A board game is any type of game that is played on a marked surface (board). In addition to the board, there are usually pieces that are used to move across the board in various ways, depending on the game being played. There are literally thousands of board games. Some are simple and considered family entertainment, while others are intricate and involve a plan or strategy in order to win.

Although board games have been played in most cultures since the earliest civilizations, they became widely popular during the early 20th century with the rise of the middle class who had time to spend and money to burn. Board games can be described in two basic categories