Trends change, but something is still the same. No matter how many years go, board game family evenings are still popular. This is the well-known reason why people still buy sets for themselves or as gifts. Playing board games has some essential benefits because it strengthens families. It also improves mood and develops thinking and logic. Board games are also a great excuse to put down your phones, spend time together, catch up on the news, and just have fun.

In this article, we've compiled five interesting options. Readers will find well-known board games on the TOP list and might even discover some new ones. We also will tell you about the features of Mexican Train Dominoes, Shut The Box, Mancala, Backgammon, and Cribbage. We believe all five should be a must-have in every family. 

Mexican Train Dominoes: A Modern Interpretation of the Classic

Mexican Train Dominoes is an original and more exciting version of your classic dominoes. Manufacturers offer high-quality sets with multi-colored dots instead of black ones or numbers.

The goal of the game: be the first to get rid of your tiles. To do this, you must place them along your so-called "train" or "Mexican route," which departs from the central station.

The board game suits best for groups of 2 to 9 players. It all begins with the train departing from the central“doubles”. Each player creates their own route and tries to use up all their tiles, especially those with the highest numbers. At the end, players count the number of points they have left. The person with the most points loses.

After studying various game sets, we found several reasons why this is a great family game:

• Simple rules. The game is fun to play at any age, starting from age eight.

• Intellectual component. You develop concentration. Children learn to calculate moves and perform simple arithmetic calculations.

• Various numbers of players. No matter the size of your family, you can play with up to 9 people.

• Beauty and durability. Beautiful and presentable sets feature metal cases, wooden pieces, and high-quality tiles. If purchased from reputable websites, all pieces are durable.

In summary, Mexican Train is a great family game. The beautiful design and unique train theme make the play exciting and more active.

Mancala: an Unusual Choice for All Avid Board Game Lovers

Mancala is an ancient board game with a history that spans over a thousand years. It appears to be a simple board with holes and beautiful stones. However, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. The game conceals strategy and interesting mechanics.

The goal of the game: collect as many "seeds" as possible and move them to your "home." Each player takes turns taking a stone from a hole and distributing all the rocks among the others. Players must calculate where their turn will end, as they want to capture as many stones as possible.

Now, let's look at the reasons why Mancala is considered a great family game:

• It's leisurely and ideal for spending quiet evenings. It requires thinking, but without the stress factor.

• It develops beneficial brain activity. You can improve your logic, strategic thinking, and attention span. 

• Suitable for all ages. Even children can start playing, making this set ideal for the whole family.

Beautiful, modern, and elegant, wooden Mancala sets feature a refined design. Some models have a pleasant tactile feel. Made from high-quality materials, they are durable. They can also be a cozy addition to your home, perfectly complementing your interior.

Shut The Box: An Elegant Board Game for Family Evening

Shut the Box is a traditional board game from Britain. The set is known for its simplicity, ease of use, and special charm.

The goal of the game: players must leave as few "open" points as possible. The mechanics are simple. You only need to cover the numbers rolled on your dice. For example, if you rolled an 8, you can cover a single number or a sum of numbers equaling 8.

There are several reasons why you should have Shut The Box in your family:

• Simple rules. There's no need to learn the rules; you can start playing in just a minute.

• It's great for kids. Players practice mental arithmetic while playing.

• It is suitable for 1-6 players. Various variations are available, and you can order a model that fits the size of your group or family.

If you choose high-quality versions, the set can last for years. It's a leisurely, stress-free game. You can have a pleasant time chatting and discussing your day.

Backgammon: A Classic, Exquisite Set That Stands the Test of Time

Backgammon is considered one of the most recognizable games in the world. It closely combines strategic thinking and an element of luck, as it uses dice.

The player's goal is to strategically plan how to be the first to move all of their checkers to the next board. Dice are rolled for this purpose. You move exactly the number of checkers shown on the dice. You can also divide the total number of points rolled by two numbers and move two checkers.

Backgammon is often given as a gift to colleagues, acquaintances, and friends. Let's find out why it's a great family game:

• Tested by generations. Surely at least someone in the family already knows how to play it. Parents and children can participate and play equally.

• A combination of chance and strategy. This approach adds excitement, making each game unique.

• Develops brain activity. It involves many factors: concentration, logic, memory, counting, and analytical thinking. 

Beauty and aesthetics also play a significant role, which is why backgammon is often given as a gift. Elegant sets are made of wood and feature beautiful inlays and other elements. Thus, backgammon is entertaining and a pleasant way to spend time with an attractive game set.

Cribbage: Ideal for Card Lovers and Gambling Enthusiasts

Cribbage is an ancient English card game. It combines elements of logic and luck, like backgammon.

The goal of the game is to score as many points as possible. The most common score is 121. The mechanics are unique in that players use a scoring board, where pegs are placed.

During the game, players create card combinations (pairing, thinking about sequences, etc.).

Cribbage is a must-have for your family collection:

• For all ages. This board game is suitable for beginners and even experienced card gamers.

• Excitement and logic. Despite the cards, it requires calculations and thinking. Participants also develop their attention span.

• The compact format. It is a bonus, as the set can be taken with you, for example, on family nature hikes.

• Beautiful design. On sites like Queensell, we found the elegant Cribbage Board Game Set with Storage. It's made of natural wood. You'll also find a convenient card storage compartment and metal pegs.

While searching for great family sets, we also noticed that Queensell offers high-quality game sets and excellent customer support. And today, we have some great news and a bonus to share with you. 

