Most people, including me, until recently, thought the terms tabletop game and board game referred to the same thing. Though they can be used interchangeably for most intents and purposes, I learned that they are not technically the same thing.
So what is the difference between tabletop games and board games? Tabletop games are a category of games that emcompases board games. Tabletop games are any games that are played on a flat surface—usually a table. This includes board games, card games, role-playing games, pencil and paper games, and many others. All board games are tabletop games, but not all tabletop games are board games.
Detailed Explanation
Tabletop games, as well as board games, must be played on a raised, flat surface—or at the very least, a flat surface. Playing the game could not be easily accomplished without it. Tabletop games, though, are less strict in their definition. Pretty much, if the game requires a flat surface to play it, then it fits within the category. If it doesn’t, then it’s probably more accurately categorized as another type of game.
Board games, on the other hand, are more focused in scope. Yes, for the most part they require a tabletop to play; but that is only one component of the definition. The more important component, if there is one, is that the board game comes as a complete package, with a board. All game components are pulled out of a box and arranged on and around the board according to the instructions. Players follow the sequence until the game is complete. Each board game looks and plays differently, but they all must contain a board and be a complete package to technically be considered a board game.
Some people argue that board games and tabletop games are two completely separate categories from one another. They argue that tabletop games are any games on a table that aren’t played on a board or mat of any kind. Role-playing games are an example of this. While at the same time, board games are games that are played on a game board—but the two categories don’t intersect. At AGA, we decisively determine that all board games (even though some aren’t played on a tabletop) fall into the category of tabletop games. The vast majority of board games require a raised flat surface to play on—which is our definition of tabletop games. In other words, they are a subcategory of tabletop games.
Categories of tabletop and board games
Tabletop games and board games are each comprised of many categories; to better understand them, we’ve listed several of each below.
Tabletop Games
Board games- As already mentioned, board games fit within the general category of tabletop games. They are games that come in a box with many components—most importantly a game board. Players move pieces around the board according to the rules until one player acquires more points, money, fame, etc. or completes a specific task. Then the winner is determined.
A few examples of popular board games are
- Catan
- 5 Tribes
- Carcassonne
Role-playing/Adventure Games- Players assume roles and set out on an adventure; which means they may use character voices and behaviors. Pencils, paper and dice are often used to navigate the game, which can be complex or simple. Due to use of these game components, games are played on a tabletop.
The most famous example of a role-playing game is Dungeons and Dragons
Card Games- Card games are very similar to board games and are often used as a game element in them; however, they can be their own category. These games usually come in a small box with a deck (some card games have many decks) of cards. The entire game is played with the cards by drawing, managing, and playing the cards to earn points or advance toward victory.
A few examples of card games are
- Poker
- Dutch Blitz
- Phase 10.
Dice Games- Dice games is another category; the element of dice is one we often see in other types of games, but it is its own category nonetheless. These are games where the major action, if not the only action, is rolling dice in an attempt to get some outcome. Because they use primarily dice, there is usually a lot of luck in these games.
A few examples of dice games are
- Yahtzee
- Tenzi
- Liar’s Dice
Pencil-and-paper Games- These games are primarily played with only pencil and paper. Many simple games can be recreated in pencil-and-paper style. Pictionary is a great example of this concept. Though the actual game is a board game, players can get around a table and use just pencils, paper and a little creativity to play. Other games that fit in this category are ones that most of us played in grade school.
A few examples of pencil-and-paper games are
- Hangman
- M.A.S.H
- Tic Tac Toe
- Battleship
Board Games
Board games can be classified in many ways. How we’ll group them here is in broad, general categories.
Euro-style Games- Euro-style games are board games where the primary objective when creating the game is elegance, with efficient mechanics. All choices are made with this core objective in mind. As a consequence, game themes aren’t essential to the core of the game and could almost be eliminated without an effect on the game. Direct player conflict, player elimination and luck (dice) usually aren’t used in these types of games because those game elements focus more on drama and excitement than how the game itself functions. For a more detailed explanation of Euro-style games, see our awesome, in-depth article.
A few examples of Euro-style games are
- 7 Wonders
- 5 Tribes
- Splendor
Ameritrash Games- Ameritrash games (also called American-style games) are those that games designers create with an emphasis on drama and excitement. Consequently, all decisions on what to add or eliminate from the game are viewed with this lens. The theme of Ameritrash games are usually essential to the game itself. Without it, the game wouldn’t make much sense and probably wouldn’t be fun to play. Other core components in this game are the opposite of Euro-style games—direct player conflict, player elimination and luck through the use of dice. We have an awesome article on Ameritrash games and where the name came from here.
A few examples of Ameritrash games are
- Arkham Horror
- Survive
- Merchants and Marauders
War Games- War games are all about realism and, you guessed it, war. Designers want to put players in the hot seat, making decisions that will either win them the game or lose everything. Major mechanics in these games are similar to Ameritrash games. They are usually strong-themed games where players directly interact with one another in a fight for territory or to complete objectives. Wars games would be placed within another category in many ways; but since they are so popular, they can be split into a separate group.
A few examples of War Games are
- Axis and Allies
- Dune
- Chess
Mass-market Games- Mass market games are just that. The focus for these games is simplicity and broad appeal. These are usually sold by large game companies and end up in big-box stores like Walmart and Target; they are also heavily sold on Amazon. They are usually “cheaply” made too. More often than not, they are very simple to play and employ heavy use of luck (though not always). They are meant to play quickly and be fun enough for groups to learn as they play. I’m not a fan of most mass-market games, though some can be very fun.
A few examples of mass-market games
- Clue
- Monopoly
- Trouble
Related Questions
What was the first tabletop game to exist? The first tabletop game in history was a game in ancient Egypt called Senet. It can be traced back to paintings before 3000BC. It was a game that combined both strategy and luck. It had a “dice element” to it as well as a board and pieces. Ancient Egyptians enjoyed playing this game and the winner was looked at as being favored of the gods because of the luck element.
Are tabletop games board games? Tabletop games are any games played on a flat, raised surface; therefore, tabletop games can be board games, but aren’t necessarily board games. Conversely, all board games (with very few exceptions) are played on a flat, raised surface—so they are all tabletop games. As seen already in this post, board games are a subcategory of tabletop games. In other words, they are one type of tabletop game. A few other examples of tabletop games are card games, RPG’s, and pencil-and-paper games.