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The best board games to play during lockdown, recommended by Chaos Cards, in Folkestone

A board game specialist in Kent is busy delivering orders to its customers at home as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Chaos Cards, in Folkestone, is making sure avid gamers stay entertained during the national lockdown, despite having to keep their shop closed.

Despite the closure, Chaos Cards are working hard to keep board gamers occupied. Picture: Google Maps
Despite the closure, Chaos Cards are working hard to keep board gamers occupied. Picture: Google Maps

The store, in Sandgate Road, usually doubles up as a gaming centre, where players can meet up and play cult tabletop and card games like Blood Bowl, Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon.

But with the government lockdown ordering all non-essential businesses to close their premises, it has meant staff at the warehouse have been working even harder to keep up with the demand of gamers trying to avoid twiddling their thumbs indoors.

Sara Prior, part of the Chaos Cards team, said: "Although our Folkestone store is currently closed in line with the government lockdown, our fantastic warehouse team are doing a great job, packing our online orders whilst keeping to the strict social distancing measures we've put in place.

"We have a wonderful community of war gamers, trading card game players, board gamers and role players who come to the store week in, week out to share our passion for games in our dedicated gaming space.

"We're hoping that we're still able to put a smile on people's faces throughout the current crisis and keep customers entertained."

There are loads of board games perfect to play during lockdown
There are loads of board games perfect to play during lockdown

With that in mind, we asked Sarah to recommend some of the best games to get stuck into while bored at home.

Family games

Monopoly, Folkestone Edition

Sarah said: "We're a Folkestone-based company and wouldn't have it any other way, Folkestone is a beautiful town and we're very lucky to have a store just a two-minute walk from the sea.

"The store may be shut for now, but you can browse the delights of Folkestone in this Monopoly version."

This one needs no introduction really, but the game takes 60-180 minutes to play and is perfect for 2-6 players.

Monopoly is a classic most of us have played
Monopoly is a classic most of us have played

Panic Lab

Sarah said: "A great family game, quick to play (10 to 30 minutes) and supports larger families (2 to 10 players).

"You play as scientists, catching amoebas - and every time you catch one you get a token."

This won best card game way back in 2012, and is still being played by people all over the world.

Beware though, it could get a little competitive.

This science-themed game is good for families
This science-themed game is good for families

Colour Brain, Disney Edition

This one is a Disney-fied take on a popular game that really gets your memory going.

Sarah said: "A great game for young and old, this game is about guessing the colour of things and features over 20 Disney films."

You can play with 2 people or as many as 20 if you have a particularly cosy lockdown happening right now.

If you don't know your Pocahontas from your Toy Story though you might find yourself losing to the kids.

A Disney-fied take on a popular game
A Disney-fied take on a popular game

Single player games

You might not know it, but there are a selection of board and card games that you can play on your own.

For those in total isolation, these picks could give you something to help engage your brain rather than just watching hours of Netflix.

Imperial Settlers

This card game works just as well with one player as it does with four players.

You can play this game alone
You can play this game alone

Sarah said: "Build, trade, conquer and score victory points in this game, with lots of expansions to keep you busy during lockdown."

All the extra expansion packs mean if you fancy updating the game, you can include civilisations like Atlanteans, Aztecs and Amazons.

And if you're playing alone during lockdown, it's a chance to become and expert and wipe the floor with your friends when you next see them.

Tiny Epic Mechs

Another game you can play alone or with others, this one is more science fiction than ancient settling.

Although you can play this with four people, it also works on your own
Although you can play this with four people, it also works on your own

Sarah said: "You can choose actions to allow you to keep moving around the arena by deploying turrets, planting land mines and collecting resources and earn points for controlling areas of the arena."

For those who love sci-fi films like Pacific Rim, this is an excellent pick.

Great all-rounders

Jaipur

Sarah said: "A game of fast-paced tactics, risk and luck, selling or trading cards, taking camels and gaining rewards."

This card game has won various awards
This card game has won various awards

This card game has won awards all over the world for its exciting strategy game play, made for two players.

With each game lasting around half an hour, it's a chance to have a quick game between working from home and those everyday chores.

Festival of a Thousand Cats

For the cat-obsessives, this might just be the perfect game for you.

Another card game, players have to try and score the highest as they reveal their cards to the other players.

Like your cats? This could be the game for you
Like your cats? This could be the game for you

Sarah said: "Beware the crows, use your trump cards well and you'll win more fish than the other players!"

To visit the Chaos Cards website, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

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