International TableTop Day

International Tabletop Day is an annual worldwide celebration of tabletop games. These games provide a fun and intellectually stimulating way to spend time. This form of leisure involves one or more partners, offering enjoyment from both the game and the social interaction with friends and family. The holiday is observed every first Saturday in June.

History

One of the oldest board games was “Senet,” popular in ancient Egypt. Played on a board with 30 squares, it featured symbols representing good luck and bad luck. Beyond its entertainment value, the game held religious significance. Victorious players were believed to earn the favor of the deities, while those who faced misfortune in the game were thought to encounter real-life challenges.

International Tabletop Day is believed to have started in 2013, initiated by a group of passionate gamers who organized events for people to meet partners for board games and engage in exciting gaming sessions.

In the Roman Empire, an early version of modern backgammon existed, with the objective of knocking out all of the opponent’s pieces from the board before they could do the same. Today, board games are incredibly diverse, ranging from standalone designs to those based on movies, video games, and literary universes.

Interesting Facts

• The iconic game “Monopoly” was created in 1903. Originally named “The Landlord’s Game,” it received its modern title in 1935.
• The success of the “Lord of the Rings” universe inspired the development of fantasy board games, which first emerged in the 1970s.

How to Celebrate

Spend the day with family or friends playing your favorite board games. Consider purchasing new game sets to try something different. If you don’t have partners, attend local game day events on this day!

Spread awareness about the holiday on social media. Engage your audience by asking how often they play board games and what their favorite games are.

When is International Tabletop Day in 2025?

International Tabletop Day is observed on the first Saturday in June.

Observations