The Most Popular Board Game in China, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the board game you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 9, 2024 06:31
Board games serve as a critical component of leisure and cultural exchange, especially in a populous nation like China where traditional and modern games blend seamlessly. Understanding which games capture the attention and hearts of the millions can provide insights into cultural trends and group dynamics. Creating a ranking of the most popular board games can help facilitate this understanding by highlighting which games are currently resonating with people across the country.
This list aims to serve as a dynamic reflection of player preferences and trends in the gaming community. By participating in the voting, users contribute not only to a broader understanding of popular culture but also influence the list's accuracy and relevance. Your votes help paint a clearer picture of what entertains, challenges, and unites players, thereby enriching our shared gaming culture.
What Is the Most Popular Board Game in China?
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168votesGo is considered the most popular board game in China, with a history dating back over 2,500 years. It is a strategic game played on a 19x19 board, and it requires players to capture their opponents' stones by surrounding them. The game is played professionally in China and other countries, and it is also taught in schools.Go (Weiqi) is an ancient strategy board game that originated in China over 2,500 years ago. It is considered one of the oldest board games still played today. The objective of the game is to control more territory on the board than the opponent by strategically placing black or white stones on a grid board. Go is known for its simple rules yet complex gameplay, requiring deep strategic thinking and long-term planning.
- Board Size: 19x19 grid
- Number of Players: 2
- Number of Stones: 181 black stones, 180 white stones
- Starting Position: Empty board
- Gameplay: Alternate turns, placing one stone each turn
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229votes
Francesc Fort · CC BY-SA 4.0Also known as "Elephant Chess," Chinese Chess is a two-player game played on a 9x10 board. It is similar to Western Chess, but with some unique features such as a river dividing the board and the ability to place pieces on the opponent's side of the board.Chinese Chess, also known as Xiangqi, is a strategic board game that originated in ancient China. It is one of the most popular and widely played board games in the country. The game is played on a square board divided into a grid of 9x10 or 9x11 squares. Each player controls an army of 16 pieces, with the objective of capturing the opponent's general or 'king' piece.- Board Size: 9x10 or 9x11 squares
- Number of Players: 2
- Pieces: Each player has 16 pieces, including a general, advisors, elephants, horses, chariots, cannons, and soldiers.
- Objective: To capture the opponent's general piece.
- Movement: Each piece has specific movement rules and limitations, with the goal of strategic positioning and capturing.
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317votesMahjong is a tile-based game that originated in China and is played with four players. It is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation, and it is played in homes, clubs, and casinos in China and other countries.Mahjong is a traditional Chinese board game that originated in the Qing dynasty. It is played with a set of 144 tiles, typically made of bone or bamboo, although modern sets may also use plastic. The game involves four players and requires both skill and strategy to win. Mahjong has gained immense popularity not only in China but also worldwide.
- Players: 4
- Tiles: 144
- Tile types: 3 suits (bamboo, character, circle), honor tiles (winds and dragons)
- Game objective: To collect sets of tiles and form a winning hand
- Value tiles: Flower and season tiles
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425votesBackgammon is a two-player game played on a board with 24 points. It is a game of skill and luck, and it is popular in China and other countries.Backgammon (Shuanglu) is a classic board game that has been enjoyed in China for centuries. It is a two-player game played on a board with 24 triangular points. The objective is to move all of one's own pieces clockwise around the board and bear them off. The game involves strategy, skill, and a bit of luck, making it exciting and challenging to play.
- Number of Players: 2
- Board Size: 24 triangular points
- Game Type: Strategy
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Playing Time: Varies (typically 15-30 minutes)
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519votesBridge is a four-player game that originated in the United States, but it has become popular in China in recent years. It is a game of strategy and communication, and it is played in clubs and tournaments.Bridge, also known as Doudizhu, is a popular trick-taking card game in China. It is typically played with three players and a standard deck of 54 cards. The game involves players forming partnerships, and the objective is to be the first team to reach a predetermined number of points.
- Number of Players: 3
- Deck: Standard 54-card deck
- Object of the Game: To be the first team to reach a predetermined number of points
- Trick-Taking: Yes
- Partner Formation: Players form partnerships
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617votes
Chinese Checkers (Yi qi qi)
George Howard MonksChinese Checkers is a two-to-six player game played on a star-shaped board. It is a game of strategy and movement, and it is popular in China and other countries.Chinese Checkers, also known as Yi qi qi, is a popular board game in China. It is a strategy game that can be played by two to six players. The objective of the game is to move all of your pieces from one side of the hexagon-shaped board to the opposite side before your opponents do the same.- Number of Players: 2-6
- Board Shape: Hexagon
- Playing Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Age Range: 6+
- Strategy Level: Medium
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71votesGomoku is a two-player game played on a 15x15 board. It is a game of strategy and placement, and it requires players to place five pieces in a row to win.Gomoku is a strategic two-player board game that originated in China. Also known as Five in a Row or Gobang, the objective of the game is to be the first player to get five of their pieces in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on the game board.
