What is the oldest game still played?

When we talk about the oldest games still played today, we’re usually referring to traditional board, card, and strategy games that have survived centuries and are still enjoyed worldwide. Let’s break it down.

🏛️ The Oldest Games Still Played

1. Senet (c. 3100 BCE)

  • Origin: Ancient Egypt

  • Why it’s still played: One of the earliest known board games, Senet was a game of strategy and luck. Modern reconstructions let players experience how Egyptians might have played.

  • Where to learn/play: Senet Board Game – Wikipedia

  • Fun Fact: Some historians believe it had religious significance, symbolizing the journey to the afterlife.

2. Go (c. 2000 BCE)

  • Origin: Ancient China

  • Why it’s still played: Go is a strategy board game with incredibly deep tactics despite simple rules. It’s popular worldwide, especially in East Asia.

  • Platforms: Physical boards, online (OGS, KGS Go Server)

  • Play Online: Online Go Server

  • Popular YouTubers: Dwyrin, Nick Sibicky – who teach Go strategy.

3. Chess (c. 6th century CE)

  • Origin: India (as Chaturanga)

  • Why it’s still played: Chess has evolved into one of the most popular strategy games in the world. It’s celebrated for deep tactics, competitive play, and its cultural significance.

  • Platforms: Physical boards, online (Chess.com, Lichess)

  • Play Online: Chess.com

  • Popular YouTubers: GothamChess, Hikaru Nakamura

4. Backgammon (c. 3000 BCE – 500 BCE)

  • Origin: Mesopotamia

  • Why it’s still played: Backgammon is a mix of luck and strategy, using dice and moving pieces across the board. It’s been played in different forms for thousands of years.

  • Platforms: Physical boards, online (Backgammon Galaxy)

  • Play Online: Backgammon Galaxy

  • Fun Fact: Backgammon is one of the oldest games with dice still in widespread use.

5. Mancala (c. 600 CE)

  • Origin: Africa (Ethiopia, Sudan)

  • Why it’s still played: Mancala is a strategy “sowing” game, popular in Africa and beyond, with dozens of regional variations.

  • Platforms: Physical boards, online versions

  • Play Online: Mancala Online

🧠 Takeaway

The oldest games still played today tend to be strategy and board games. Their longevity comes from:

  • Simple rules but deep strategy (Chess, Go, Mancala)

  • Cultural and historical significance (Senet, Backgammon)

  • Adaptability to modern platforms (online versions, mobile apps)

These games not only entertain but connect us with history, letting us experience the same games ancient civilizations played thousands of years ago.