Five Most Frustrating Board Games To Play With The Family

Board games are a timeless family pastime, bringing people together for fun, strategy, and a bit of friendly competition. However, not all board games are created equal when it comes to family harmony. Some games, while popular and beloved, can lead to more frustration than fun. Here are five of the most frustrating board games to play with the family:

1. Monopoly: The Friendship Breaker

Monopoly is a classic game that almost everyone has played at some point. Its premise is simple: buy properties, build houses and hotels, and bankrupt your opponents. However, the game’s length and competitiveness can turn a friendly gathering into a battleground. Monopoly games can drag on for hours, and the combination of luck and strategy often leads to heated arguments. The frustration peaks when one player dominates, leaving others to endure a slow, agonising defeat. Family members might end up holding grudges over real estate deals gone wrong. And there's always the risk of the banker cheating!

2. Risk: The Game of Global Domination (and Family Feuds)

Risk is all about strategy, diplomacy, and luck as players vie for world domination. While it’s thrilling to plan your military conquests, the game’s length and the constant threat of betrayal can strain family relationships. Alliances are made and broken, leading to feelings of betrayal and resentment. The game’s complexity and the potential for lengthy gameplay sessions often result in frustrated players who feel their carefully laid plans are foiled by a single bad roll of the dice.

3. Sorry!: The Apology Not Accepted

Sorry! is deceptively simple but notoriously frustrating. The objective is to move your pieces around the board and into your home zone. The catch? You can send other players’ pieces back to the start, undoing their progress with a simple "Sorry!" While intended as a light-hearted, quick game, the frequent setbacks can lead to significant frustration. No one enjoys having their progress erased, especially repeatedly, and the phrase “I’m sorry” starts to lose its charm after the tenth time.

4. The Game of Life: The Roller Coaster of Emotions

The Game of Life simulates a journey through life, from college to retirement, complete with jobs, marriage, and children. While it sounds fun and educational, the game’s reliance on chance can make it incredibly frustrating. Random events can dramatically alter a player’s fortunes, leading to feelings of helplessness. Drawing the short straw in career or salary choices can set a negative tone for the rest of the game, causing envy and frustration among players. The unpredictability often leaves players feeling that their choices don’t matter as much as they should.

5. Uno: The Card Game of Endless Revenge

Uno is a fast-paced, colourful card game where players try to be the first to get rid of all their cards. It sounds simple, but special cards like Draw Two, Skip, and Reverse can turn the game into a revenge-fuelled frenzy. Players often target each other with these cards, leading to chains of retaliatory moves. The frustration peaks when a player is on the verge of winning but gets hit with a barrage of special cards, sending them back to square one. The cycle of revenge can make the game feel personal and never-ending.