Most Popular Board Game in Each State

Everyone has a favorite board game that never loses its charm.

Maybe it's the thrill of buying up property in Monopoly, the strategy behind a competitive game of chess, or the combination of storytelling and imagination in Dungeons & Dragons that keeps you coming back for more.

But what’s fascinating is how preferences vary across the country - your state’s top pick might surprise you!

In this blog, we're exploring the most popular board games across all 50 states to find which games Americans are most passionate about.

Most Popular Board Game by State: Alabama to Wyoming

Here are the most popular board games in each state:

 

It seems like Monopoly is the most popular board game, topping the list in eight states, while games like Apples to Apples, Mancala, and Battleship are less common favorites.

The Top 5 Board Games Americans Enjoy Playing the Most

From our list above, we can see that Monopoly, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and Dungeons & Dragons are clearly the go-to board games in many states across America.

Let's break down the top five:

1. Monopoly: 8 states

Ah, Monopoly... one of the best board games of all time! This property-trading game dominates in Arizona, California, Delaware, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Texas.

These states represent some of America's most competitive property markets, which is fitting for a game about real estate empire-building!

2. Hungry Hungry Hippos: 6 states

This frantic marble-chomping game claims the second top spot on our list, captivating players in Alabama, Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Its attraction lies in quick gameplay and infectious energy that gets everyone involved.

3. Chess: 5 states

Dating back nearly 1,500 years, chess is most popular in Connecticut, Hawaii, New Mexico, Vermont, and Virginia. It's clear that these states certainly appreciate the mental challenge and timeless appeal of this classic strategy game!

4. Dungeons & Dragons: 4 states

The fantasy-playing board game is a firm favorite in Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Allowing players to unleash their creativity, these states love creating unique characters, stories, and worlds with their fantastic storytelling skills!

5. Codenames: 3 states

This modern word association card game has captured the hearts of players in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Its team-based gameplay and clever wordplay make it perfect for family and social gatherings.

Now that we know a little more about the most popular types of board games in various states, let's dig a little deeper to see why Americans enjoy playing board games so much.

 

Why Americans Love Playing Board Games

While each American may love a different game, it's clear that board games are a fan favorite regardless of location or age. These tabletop games offer far more than temporary entertainment; they provide genuine mental and social benefits that partially explain their popularity across all 50 states.

Playing board games regularly, like weekly family game nights, can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and strengthen family bonds. Strategic games like chess sharpen critical thinking, while Dungeons & Dragons sparks creativity through storytelling. Even high-energy games like Hungry Hungry Hippos create joyful moments of connection with family and friends.

Research shows that board games offer a wide range of benefits for both children and adults. Things like our brain, social, emotional, and psychological health are all improved thanks to this fun hobby!

And with board games being so popular, don't you think it reflects our need for genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world? While online games are fun and all, there's nothing that quite beats hammering family and friends in a game of Monopoly, right? Laugh out loud.

With that being said, it's also safe to say that most Americans enjoy playing their favorite board games in a dedicated game room, which we'll explore in the next section.

FAQs

What is the most popular board game in New York?

Monopoly is the most popular board game in New York.

Which US states play chess the most?

Connecticut, Hawaii, New Mexico, Vermont, and Virginia are where chess is played the most in America.

What are the best-selling board games of all time?

According to Fun.com, chess, checkers, Scrabble, and Clue are among the best-selling board games of all time.

What are the three most popular board games in America?

Monopoly, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and chess are the three most popular board games in America.

Final Thoughts

So there it is: a complete rundown of the most popular board games in each state, along with some nifty ideas to create the perfect gaming space.

Hungry Hungry Hippos, chess, and Dungeons & Dragons are among the most popular board games in America, while Battleship, Blokus, and Mall Madness are played only in a few states.