Interesting Facts About Board Games You Didn't Know

We had 6 kids in my house when I was growing up, so money was not plentiful. Because we were on a budget, we were not able to go to the movies or other outside activities very often. Instead, we would spend nights inside with a bowl of popcorn, some soda and our favorite board games. We were fiercely competitive, especially between my 3 older brothers. Things could get pretty heated, especially when we played Monopoly!  While the kids and I were stuck inside because of the harsh winter weather, we were playing a game of Clue and I wondered how the game got its name. I looked it up and found some great information. Here is just a snippet of cool factoids and history I gathered!

Board Games

Interesting Facts About Board Games You Didn’t Know

  • Monopoly:  is the classic game about money, property and real estate power. The game was created back in 1934 and as of this printing, there have been 1240 different versions made. Fun Fact: According to ABC News, During World War II, “special edition” Monopoly games were used to help the POWs escape by including hidden maps, compasses and other tools within the game.
  • Scrabble:  is the classic game of words and one I love to use when I home school Henry. The game was originally created by an out-of-work architect back in 1948. Teachers enjoy tapping into The National School Scrabble Program, which is a creative way for them to help students learn vocabulary, spelling and math skills. Fun Fact: There are 84 words in the English language that include a “Q” with no “U”.
  • Yahtzee:  is the game of dice which uses poker-themed combinations which adds up to points for the win. Originally, the game, which was invented in 1956, was called “The Yacht Game.” This was because it was created by a Canadian couple aboard their yacht. The game was later patented by a toy entrepreneur and made for sale to the public.
  • The Game of Life: is a favorite of my sister and I, is about life! It is often referred to simply as Life, but was initially called The Checkered Game of Life when it was created in 1860. The modern version now known as The Game of Life was made in 1960.
  • Clue:  is the classic murder mystery game and it was my moms ultimate favorite . The game was first  introduced in England in 1949, where it is known as Cluedo. There have been 8 different editions of Clue in the US and 3 different editions in the UK, as well as several different spin-offs of the original game. Fun Fact: Clue was originally named Murder! and was created to pass the time during the war when troops were stuck in underground bunkers during long air raid drills.

The Game Of Life
When it comes to where I get my favorite board games, hands down, Winning Moves is the place for me, and it is even in my Top Fun Family Reunion Activities. I love the selection, quality and above all else, their impeccable customer service. Winning Moves has made our family game nights much more enjoyable, as I know they will yours as well.

One USA reader will win Clue, Monopoly and Life ARV $88

So, my favorite games are Clue, Monopoly and Life and I love the facts I learned about them! What are your favorite games and which fact about them did you find most interesting?

232 COMMENTS

  20. My Favorite product is Monopoly!! Played for hours growing up. Something about owning land and making money has always pleased me!!

  30. I love the game of Life because I still remember playing it as a child with my entire family. Clue is a close second.

  66. I think my favorite out of these to play is Clue. 🙂 We’re trying to build our board games collection at my house because my daughter is getting older and likes to play.

  70. I love most of the games but yahtzee because it reminds me of the many nights I spent playing this game with my Granny. We had so much fun!!!

  77. Oh found where to comment…. oh for sure Monopoly it is the most Iconic Boardgame Ever Made…:)

  79. My favorite product is Monopoly. I have played that game for many years and now play with my grandchildren.

  142. I think I would have to say Monopoly, Yahtzee, and Pass the Pigs are my favorite all time classic games!!! I love playing games! My kids are finally getting older to where they can start learning some of my favorites! Thank you for the chance to win these awesome games! Good luck to all!! 🙂

  160. Monopoly was my favorite board game when I was growing up, although clue was a top favorite as well. We played board games a lot….I’d love to win these classics to start playing board game with my family….with everything so electronic these days, it would be nice to step back and relax with a few great board games.

  178. I really like Monopoly. It has always been my favorite board game. Thank you for the super giveaway opportunity. Keep up the terrific blogging.

  181. I love most board games and the one we played the most was monopoly but my favorites were yahtzee and scrabble

  198. I love Clue! And I’d love to have the vintage Sorry! I used to play with my grandma all the time, but we had a newer version. 🙂

  219. My brothers, sister & I used to play Monopoly every day we didn’t have school. My sister & I would set the game up, counting out all the money, then wake the boys up & play. Lots of games of Life played with the whole family, but dad wan’t allowed to sit next to the banker, because he was caught helping himself to extra cash one time too many. lol

  231. Monopoly is such a classic! It always ends up being a long game but is so much fun. It stands the test of time!

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