- Players: 2
- Board Size: 15x15 or 19x19
- Game Pieces: Black and White stones or tokens
- Turns: Alternating
- Starting Player: Usually determined by random selection or agreement
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811votesPai Gow is a Chinese gambling game played with tiles. It is a game of skill and luck, and it is played in casinos in China and other countries.Pai Gow is a popular casino game that originated in China. It is played using a set of 32 Chinese dominoes, also known as tiles. The game combines elements of poker and dominoes, offering players an exciting and strategic gambling experience.
- Number of Players: Up to 6 players
- Deck Size: 32 domino tiles
- Objective: Create two hands – a high hand with 5 tiles and a low hand with 2 tiles – that beat the dealer's hands
- Ranking of Hands: Based on traditional poker hand rankings with some variations
- Betting: Players can bet on either the player's hand, the dealer's hand, or a tie
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99votesLiubo is an ancient Chinese board game that dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). It is a game of strategy and luck, and it is played on a board with twelve squares.Liubo is an ancient Chinese board game that dates back to the Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BC). It was popular during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and remained a favorite pastime among the Chinese nobles. The game is played on a square board divided into a grid of twelve positions along the four edges and a central palace. It requires two players who take turns to move six pieces each. The objective of Liubo is to capture the opponent's pieces and strategically position one's own pieces to reach the central palace.
- Origin: China
- Year: Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BC)
- Period of Popularity: Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)
- Number of Players: 2
- Board Structure: Square grid with twelve positions and a central palace
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103votesFan-Tan is a Chinese gambling game played with beads. It is a game of chance, and it is played in casinos in China and other countries.Fan-Tan is a traditional Chinese gambling game that has been popular for centuries. It is played with a cup and a pile of small objects, like beads or buttons, which are used for betting. The objective of the game is to be the player with the lowest number of objects remaining at the end of the game.
- Number of players: Any number, usually between 2 and 8
- Playing time: Varies, typically 10-30 minutes
- Equipment: Cup, small objects (e.g., beads, buttons)
- Age range: Suitable for all ages
- Skill level: Easy to learn, requires strategy
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Ranking factors for popular board game
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Number of playersA popular board game in China should have a large number of players or enthusiasts. Look for data on the number of copies sold or regular players to gauge popularity.
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Cultural relevanceThe game should be culturally relevant in China and should reflect Chinese lifestyle, history or values. Traditional games like Xiangqi, Mahjong, and Go are deeply ingrained in Chinese culture.
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AccessibilityThe game should be accessible to a wide range of people, with varying levels of skill, age, and experience. The rules should be simple enough for new players to learn quickly, but also offer enough depth and complexity for experienced players to enjoy.
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Social aspectIn China, board games are often seen as a social activity. Hence, a popular board game should facilitate interaction among players and provide opportunities for socializing and building friendships.
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Critical acclaimConsider if the game has won any awards or received positive reviews from critics and players. High ratings on board game websites or presence in popular board game lists can indicate popularity.
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AvailabilityThe game should be widely available for purchase both online and offline. A game that is hard to find or has limited distribution may not be as popular.
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LongevityA popular board game should have a relatively long history or staying power. Games that have been popular for many years or even generations are more likely to have staying power.
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Educational aspectMany Chinese parents view board games as an opportunity for learning and mental development. A popular game might have an educational aspect that helps improve strategic thinking, problem-solving, and/or memory skills.
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AdaptabilityA popular game should be adaptable to different group sizes and playing environments, such as family gatherings, parties, or casual get-togethers.
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Enjoyment and satisfactionUltimately, a popular board game should be enjoyable for a wide range of players, providing satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment during and after play.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular board game in China. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or board game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2849 views
- 198 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each board game once every 24 hours. The rank of each board game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular board game in china
China has a rich history of board games, with some dating back over 2,000 years. Many of these games have been passed down through generations and remain popular today.
One of the most popular board games in China is Go, also known as Weiqi. It is believed to have originated in China more than 2,500 years ago and is now played worldwide. Go is a strategic game that involves placing black and white stones on a board with the objective of surrounding and capturing your opponent's stones.
Another popular game is Xiangqi, also known as Chinese Chess. It is similar to Western chess but has some key differences, such as the placement of the pieces and the ability to move the pieces across the board diagonally.
Mahjong is also a beloved game in China, with many variations played throughout the country. It is a tile-based game that involves strategy and luck, with players trying to create sets of tiles to score points.
Overall, board games have a long and rich history in China and continue to be a popular pastime for people of all ages.
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