Board games are part of Brazilian culture and are a great way to have fun, connect and even learn, all away from screens.
In addition to promoting interaction between generations, they help develop logical reasoning and create moments of family togetherness that will last a lifetime. And the best part: they are affordable, practical and can be adapted to any situation, from a barbecue to a night at home with the kids.
In this article, you will discover the most beloved board games in Brazil, how to make the most of them and creative ways to bring them into your daily life. Prepare to be surprised and, who knows, rediscover a pastime that was forgotten in the closet.
What are classic board games?
Board games are recreational activities that involve pieces, cards or boards and that can be played on a surface, usually a table. In Brazil, they carry a lot of history and tradition, being passed down from generation to generation.
It is important to note that many of these games have origins that mix indigenous, African and European cultures. Over time, they gained their own identity and became symbols of Brazilian culture.
Let’s now explore in more detail the games that are part of this rich heritage.
Discover the main Brazilian board games
1. Checkers
Checkers is a strategy game, played by two players, that requires attention, logic and planning. Ideal for all ages, it is a perfect gateway for those who want to develop critical thinking through play.
2. Ludo
Inspired by the Indian Pachisi, Ludo has gained popularity in Brazil because it is easy to play and highly entertaining. It is ideal for families with children, as it teaches about luck, turns and respect for the rules.
3. Buraco
A classic among card games, Buraco is played in pairs and requires memory, strategy and good communication between players. It is common to see it at family gatherings and among friends.
4. Dominoes
Dominoes is a reasoning game that can be played casually or competitively. It stimulates logical thinking and attention to detail.
5. Truco
Full of excitement and bluffing, truco is traditional in several regions of the country. In addition to being fun, it is a lively form of socializing, with shouting, laughter and lots of healthy rivalry.
How to play the main Brazilian board games
Checkers
Objective: Capture the opponent’s pieces or block their movements.
How to play:
- The board is squared with 64 squares (8×8), with the black squares being used in the game.
- Each player starts with 12 pieces, placed in the three initial rows of black squares.
- Pieces move only diagonally, one square at a time, always forward.
- To capture a piece, you must “jump” over it on a diagonal, if the next square is free.
- When you reach the opponent’s last row, your piece becomes a “queen” and can move both forward and backward diagonally.
- The winner is the player who manages to capture all of the opponent’s pieces or block their movements.
Ludo
Objective: Get your 4 pieces from the starting point to the middle of the board before your opponents.
How to play:
- Each player has 4 pawns of the same color and starts with all of them at the “base”.
- To leave the base, you need to roll a 6 on the dice. If you roll a 6, you roll again.
- The pawns advance clockwise, following the path of their color.
- If your pawn lands on a space occupied by an opponent, it returns to the base.
- The “colored spaces” are safe, no one can be eliminated from them.
- The winner is the player who gets the 4 pieces to the center (the final space of their color).
Buraco (or Canasta)
Objective: Form combinations of cards in sequences or triplets and score more points than the opposing pair.
How to play:
- Played with two full decks of cards (including jokers).
- Players are divided into pairs. Each player receives 11 cards.
- There are two piles: one for buying and one for discarding.
- The player can buy from the stock or from the discard pile (if he/she is going to use the card).
- The goal of the game is to make combinations with three or more cards of the same value (such as 7♣, 7♦ and 7♥) or to form numerical sequences of the same suit (for example: 4♦, 5♦, 6♦).
- The game ends when one of the players “knocks”, that is, discards the last card and his/her partner has made at least one canasta (a game with 7 cards).
- Points are added up at the end based on the cards used and the canastas made.
Dominoes
Objective: To run out of pieces or to prevent your opponent from playing.
How to play:
- The game consists of 28 pieces, each with two numbers (from 0 to 6).
- Each player starts with 7 pieces.
- Whoever has a double 6 (or the highest double) starts the round.
- Players, in their turn, must place a piece with the corresponding number on the ends of the sequence.
- If there is no valid piece, the player passes.
- The winner is the player who runs out of pieces or who has the fewest points in their hands when the game “freezes” (no player can play).
Truco (Paulista or Mineiro)
Objective: Score 12 points before the opposing pair, winning rounds with stronger cards.
How to play (simplified version from São Paulo):
- Cards from 4 to Ace are used. The deck goes from 4 to 3 (in order of increasing strength).
- Each player receives 3 cards.
- In each round, the winner is the player who wins 2 of the 3 “hands”.
- The cards have a specific hierarchy, with the Zap (4 of clubs) being the strongest, followed by the 7 of hearts, ace of spades and 7 of diamonds.
- During the game, it is possible to ask for “truco”, increasing the bet of points for the round.
- The opponent can accept, run away or ask for “six”, “nine” or “twelve”, increasing the risk and fun even more.
How to adapt games for informal gatherings
Want to liven up a get-together with friends? Or turn a family night into something special? Here are some ideas:
- Create quick versions of the games: Reduce the number of rounds so that everyone can participate.
- Use alternative items: Don’t have a deck of cards? You can improvise with paper and pen. The important thing is to have fun.
- Organize mini championships: A small competition can bring even more excitement.
- Adapting the rules for children: Simplify the instructions and focus on the game.
Conclusion and call to action
Rediscovering board games is more than just a way to pass the time; it’s about reliving memories, strengthening bonds and creating meaningful moments. They promote interaction, develop reasoning and make any encounter more special.
Now that you know the classics and how to adapt them, why not start today? Grab that forgotten deck of cards, improvise a board or teach checkers to someone who’s never played. You’ll be surprised at how much these games still have to offer.