15 Board Games from the Past That Caused Major Family Fights
These 15 old-school board games were fun, until someone flipped the table.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Board games are meant to bring families together, but sometimes, they do the opposite. This list dives into 15 classic games that have turned peaceful game nights into battlegrounds. Whether it’s the thrill of competition or the sting of defeat, these games have left lasting impressions on countless households.
1. Monopoly
![fir0002 flagstaffotos [at] gmail.com on Wikimedia Commons](https://cdn.ohmypaws.net/8c123103-c774-46ab-b4e4-f03ddbe3a748.webp)
fir0002 flagstaffotos [at] gmail.com on Wikimedia Commons
Monopoly has a notorious reputation for turning friendly gatherings into intense showdowns. The combination of strategy, luck, and the temptation to bankrupt loved ones has led to countless arguments and even flipped boards.
2. Chess
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While chess is a game of strategy and intellect, it often becomes a source of tension when played among family members. The competitive nature and high stakes can lead to personal jabs and lingering resentment.
3. Risk
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Risk’s objective of global conquest often mirrors real-life power struggles within families. Alliances are formed and broken, leading to feelings of betrayal and long-lasting grudges.
4. Scrabble
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Scrabble challenges players’ vocabularies, but disputes over word validity and scoring can escalate quickly. Accusations of cheating or using obscure words often lead to heated debates.
5. Clue
Matěj “Dědek” Baťha on Wikimedia Commons
In Clue, deducing the murderer can lead to real-life accusations and mistrust among players. The game’s deceptive nature often spills over into personal relationships.
6. Uno
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Uno’s simple rules can quickly lead to complex emotions. The infamous “Draw Four” card has ended many friendships and family bonds during game night.
7. Sorry!
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Despite its name, Sorry! often leads to unapologetic moves that send opponents back to start. The game’s mechanics can feel personal, causing real-life apologies to be necessary.
8. The Game of Life
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The Game of Life mirrors real-world challenges, and players often project personal frustrations onto the game, leading to unexpected emotional outbursts.
9. Twister
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It starts with laughs and awkward stretches, but give it a few rounds and someone yells about cheating or accidental elbow jabs. Twister’s mix of physical chaos and unclear rules makes it a guaranteed argument starter. No one leaves the mat without a bruise or a grudge.
10. Jenga
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Jenga may seem simple, but as the tower grows taller and wobblier, so does the tension. One wrong move can lead to a crash, and the blame game that follows can be just as loud.
11. Trivial Pursuit
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This game tests your knowledge and patience. Disputes over correct answers and obscure questions can lead to heated debates and bruised egos.
12. Pictionary
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Tempers can flare when your artistic skills are questioned and your team can’t guess your drawing. Misinterpretations often lead to laughter or loud disagreements.
13. Connect Four
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This seemingly innocent game can become intense quickly. Blocking someone’s winning move often leads to accusations of sabotage and revenge plays.
14. Battleship
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The thrill of sinking an opponent’s fleet can be overshadowed by disputes over coordinates and accusations of cheating, leading to stormy seas at the game table.
15. Guess Who?
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While trying to deduce the mystery character, players often argue over ambiguous questions and interpretations, turning a fun game into a guessing grudge match.