Nearly half of families (46%) will have at least one row over board games during the Christmas period – as 57% have caught someone cheating, a study has found.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that board games are a Christmas family tradition for 57%, with an average of four games being played over the festive season.
But it seems avid gamers are anything but honest with how they play – as almost six in ten admit to “bending the rules” or sabotaging the game when they play against their family.
The top underhanded tactics used during board games include pretending to have a worse hand than you do, peeking at another player's cards or tiles, and even hiding pieces of the game.
More than half (52%) claim they have a competitive streak when playing against their loved ones, while 45% admitted they are guilty of trying to win by any means possible.
But when things don't go their way, 50% have “rage quit” – and 43% of those are adamant their actions were justified.
The research was commissioned by Mattel to launch the new Scrabble Trap Tiles edition – and saw TV personalities Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott show what can happen when sabotage is at play.
Sam Thompson said: “Anybody who knows me, knows I love winding people up.
“But what most people don’t know is that I’m the ultimate games night saboteur, loving nothing more than using my brains, wit, and a few underhand tactics to win.”
Kelly Philp, from Mattel UK, said: “Playing games at Christmas is a much-loved tradition – and it’s interesting to see how many surprising traits come out the woodwork in gameplay, from sabotaging to cheating.
“Whatever your favourite way to play, board games are an integral part of festive celebrations, and this is such a brilliant way to bring the entire family together – and no matter who wins or loses, a good time is always guaranteed.”
The research also found 44% admitted to trying to sabotage a board games night by pretending to have a worse hand than they do, feigning to know a word that might not exist, and deliberately stalling.
And 35% act as if they are less skilled at the game than they actually are.
The gamers were asked about what their best skills are – with many claiming to be a strategist, and having the nous to make the right move at the right times.
While others believe their patience gives them the edge, and many believe they are somewhat of a wordsmith.
Nearly half (45%) think Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a family row over a board game – with husbands and wives the most likely to clash, followed by confrontations with brothers and daughters.
And claiming the family bragging rights is the ultimate aim of the game for 42% of those polled, via OnePoll.
When it comes to what they are playing, more than a quarter (27%) are creatures of habit, and will play the same board games each year – while 31% will play a mixture of new titles and old favourites.
Kelly Philp, from Mattel UK, added: “Seeing how much Brits love to mix up games night means no game is ever the same, and seeing the hilarious tactics game fans create has been illuminating.
“The Scrabble Trap Tiles edition is an all-new way to play the classic game – but this time, we are giving fans all the tools they need to sabotage their opponents by stealing points, tiles, or even the game.”
TOP UNDERHANDED TACTICS USED WHEN PLAYING BOARD GAMES:
- Pretending to be less skilled/knowledgeable than you are
- Pretending you have a worse hand or play than you do
- Pretending you know a word that may not exist
- Peeking at another player's tiles/cards
- Blocking your opponent
- Hiding pieces of the game
- Stealing someone's turn
- “Forgetting” the rules
- Stalling
- Deliberately miscalculating points
