Board games are the go-to for a fun night in, offering endless entertainment and a break from the digital world. But, let's face it, not all game nights end with high fives and happy memories. Some board games have a notorious reputation for testing patience, strategy, and, yes, even relationships. Imagine sitting down for a peaceful evening of gameplay, only to find yourself embroiled in a battle of wits, strategy, and sometimes sheer luck, that leaves you questioning how well you really know your partner.
1. Monopoly
The classic game of Monopoly is notorious for testing relationships with its lengthy gameplay and ruthless financial strategies. Couples often find themselves in heated disputes over property trades and rent payments, which can escalate beyond the game board. The competitive nature of Monopoly encourages players to bankrupt their opponents, a concept that doesn't exactly promote harmony and understanding in a relationship. Furthermore, the randomness of dice rolls adds an element of luck that can frustrate even the most strategic players, leading to accusations of unfairness and arguments that linger long after the game is over.
2. Risk
Risk, the ultimate game of global domination, can turn allies into adversaries in the blink of an eye. The game's requirement for players to form and break alliances can mirror real-life betrayals, straining relationships as players vie for control of territories. Couples may find themselves arguing over tactical decisions, with the game's lengthy duration only exacerbating tensions. The winner-takes-all objective of Risk means that only one player can emerge victorious, often at the expense of the other's armies and, potentially, their feelings.
3. The Game of Life
The Game of Life presents players with choices that mirror significant life decisions, such as careers, marriage, and family. These choices can lead to disagreements among couples, especially if the outcomes on the board don't align with their personal aspirations or values. While intended to be a whimsical journey through various life stages, the game can inadvertently highlight differences in couples' real-world expectations and priorities. Additionally, the financial aspect of the game, which includes handling debt and striving for retirement, can spark real conversations about money that may be uncomfortable or revealing.
4. Scrabble
Scrabble, while seemingly innocuous, can test a relationship through its challenge to one's vocabulary and strategic thinking. Disputes may arise over the validity of words, leading to debates and the consulting of dictionaries. This can particularly strain relationships when competitiveness overrides the fun of playing together. Moreover, the game's scoring system, which rewards complex vocabulary and strategic placement of words, can highlight disparities in language skills, potentially leading to feelings of inadequacy or frustration.
5. Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan requires players to negotiate and trade resources to build their civilizations, a process fraught with potential for conflict. Disagreements over fair trades or the placement of roads and settlements can quickly escalate. The game's robber mechanic, which allows players to hinder others' progress, can add insult to injury in tight matches. Additionally, the need to block opponents strategically can lead to accusations of targeting or unfair play, challenging the couple's ability to separate game actions from personal feelings.
6. Uno
Uno, a seemingly simple card game, harbors the potential to turn tense with its “Draw Four” and “Skip” cards. What starts as a light-hearted competition can quickly devolve into a battle of wits and patience, as players strategically save these powerful cards to thwart their partners. The sudden reversals of fortune are common, leading to bursts of emotion and accusations of holding back or ganging up. The game's unpredictable nature means that victory can be snatched away at the last moment, often leading to disappointment or resentment.
7. Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative board game where players work together to stop global outbreaks of diseases. While it requires teamwork, the high stakes and the pressure of making the right decisions can lead to stress and conflict. Disagreements on strategy or prioritizing certain tasks over others can reveal underlying differences in problem-solving approaches. Despite its cooperative goal, the intense negotiation and the potential for failure can strain relationships, especially if blame is assigned for losses.
8. Diplomacy
Diplomacy is a game that lives up to its name, requiring players to negotiate, form alliances, and then potentially betray those alliances to win. This game can put a significant strain on relationships because it involves a high level of deception and manipulation to succeed. Couples might find themselves questioning each other's trustworthiness in real life after a particularly treacherous game. The slow-burning tension and the necessity of backstabbing to win can leave lasting bitterness, especially if players carry their in-game grievances beyond the board.
9. Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity, often touted as a party game for horrible people, can lead to uncomfortable moments between couples. The game's nature of combining question and answer cards to create humorous, often inappropriate statements can reveal a side of your partner you're not familiar with. Disagreements or discomfort over certain topics and answers can surface, leading to awkward or tense situations. Although intended to be humorous, the content can sometimes push boundaries too far, challenging a couple's tolerance and understanding of each other's sense of humor.
10. Chess
Chess, the classic game of strategy and skill, might not seem like a relationship hazard at first glance. However, its intense one-on-one competition can cause friction between partners, especially if there's a significant skill gap. The silent, calculated nature of the game can turn the gaming table into a battlefield, where every move is loaded with the pressure of proving one's intellect. For couples, a series of defeats or victories can lead to feelings of superiority or inadequacy, potentially harming the relationship's dynamic.
11. Twister
Twister might seem like a fun and physically engaging game, but it can also test relationships in unexpected ways. The game's requirement for players to contort their bodies in close proximity can lead to awkward moments or discomfort, especially if played in mixed company. Competitive or overly enthusiastic play can result in accidental injuries or arguments over space and body contact. Moreover, jealousy or insecurities may arise, depending on the participants and their relationships to each other.
Ready to make your first budget?
Enter your email and get the free template
12. Secret Hitler
Secret Hitler is a social deduction game that involves hidden roles, with players working to either advance the fascist agenda or stop it by identifying who among them is Secret Hitler. The deception and need to lie to one's partner can create tension, as accusations fly and trust is tested. The game's political theme and the necessity for betrayal can lead to heated discussions or personal offense, especially in today's charged political climate. Partners may find themselves upset not just by the gameplay but by the underlying ideologies and strategies that emerge.
13. Jenga
Jenga, while not competitive in the traditional sense, can still strain relationships through its stress-inducing gameplay. The physical challenge of removing blocks from a steadily unstable tower can cause frustration and blame when the tower inevitably falls. Disagreements over which block to remove next can escalate into larger arguments, with the game's suspenseful nature heightening emotions. Additionally, a partner's lack of dexterity or patience can become a point of contention, leading to mockery or criticism.
14. Battleship
Battleship, a game of strategy and luck in locating your opponent's ships, can lead to frustration and accusations of cheating or luck-based wins. The game's secretive nature, where players must hide their ships and guess the opponent's placements, can fuel distrust, especially if one partner consistently guesses correctly. Disputes may arise over the interpretation of rules or the fairness of gameplay, with each defeat potentially souring the relationship further. The isolation felt during play, as each person silently deliberates their next move, can also diminish the sense of connection that couples seek in game nights.
15. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a seemingly innocent game about train routes, but it can quickly derail relationships. The game involves collecting cards of various colors to claim railway routes on a map, and players often block each other's paths without warning. This can lead to frustration and accusations of targeting, especially if one partner continually blocks the other's routes. The tension of planning a long, uninterrupted path, only to have it thwarted at the last moment, can result in hard feelings that last longer than the game itself.
Does “Male-Privilege” Exist? Here Are 10 Reasons Perhaps Not
The men and women of Reddit share what they believe are the worst things about being a man.
How I make $11,000 per year renting out my spare rooms?
Get access to my FREE guide now.
10 Red Flags That Say “Don't Date Me, Run!”
The Reddit community compiled a list of red flags in both men and women that should be avoided.
These 15 Trashy Actions Make People Lose Respect For You
Respect is an integral part of a relationship, whether personal or professional. If someone steals credit for your hard work or points the finger at you for your mistakes, would you look up to them? Certain things people do can make others lose their admiration for them.
Relationship Buzzkills: 10 Things Men Can't Stand Hearing from Women
Some phrases are overused. Some are just plain annoying. The men of Reddit have come together to share what phrases they hate hearing from women the most.
10 Undesirable Traits That Instantly Kill a Woman’s Interest a Man
Relationships are complex when mutual interest and attraction are at risk. Some actions can kill the spark, whether from a man or a woman. People should understand what can turn off the spark of a relationship. Certain factors about men disappoint women, from signs of disrespect to habits that break trust or closeness, lying, or over-possessiveness.
How I make $11,000 per year renting out my spare rooms?
Get access to my FREE guide now.