Hungarian-designed board games to play during the holidays

Board games provide an excellent opportunity for bonding with loved ones. Whether it’s a small family gathering or a lively party with friends, board games create a shared experience, fostering connections and building lasting memories. Incorporate these Hungarian-designed board games into your holiday festivities, and embark on a journey of fun, strategy and laughter with friends and family.

GYÜMI: A delightful card game for all ages

GYÜMI (also called Fruit Mix) is a fantastic, easy-to-learn board game designed for 1 to 6 players, with an average playing time of just 25 minutes. Geared towards children as young as 6 years old, the game combines collecting and memory mechanisms, making it a perfect choice for family game nights. The objective is simple yet engaging – players strive to score as many points as possible by cleverly collecting fruit. With a focus on observation skills and memory, the game offers a magically simple, fruit-rich and amusing experience for players of all ages. Boasting a quick one-minute rule learning time, GYÜMI can be enjoyed by two players in a mind tournament or up to 6-7-8 players for a lively party game. It’s not only light and fast but surprisingly interesting, making it an excellent skill and memory developer. Plus, it’s budget-friendly!

Anachrony: A strategic masterpiece

Anachrony, developed by Mindclash Games, stands out as a unique inclusion on this list. Nominated for Game of the Year in 2017, Anachrony offers a sophisticated gaming experience. In the distant 26th century, humanity faces extinction as a colossal meteorite crashes into Earth. The only hope lies in uniting under a single flag. Choose from 4 factions, strengthen your power, upgrade your base and lead survivors on a new path in the renowned Hungarian-developed board game, Anachrony. Dive into a thrilling strategy game of ideologies and time travel, securing your survival and shaping the future of humanity. Recommended for players aged 15 and above, Anachrony invites participants to lead ideological groups in a quest to rebuild civilisation. The game’s intricate mechanics and time-traveling dynamics provide an immersive experience for those willing to invest a few hours in strategic gameplay.

Macskajáték: Counting cats for fun

Macskajáték is a clever and unconventional card game centred around counting. The objective is to create a sequence of numbers adding up to nine, symbolising a cat’s nine lives. Players must build sequences with an odd number of cards, adding an exciting twist to the game. Featuring kittens, stray cats, good and bad dogs, rascals and the cat lady, Macskajáték is a fast-paced and exciting game suitable for both adults and children. It not only provides entertainment but also serves as a tool for learning to count for younger players.

Enhance your fun-filled moments with delicious treats! Read the recipes for two mouth-watering Hungarian retro pastries that the whole family will enjoy. Check them out HERE and savour the joy of the holidays.

Karácsonyfa: Decorating the Christmas tree

Karácsonyfa is a light tactical family game designed for 2–4 players, perfect for the holiday season. The game challenges players to decorate their Christmas trees skillfully, with attention to both their own and others’ trees. With three different difficulty levels, Karácsonyfa accommodates players of varying skill levels. It’s an amazing gift option for Christmas, promising enjoyable gameplay and a festive atmosphere under the tree.

Fröccs: Mixing spritzers in a pub

Fröccs is a refreshing card game that puts players in the shoes of pub heroes striving to mix and sell the best spritzers. Designed by two-time world champion magician Soma Hajnóczy, the game adds a dash of humour and competition to the table. Bargaining and negotiation take centre stage in this fast-paced and exciting party game. Fröccs provides a unique and entertaining experience where players try to outsmart each other while avoiding the pitfalls of greasy boards. Whether enjoyed as a quick favourite for two or expanded to accommodate six players, Fröccs captures the essence of a lively pub. The game’s add-on introduces twists and turns, making it a surprisingly realistic and enjoyable representation of “real life” pub interactions.

Playing board games during the holidays is not just about the games themselves but the joy, connection and shared experiences they bring to individuals and groups. It’s one of the best ways to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with those we cherish.