Grandparents and grandkids: games for two to four
When grandkids stay with their grandparents, often only two or three play together. It’s the chance for games grandparents have known all their lives and can pass on – Checkers, Nine Men’s Morris, Thirty-One. The kids learn them, the grandparents explain.
- for 2–4 people
The tech is usually already in the house: a tablet and a phone on the same Wi-Fi. Many board games don’t need a TV, and when the grandkids want to play alone, there’s the computer as opponent.
Games that fit
Checkers
2 players10–25 minworks without a TVCheckers is the game many grandparents learned as children themselves. The app enforces compulsory captures, so Grandma can explain without having to police every move.
Nine Men’s Morris
2 players10–20 minworks without a TVNine Men’s Morris has rules a primary-school child understands after one game, yet enough depth for grandparents. The double mill is the trick you proudly pass on.
Four in a Row
2 players3–10 minworks without a TVFour in a Row is for the youngest grandkids who can’t read much yet. The rules fit in one sentence, and kids often beat adults here without anyone letting them win.
Thirty-One
2–9 players10–20 minworks without a TVThirty-One is the card game for three or four – say, with both grandparents. The app keeps the score, and kids practise adding along the way.
Five Dice
1–6 players10–30 minworks without a TVFive Dice is for grandkids who can already add up. Deciding which box to fill is a nice excuse to think it through together.
How it can go
A quick start
A few games of Four in a Row so the child gets to know how it works. After that, they’ll happily try the other games.
Learning the classics
Nine Men’s Morris or Checkers, with the grandparents as teachers. The grandkids can play the first game with help.
Three or four players
Thirty-One or Five Dice when both grandparents or siblings join in.
Tips
- For two-player board games, a tablet as host and a phone to join are enough – no TV needed.
- When the grandkids go home, they can keep playing the classics against the computer and show off what they’ve learned on the next visit.
- Let the grandkids choose an animal avatar for Grandma and Grandpa – it turns the setup into shared fun.
More occasions
- Game night with friends
- Birthday games for grown-ups
- Kids’ birthday party: games with little reading
- Games for Christmas
- New Year’s Eve with games
- Family gatherings: games for young and old
- Office parties and team events with games
- Game night for two
- Bachelor and bachelorette party games
- Flatshare night with games
- Rainy day: what to play when you’re stuck inside
- Holiday rental evenings: games without a TV
- School trips and youth camps: evening games
- Seniors’ club: familiar games on a new table
- Pre-party: quick games before you head out
- Getting-to-know-you night: games for new groups
- Halloween: games for a dark night
- Easter: games for the long weekend
- Family game night: playing with your kids
- Match night: games before kick-off and at half-time
- Cabin weekend: games for several evenings
- An evening on your own: games against the computer