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Module 2: Board Games

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN FROM THIS MODULE?

At the end of the module, you should be able to;
a. Discuss the history of the Board Game and other relevant concepts; and
b. Rationalize the value of teamwork and group collaboration.

WHAT IS THIS MODULE ALL ABOUT?

A key to keeping your mind active and healthy is through playing the old board
games. It offers a lot more than just entertainment. In fact, such games create an
engaging, playful, and non-threatening atmosphere, yet competitive environment.
Learning the mechanics and its ins and outs will prepare you to your board games
journey. To help you do that, this module will thoroughly discuss facts about board games
specifically its benefits, history, procedure and other relevant concepts. Keep reading,
have fun and feel good!

Benefits of the playing Board Game

Board games beneficially impact health in multiple aspects at any age, and it
generally, adds joy to life. Playing board games is pleasurable, but that is only one the
benefits. A few of the many benefits are the following.

1. Playing board games brings people closer, strengthens relationships, and can help
you meet new people.
2. Playing board games increases brain function.
3. Playing board games teaches you how to set goals and be patient.
4. Playing board games is great for reducing stress and makes for laughter.
5. Playing board games enhances creativity and self-confidence.
6. Playing board games reduces risks for mental diseases
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History of Board Games

The board game is not new to many. Generations from A, Y, and Z are also fun of
playing board games. It started 3,000 B.C. in Iraq, where there was found evidence of
board, dice, and counters. Most people don't realize board games are pre-historic,
meaning we had board games before we had written language. Dice was the first board
game, a piece that’s essential in most board games today was the basis of humanity’s
oldest games (Attia, 2016).

Figure 1. Senet
.

Egyptians also played a board game called Senet. The board was divided into
squares with counters. You threw sticks rather than dice. The Romans also played board
games. They played a game called the twelve-line match, which was similar to modern
backgammon.

Rich Saxons played games like chess. In the middle Ages, wealthy people also
played board games. We are not sure where or when chess was invented. It was probably
designed in India in the 6th or 7th century A.D. or possibly earlier. At any rate, by the 10th
Century, it was being played in Europe.
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Figure 2. Rich Saxon Attire

Games similar to draughts were played by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and
Romans. The Arabs played a similar game, and by about 1100, a form of draughts was
being played in France. In the USA, draughts is called checkers.

Figure 3. Checkers

The Vikings played a board game called hnefatafl (meaning king's table). One
player used eight pieces to protect the king in some versions, while the other player used
16 parts. In other arrangements, the players had 12 articles and 24 reports. The size of
the board varied.
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Figure 4. hnefatafl.Vikings Board games

In Tudor times, the rich also played board games like chess and backgammon (a
backgammon set was found on Mary Rose's wreck. It is the same as a modern one). Poor
people often played nine men's morris. The Tudors also played draughts and fox and
geese. In the 17th Century, people still played board games like chess, draughts,
backgammon, fox, and geese.

Figure 5. Chess
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Figure 6. Backgammon

Traditional games remained popular in the 18th Century. These included games
such as chess, draughts, and backgammon. Dominoes were also played. In 1759, a man
named John Jeffries invented an entirely new board game called A Journey Through
Europe or The Play of Geography, in which players race across a map of Europe. The
first international chess tournament was held in London in 1851.

Figure 7. Dominos

Many new board games were introduced in the 19th and 20th centuries. Ludo was
originally an Indian game. It came to Britain c. 1880. Snakes and ladders were introduced
in Britain in 1892. Steeplechase was introduced in 1895. Monopoly was introduced in
1935. Cluedo followed it in 1949 and Trivial Pursuit in 1982. Meanwhile, in the 20th
Century, Chinese games like Go and Mah Jong became popular in the West. With the
invention of the internet, playing board games online like scrabble and nine men's morris
became popular.
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Figure 8. Snake and Ladder

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I DARE YOU

Activity 1: In this activity, you are required to choose at least one (1) game to be
played by you and your colleagues (family members, friends, neighbors, etc.). A copy of
photos while playing the game will be required in this activity as proof that you have played
the game. It will be submitted to your respective teachers.

Possible game for Board games are:

a. chess

b. Dominos

c. Snake and ladder

Criteria:
Ability to follow the rules 15
Observance of the game mechanics 15
The skill of the game 20
Total: 50 pts

BOTTOM LINE

1. What problem/s have you encountered while playing the game?

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2. Do find the game entertaining? What are the difficulties have you experienced while
playing the game? (Chess, Dominos, Snake and Ladder)
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REFERENCES

Attia, P. (2016). The Full History of Board Games.M. Retrieved from August 13, 2020.
https://medium.com/@peterattia/the-full-history-of-board-games-
5e622811ce89.
Jenkin, R. (2017). Generation Z Versus Millennials: The 8 Differences You Need to Know.
INC. Retrieved from August 12, 2020. https://www.inc.com/ryan-
jenkins/generation-z-vs-millennials-the-8-differences-you-.html
Stephey, M. J. (2008). The brief history of Scrabble.TIME. Retrieved from August 20,
2020. http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1867007,00.html
The Official use of scrabble. How to play Scrabble. Retrieved from August 27, 2020.
www.scrabblepages.com/scrabble/rules
Pat, S. (2019). Benefits of Playing Board Games. Retrieved from
https://buckslib.org/benefits-of-playing-board-games/