Table games may take many forms; therefore, the phrase is sometimes unclear. The official phrase refers to board games played on a table. It used to be a board with two rows of twelve markers, similar to a backgammon board.
Today, however, the phrase is a bit more ambiguous; several well-known games may be categorized as table games. This blog will highlight seven of our favorite table games and the wide variety of available games!
Although some individuals may find table games too complicated or archaic, many options are available. Therefore, you may be surprised by how enjoyable table games can be if you’re searching for a new game to play with friends.
1. Senet
This is possibly one of the oldest table games known as the Ancient Egyptian Game of Senet. Senet is a dice, stick, and game-piece game that is not the easiest to play but is not as challenging as it may seem.
To make things a bit simpler, you may even start with basic rules and then, when you’re ready, move to the more complex ones. Give Senet a try if you like playing board games from the past or history.
With the help of our game guide, you may discover more about the rules of the ancient Egyptian game Senet. Despite its fearsome appearance, it makes a fantastic two-player board game that will appeal to aficionados of strategy games.
2. Backgammon
Today, backgammon is perhaps the most played table game! From the game pieces to the board arrangement, it meets every criterion. Backgammon is mainly a strategic game, but there is also a component of chance.
Getting all of your checkers off the board first may seem like a leisurely objective in this game, but it may be challenging. Your well-thought-out plans might be thrown entirely out the window if you roll poorly on the dice.
Even though Backgammon sometimes gets overshadowed by Checkers and Chess, it still makes a terrific two-player table game! Check out our Backgammon game guide if you’re interested in giving it a go.
3. Trictrac
Backgammon players may be acquainted with the name Trictrac. This game is commonly referred to as backgammon, although the two games are distinct, despite certain similarities. Backgammon-style game boards are utilized, but the game’s objective is different.
Instead of concentrating on getting rid of your checkers or counter-off the board, try to rack up the most points possible! Trictrac’s regulations are rather complex. Therefore there is more to understand about it than just this.
Depending on the game’s rules, players may counter each other, and dice throws might imply various things. Therefore, it’s not a game you can just pick up and play, but if you’re an expert Backgammon player, you’ll probably appreciate it.
4. Tavla
Another table game with Backgammon-like rules is Tavla. The game Tavla was created in Turkey and is still played today. While it is pretty similar to Backgammon, it differs in a few significant ways.
One difference between Tavla and other board games is that both Backgammon and gammons award two points rather than one. Additionally, the game often has fewer rounds, making it quicker than traditional Backgammon.
But since there are so many variations of the game played in Turkey, you may discover a wide range of various rule sets online. Many of them use dice, as you’d anticipate from a traditional table game, although other more straightforward variations do without them.
Suggesting Backgammon with a fresh twist is simple if you like playing the game.
Tavla. You may play the game using a regular Backgammon board, and there are various methods to play, so you’re sure to have fun.
5. Chess
Chess could not be, technically speaking, a sort of table game, depending on who you ask. However, it’s understandable why Chess is included in most contemporary interpretations of the term. Although dice are not used, most other conditions are satisfied, and the game is played on a board, much like Backgammon.
As you may have already observed, all the table games we’ve looked at so far feature two players. Chess is perhaps the most well-known two-player game available. Contrary to popular belief, learning the game of chess is considerably more straightforward than you may imagine.
Although you probably won’t be able to defeat a grandmaster at the game, understanding the basics will only take a short while. Each player in chess will have their own “army” of unique pieces. It is harder said than done, but the game’s goal is to capture the King.
See our how to win in Chess advice page for further details on the guidelines and suggestions for formulating a successful plan. While to some, it would not be considered a typical table game, we believe it more than satisfies the criteria and is an excellent illustration of the many kinds of table games that are available.
6. Shogi
Shogi is a complex game of strategy, often referred to as Japanese Chess. Shogi qualifies as a table game in the same way that Chess does. In our Chess vs. Shogi comparison article, you can learn about the differences between the two games.
Shogi is played on a board that resembles chess, and several pieces even have similar names. However, despite their similarities, the two games are played quite differently, so switching from Chess to Shogi is not as easy as it would seem.
Our Shogi game guide has further information on the rules. It’s pretty strategic, like any decent table game, and works well for two players. If you like those two games, Shogi is a fantastic table game to attempt after Backgammon or Chess.
7. Jacquet
Jacquet completes our examination of the best table games to play. Jacquet, a French game similar to Trictrac, was very popular, although not nearly as well-known. Consequently, it is a table game similar to Backgammon and played on a Backgammon board.
However, you may still play it; even unique Jacquet game sets are available. A table game called Jacquet is significantly simpler than Trictrac and conventional Backgammon but adheres to many of the same rules.
Players use a dice roll to move their pieces across the board, intending to remove them when they reach the last quarter of the board. Jacquet has the peculiar rule that before you may remove any more pieces, one must be carried to the final quarter of the board.