Games of All Time

The best board games ever made, ranked by aficionados and casual players. What are the greatest board games ever? The classic games that have entertained families of players for decades? Or innovative new table-top role playing games pushing the boundaries between fiction and reality? This list attempts to determine, once and for all, which are the greatest and most fun board games of all time.

A board game here is defined as any game in which pieces are placed on or moved around a flat surface, such as a board. This would include classic centuries-old board games such as Go, Chess and Checkers, along with more modern games like Settlers of Catan, or even some role-playing games involving game pieces or miniatures.

Some games still utilize game pieces but are built more around live interaction or conversation than traditional "turn-based" board games. These games - such as Scattergories or Taboo - may not meet the strict definition of board game, but nonetheless resemble board game-style play and entertainment enough to warrant inclusion.

This list was determined by allowing users to make lists of suggestions for the greatest board games ever, and then holding an open vote on which games were actually the best of all time. If you don't see your favorite board games on the list, add your own list and suggest them. And don't forget to vote on the best games on the list already to ensure they rise to the top! If your mind needs some board game refreshment check out the complete list of board games.