The most popular traditional games in the UK
There are many popular games in the UK, some of which have been played for decades and still remain as well-loved today.
We’ll explore some of the most popular and traditional games as well as the rules and what you need to do to win.
Draughts
Known as checkers in the US, this board game is relatively simple and easy to learn. The aim is to take over or block your opponent’s pieces on the board so they’re unable to make another move. This is done by moving your pieces diagonally, space by space. Each player takes it in turns to move their piece, jumping over the opponent’s pieces to capture them.
Winning involves being able to think ahead and develop a strategy based on the state of the board and your opponent’s pieces. The game requires concentration, patience and good analytical skills.
There are even international and national draughts tournaments for those who are motivated and highly skilled.
Bingo
It’s believed that bingo started in Italy in the 1500s before moving to France and then America in the early 20th century. It wasn’t until the mid-1900s that the game arrived in the UK, with bingo being played in halls across the country.
Originally played with cards and dabbers, the aim is to cross off numbers on your card when they’re called out by the host. Although it often involves the ability to concentrate and react at speed, bingo is based on pure luck and chance, with almost endless number combinations.
The game has evolved in recent years with the introduction of online bingo. This means that it can be played from almost anywhere and without having to even leave the house.
Trivial Pursuit
A popular game for gatherings, Trivial Pursuit involves moving pieces around a board and answering knowledge questions from a series of different categories. Answering a question correctly means the players turn can continue, with the aim of the game to collect the plastic wedges that slot into the piece.
While categories cover geography, history, entertainment, literature, art, sports and leisure and science and nature, there have been special editions released based on popular films, TV series and books.
Blackjack
One of the oldest casino games, and also known as 21, Blackjack uses a deck of cards, with the aim being to reach a total value higher than the dealer, but without going over 21. Kings, Queens and Jacks are valued at 10, with the Ace card equal to either one or 11.
When handed your cards, you can choose to stick with what you have or draw another card. Your decision depends on the current value that you hold.
While the rules of most of these games are similar worldwide, you might also find slight variations between countries, depending on their origins.
