The modern gaming industry thrives on trends. With so many new advancements being made in both gaming tech and gaming experiences, manufacturers need audiences to be in constant anticipation of the next big thing. Today’s digital gaming really is pushing the boundaries of innovation, transporting us into epic, immersive virtual universes. We even have professional gaming events thanks to the technological revolution that has swept through the industry in recent years.

Sometimes, however, it’s good to take a break from the oversaturated modern world and remember a simpler time. A time when all you needed to entertain yourself for hours was a pack of cards or a board game. If you’re looking to reconnect with gaming gems from the past with all the convenience of digital tech, keep reading for three classic games to rediscover online.

 

Mahjong 

The Chinese tile-based game of Mahjong is one of the oldest games on our list. A version of it was reportedly played over a thousand years ago in the ancient Chinese court; however, it became more codified in the country during the late 1800s. It didn’t take long for Mahjong to become a global phenomenon, with numerous countries across the world adopting it into their culture. In the US, for example, Mahjong became a hallmark of American Jewish culture by the 1960s.

This game of skill, strategy and chance is widely considered to be a social game and is often played by friends, neighbours and relatives as a way to spend time together and enjoy friendly competition.

Online Mahjong is played the same as the traditional way, with players aiming to create a hand composed of sets (pongs, kongs, and chows) and one pair, using tiles drawn from a wall. There are multiplayer versions of the game, including options to play against the computer, while a number of variants have sprung up online, such as Four Rivers and Shanghai Solitaire.

 

Blackjack 

According to popular history, Blackjack is one of the oldest card games, with roots that can be traced back to the 16th century. The renowned early modern Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes referenced a card game featuring striking similarities to Blackjack in one of his short stories.

When it comes to casino gaming, a lot of people share the opinion that the house always wins. In Blackjack, however, players can actually have a stronger advantage over the house – provided they use basic strategy, of course. The aim of the game is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value of 21 – or as close to it as possible – without going over.

There are plenty of online Blackjack games to choose from, including games that can be played for real money or for free. Leading casino gaming platforms like PokerStars feature innovative digital variants, which modernise the classic ruleset for the digital era. You can even use the 21+3 insurance strategy when playing Blackjack online. This side bet is typically used by advanced players and can increase a players’ odds of winning, provided both their first two cards and the dealer’s up-card forms a winning combination. Furthermore, online Blackjack offers a wider variety of games to choose from with lower minimum and higher maximum bets than land-based casinos.

 

Monopoly 

Did you know that the popular board game Monopoly was first designed to show how monopolies can negatively impact economies? Created by the American economist Elizabeth Magie in 1904, the game was intensely political when it first emerged. Within a few decades, however, it had been transformed into an all-ages board game and was acquired by the biggest games manufacturer in the world at that time.

Hasbro’s iconic board game is one of the most popular in the world. Millions of copies of the game have been sold, and there are countless editions and variations available, including Classic Monopoly as well as movie, gaming, and TV-themed Monopoly. Even luxury brands have collaborated with Hasbro to release limited edition games, such as Aspinal of London’s “Park Lane” of Monopoly sets.

There are also numerous ways to play Monopoly online. Several gaming platforms and digital board game compendiums have versions of the game that can be played for free in-browser. Meanwhile, mobile gaming apps are available for those who want to get their Monopoly fix on the go. The game has even been the inspiration for several real money slot games over the years.