We've received a 20% discount for our readers. Just activate your promo code QUEEN20BG during the ordering process. We received this pleasant bonus while speaking with a consultant while researching this article. This exclusive offer is for those looking to spice up their family evenings.

The Benefits of Choosing Board Games from Queensell

While gathering information, we looked at various websites. We wanted to find more than just descriptions of the rules and pictures of the board games. Aesthetics also played an equally important role.

Beautiful wood and high-quality components make family time enjoyable.

The main advantages of Queensell that we identified for ourselves were:

• Luxury product quality. All games are well-made. Among the materials, we found wood, aluminum, and premium plastic. Even the designs—for example, on the dominoes—are very high-quality, and the numbers and dots are clearly printed without misalignment.

• Aesthetic design. Usability is important, but so is aesthetics. These sets are often purchased as gifts. Each board game looks stylish and modern. The set will perfectly complement your interior.

• Complete set. The sets include everything you need—tiles, dice, instructions, holders, and cases.

• Reasonable prices and discounts. The sets are top-notch and luxurious, so we were pleased with the price. Premium quality is often much more expensive. With discounts, you can even save money and buy a product that will delight you for years.

• Customer care. While speaking with the consultant on the website, we realized how much they value every customer. Even potential buyers are essential. We were delighted with the fast delivery and friendly consultants who were willing to help with selection and other details.

• The website's selection is simply enormous. You can visit the site every few months and find something special for your loved ones, family, and colleagues. There are also arrangements for different numbers of players and travel kits.

For those who value price and quality, Queensell is an excellent choice. We learned this firsthand while exploring the selection.

Choosing the Right Game: Who's Suitable for Which Game

Each option we've examined today has its own character, logic, and pace. Some models are better suited for large families with children. Other board games are ideal for a quiet setting or for couples living alone. Still others will be fantastic solutions for fun parties with friends.

Here's what to consider when choosing a game to ensure it's truly suitable for your group or family:

• Age.

• The character of the participants.

• Duration.

• Maximum number of players.

Let's consider who and in what situations the board games we've studied today are suitable.

Mexican Train Dominoes

This model is ideal for large families or noisy groups. It will be appreciated by people who enjoy excitement and thrills, mild competition, and a slightly unpredictable dynamic. At the same time, it's worth noting that the game is universal, easily uniting different generations. Children easily master the rules, and adults enjoy the process of strategizing. 

Mexican Train Dominoes is especially popular with large families of four or more who enjoy lively evenings filled with laughter and discussions. It's also perfect for gatherings with friends and home get-togethers.

Mancala

It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy peace and reflection. Mancala is also ideal for families with teenagers. You can distract them from wasting time on gadgets and chat with them, catching up on news from college or school. 

This board game is prized among fans of intellectual games. Mancala is somewhat similar to chess in feel but simpler in form and logic. It is a great addition to cozy evenings and even romantic get-togethers when people crave a little peace and focus. Mancala is also appealing to aesthetes. The minimalist design makes the wooden board with pebbles look beautiful as a decorative piece.

Shut The Box 

This is truly a fantastic option for families with kids. It's also excellent numeracy training for elementary school-aged children. The benefits come naturally while you have fun with your loved ones. Every player will find a combination of excitement and simplicity.

The gameplay is considered quick and easy, relieving the mind. Shut The Box is ideal for those who enjoy short, 20-minute games. You'll have fun without the hassle of learning complex rules and mechanics.

Backgammon

Do you consider yourself a fan of classic games, tactics, and endurance? You simply must have a backgammon set! Traditionally, the game is regarded as a suitable gift for parents and elders. However, it's worth noting that children can easily play it too. 

Backgammon is appealing to teenagers because it adds an element of excitement and unpredictability with the dice. Combining strategy and luck makes this set practically universal for all ages. The mood during a game of backgammon can vary. It all depends on the players' personalities. It's also a great way to get to know each other better.

Cribbage

This game is a great find for card lovers, offering both strategy and a touch of excitement. This game will appeal to players who enjoy calculating combinations, pondering moves, and experiencing the thrill of each game. 

Cribbage is ideal for adults and teenagers who appreciate a combination of logic and luck. The set is small and easy to take with you, so it's often popular on the go.

Don't forget the game's deep history. It's traditionally British. Therefore, if you enjoy the British lifestyle and leisurely pace, it's also a good choice. Connoisseurs and collectors of English memorabilia will also love it.

Let's recap again

Today we've tried to give you a wealth of information on five different games. Let's recap once again which options are best for what people.

So, here we found out:

• Families with children will appreciate Shut The Box and Mexican Train Domino.

• Mancala is ideal for thoughtful players and those who enjoy quiet evenings.

• Backgammon is perfect for traditionalists and aesthetes.

• Connoisseurs of card strategies should buy Cribbage.

Today, the variety allows everyone to find a game that suits their number of players, personalities, and preferences. It is only important to briefly learn about the essence and mechanics before making a choice.

Conclusions

Family board games for two or more players offer more than just excitement and entertainment. A good set provides a way to bring the family together, spend time together, socialize, connect, laugh, and simply sit together.

The modern selection is incredibly diverse. You can find classics, updated classics, and even old British games. Today, we looked at Mexican Train Dominoes, Mancala, Shut the Box, Backgammon, and Cribbage. These have become the most vibrant and time-tested options. It's great that there are sets for different numbers of people. This way, you can choose the right combination for your family size.

We recommend buying sets with more than enough space for more people. For example, you can play with friends or visit relatives. However, the best decision is to have a few options for various occasions.