How to Choose Board Games for Seniors
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The best game for an older player is one they will actually want to play. Usually that means pieces you can see and hold, rules you can explain in a minute, and a game that ends before anyone gets tired. Here is a simple way to choose.
Five things that matter
- Pieces you can see and hold. Big, thick pieces in strong colors. No tiny tokens.
- Short rules. If it takes more than a few minutes to explain, save it for later.
- Short games. Twenty or thirty minutes is often plenty.
- No timers. Sand timers and speed rounds add stress.
- Easy to play seated. Everything within reach of a chair.
Classics are often the easiest
Familiar games need no new rules. Many older players already know checkers, dominoes, rummy, bingo and Chinese checkers, so the game starts right away and the talk flows.
| Game | Players | Look for |
|---|---|---|
| Checkers | 2 | Jumbo board, thick pieces |
| Dominoes | 2 to 4, more with big sets | Color dots, jumbo tiles |
| Bingo | Any group | Large print cards |
| Chinese checkers | 2 to 6 | Big marbles or pegs, a sturdy board |
| Card games | 2 or more | Large print cards, a card holder |
A jumbo checkers set is easy to see from across the table. Large print bingo cards work for a whole room. A Chinese checkers board plays up to six. For more ideas, our guides to dominoes sets and large print playing cards go deeper.
Match the game to the group
Two players at the kitchen table want something different from ten people in a community room. For two, checkers, backgammon and cribbage are lovely. For a group, bingo, dominoes and simple word games work well. Cooperative games, where everyone plays together against the game, take away the sting of losing.
If you want a big-print word game, search large print word games and check the photos for tile and letter size.
For someone with memory loss
For someone living with dementia, familiar games are often easier than new ones. Simple matching games, a few dominoes or a round of an old card game can be a pleasant way to spend time together. Change the rules freely. Nobody needs to keep score. The point is the time together, not winning.
What to skip
- Games with lots of small cards to read. Tiny text wears people out.
- Speed games with timers or racing.
- Games that take an hour to set up.
Play free first
Try a game together on a tablet before buying a box. Our free board games include checkers, dominoes and Chinese checkers, all in the browser with no sign-up. Print a free checkers board, or see our games for seniors with big tiles and large print.
Quick checklist
- Big, thick pieces in strong colors.
- Rules you can explain in a minute.
- Games that end in under half an hour.
- No timers.
- Familiar classics first.
- Match the game to the group size.
- For memory loss: simple, familiar, no score.
Questions
What board games are easiest for seniors?
Familiar classics such as checkers, dominoes, bingo and simple card games, because nobody has to learn new rules.
What should I look for in a game for someone with dementia?
Something familiar and simple, with big pieces and no timer. Change the rules as you like and focus on time together.
Are there large print board games?
Yes. Large print bingo cards, jumbo checkers and big-tile word games are common. Check the photos for print size.