April 29 marks the 2017 edition of International Tabletop Day. In recognition of the day, let’s take a look back at some of the games that changed the way we think about the pastime and set the tone for modern-day play.
Mousetrap
One of the first mass-produced, three-dimensional board games, Mousetrap proved that people were ready to invest in a game that asked more of them than a simple role of the dice.
Pachisi
Originating in India, Pachisi is a classic cross-and-circle game in which players aim to move game pieces completely around the board before their adversaries. This inspired notable North American versions of the game, including Parcheesi, Ludo, and Dorry!
Little Wars
In 1913, Author H.G. Wells Wrote his book Little Wars as a rulebook for playing tabletop war games. The book inspired generations of board game enthusiasts to pick up War games and other games of strategic dominance.
Chess
Tracing back to the 6th-century India, chess is the mother of all strategy games. Played by millions of people across the globe, the game continues to inspire variants and is often mentioned by players who want to boast of their intelligence.
Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeon & Dragons brought fantasy role-playing games into mainstream culture and inspired myriad imitators. Since its release in 1974, the game has been eagerly embraced by legions of fans eager to shed their own identities, encounter mythical creatures, and battle monsters.
Magic: The Gathering
Ushering in the first wave of collectable card games in the 1990s, Magic: The Gathering continues to dominate in its category thanks to passionate players and avid collectors of the trading cards. The game’s momentum shows no signs of slowing; a movie based on the game is in the works.
