Beyond the Dice: Uncovering the Secret Board Game Origins of 7 Classics

Did you know your favorite game night activities started as survival tools or moral lessons? Many board games we play today have shed their sharp edges to become entertainment, but their origins are far more complex than they seem.

Uncovering the Secret Board Game Origins

The colorful Candy Land has a somber backstory. In 1948, schoolteacher Eleanor Abbott developed it while recovering in a San Diego polio ward. She designed it for the children sharing her ward, ensuring it required no reading or complex strategy so anyone could play. By 1949, it became a flagship product for Milton Bradley.

While Monopoly celebrates wealth today, it began as a critique of greed. Based on Lizzie Magie's 'The Landlord's Game,' it was originally a tool to teach the dangers of monopolies. However, Charles Darrow later tweaked the rules and sold it as his own invention. Magie famously received only $500 for her creation.

War, Morality, and Ancient Strategy

The murder mystery game Clue (or Cluedo) was born during the air-raid blackouts of WWII. English pianist Anthony Pratt designed it in 1944 to pass the time while sheltering indoors. Though it's a worldwide hit today, Pratt's family didn't see much of the financial success after selling the rights for just £5,000.

Historical giants like Chess can be traced back to 6th-century India as 'Chataranga,' used for teaching military tactics. Similarly, Snakes and Ladders originated in the 2nd century as a moral lesson on humility and patience, showing how ancient play was often tied to spiritual growth.