A Board Game Tourney

This party is for elementary aged kids that enjoy playing board games. They will get a chance to try out several different games and challenge their friends. 

Set Up: You will need to gather many different games together. Those that require two or four players will work the best. Some good choices are Checkers, Chess, Mancala, Parcheesi, Sorry, Trouble, Battleship, and Rummikub. You will also need a timer and a whistle or bell to indicate when the next round of the tourney is beginning.

Arrival: Before kids come, set out the games around the room and number each table or area. Upon arrival, let kids draw a number from a hat that tells which game they will startwith. Of course, if game #1 requires four players, you will have to put four 1’s in the hat, and so on. If kids are unfamiliar with certain games, go over the directions before the tourney, and be sure you post helpers around the room to settle disputes about the rules.

Main Event: Set the timer and let the tourney begin. After about 20 minutes, ring the bell or blow the whistle, which means everyone must stop. Visit each game and award 5 points to the winner or player in the lead, 4 points to the next highest and so on. If the game is not finished, you will have to award the points by the most tiles placed, most men “home,” most ships sunk, etc. Have everyone advance to the next game and continue play until everyone has played every contest. You can offer prizes to the one with the highest score, lowest total and score most near the average. 

Refreshments: Chips and dips or other simple snacks that can be eaten while playing would go over well.