What’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys? Oh, wait a minute - that’s an actual game, but perhaps not one you’d choose to play if you’re over the age of say, 6.
However, there are special games, just right for each of us, to keep us jolly during this hollyday season. Each game is intuitively right for your Sun Sign - that is, games for tickling your Zodiac fancy, challenging your wits, and/or providing momentary escape from what ails you (whether it’s shopping, entertaining, working the budget). Some of these games are free; some of them cost a bit( but just a bit); some can be found in the attic or the thrift store or for cheapo on the internet. Games are worth every penny they cost (or do not cost) because you can play them over and over (unlike the B movie you’ve just spent $10 on) and they get you off the computer, hopefully; interacting with real people (like your children home from college) and/or the cousins you see once a year.
ARIES: MILLE BORNES. Who likes to win a race more than Aries? No Aries I know, so if you start this addicting Gamers’ Hall of Fame card game be sure you have the time and endurance to finish. Created in the 1950-1960s (there is some disagreement), Mille Bornes (French for milestones)is a simple card game that pits (pun intended you against other racers. Amazing Race fans will understand and appreciate - even if they’re not Aries (4 player version, suggested). One Holiday, four of us played Mille Bornes non-stop from right after breakfast, through lunch, through dinner (eating while we played) , and on until midnight or so. No pieces to lose or clean-up when you’re done. Super-fun and relatively inexpensive.
TAURUS: BATTLESHIP. Feeling a bit testy lately, Taurus? If so, why not use that good head of yours and challenge one of your friends or family to the vintage game that involves hitting targets without seeing them. Actually invented in 1931 (and called “Salvo”), the current board game has been played since the late 1960s (there also is a computer version). The good thing about this game is that children like to play and are pretty good at it. The bad thing is that only 2 play at a time. If you have been having that sinking feeling lately, why not take it out on your opponent’s battleship? If that’s not enough diversion for your current aggressive state, why not start a card game of War? Again, only 2 play, but this can go on and on and on, until you’ve captured every single card. There. Feel better? Great non-violent way to express your feelings. And relatively inexpensive.
GEMINI: TRIVIAL PURSUIT. Back to the future - I mean, back to the 1980s, when this game was hot. Everybody was playing. I’m not sure there were any other games that so dramatically captured the imagination and spirit of the 1980s: the show-off era (Dallas, Dynasty, big shoulder pads, big hair, etc). Actually, if you know anything about Dallas or Dynasty, you’re likely to do fairly well on the current entertainment section of Trivial Pursuit, a game also on the Gamer’s Hall of Fame. Gemini, you are so smart and plugged-in, you know a lot about everything (including sports, science, history, the Arts, geography) so this board game (2-6 can play) will keep you involved and interested (not so easy with most Geminis). Great for those elderly relatives who still have their memories; not so much for young children. Relatively inexpensive.
CANCER: MONOPOLY. Of course. This is a game about wealth building and trading properties, and who knows more intuitively about money? Who likes to stack it up in neat little piles, according to color? Who loves a game they already know so they won’t have to read the rules? Of course, it’s you, Cancer. Invented in the 1930s, this most popular of all the Gamers’ Hall of Fame games never grows old, unless you play it too many days in a row (and then you start dreaming you live on Baltic Avenue). Children can play Monpoloy and so can seniors (you don’t need your memory that much). In fact, 2-8 people can play at one time. I’m not so hot on the modern game pieces. I much prefer the vintage metal pieces (including thimble, top hat, airplane), but I’ll play even if I end up with the yellow plastic piece. New Monopoly board games can get pricey - so look for one in the garage, basement or attic. Also at the thrift store (but be careful, pieces might be missing). If you must buy to play, it’s a good investment - because it’s a gift that keeps on giving (fun and entertainment).
LEO: SCATTERGORIES. You are such a brainiac, Leo. And you appreciate when everyone knows it. Scattergories is your chance to prove your wide-ranging knowledge of so many categories that begin with a certain letter (like “L”) that are esoteric or unusual enough the other players won’t guess the same word. You only have a limited amount of time (hour glass, included), but you can make up your own categories if you don’t care for the ones that come with the game (Candy brand names, automobiles, etc). How about politicians including governors, who went or are about to go to jail? This game is for 2-6 players, and mostly those over 12 (unless they skipped a grade). Seniors won’t have any trouble, because this calls for longterm memory (they’ll even remember which governor went to jail decades ago). Although this game was introduced in 1988, to be fair, it’s a take-off of an older, do-it-yourself game called “Guggenheim.” This is fun, Leo,challenging you to think outside the box. Relatively inexpensive, but another good investment, because you can make your own categories to keep it interesting.
VIRGO: BACKGAMMON. It’s coming back you know. Once the rage of the 1970s (deluxe sets came in Gucci carrying cases), and before that, wildly popular in the 1920s, this actually is an ancient game for 2. I intuit that it will once again become wildly popular as people look for forms of escape and ways to use their minds to strategize and optimize (which may be important components in your career, these days). Since Virgo is somewhat of a re-trend-setter (excelling at repopularizing the formerly popular), and because Virgo is so good at strategy, this game has Virgo written all over it. This is rather complicated - another term Virgo doesn’t mind - and it’s really good for one-on-one moments, which Virgo needs, right now. You can find Backgammon from cheap to ultra-expensive, but if you’re a bit rusty on playing, go for cheap. During the past month or so, I’ve run into dozens of Backgammon books at the 2nd-hand book store - a sure psi sign, the game is coming back. I bought a set, myself (with a rising Virgo, that makes sense, now doesn’t it?)
LIBRA: SCRABBLE. My favorite Libra’s favorite game is Scrabble. She likes to play so much, she plays in person and on-line. This Gamers’ Hall-of-Fame game seems to have caught on with the You Tube generation - but there are tournaments for those who are super serious about their words. These people know words that begin with “X” and “Q” (with no “u” ), that I’ve never heard spoken in my life. But that’s not the point. Experienced scrabble players don’t have to actually say the words, they just have to know how to spell them. Scrabble is generally for 4 (although I guess you can team-play) when you play on the board. On the internet, you play against challengers you rather like (or so I’ve heard). There are junior versions for the younger set. One of the best players in our family is my 86-year-old, crossword-working mama. Scrabble appeals to the always-far Libra, who doesn’t mind challenging another player if a word seems made-up, and doesn’t get mad, if her challenge results in losing her turn. Scrabble, unlike the Mid-Century cheap version, has gotten pricey lately - especially if it has a turntable and velvet bags, etc. I say it’s worth the price, because again - another great investment. It stretches your mind, improves your vocabulary, and keeps you circulating with real live people (not the unseen internet variety).
SCORPIO: CLUE. The master/mistress of mystery is Scorpio. So what better game for the always-one-step-ahead Scorpio than that great ol’ board game, Clue. Invented in the lat 1940s in the United Kingdom, Clue is so much fun - with its properly named players: Col. Mustard (my favorite) and its solution involving who did it, how and where. This Gamers’ Hall of Fame game, best for 4 players or so. It never gets old, and is a great way to play with both young and old, although I’m thinking the collegiates might pass. Scorpio, the intuitive detective, is likely to keep winning as long as you play. If that happens, the game may end early - so keep that in mind, Scorpio. You don’t have to win allthe time! Relatively inexpensive, but again - a good investment, as, unlike so many other games, it does not go out of style.
SAGITTARIUS: TWISTER. Sagittarius knows that age is just a number. Among the most young-at-heart of all the Sun signs, Twister is not just for kids. In fact, the game, invented in 1966, was something of a scandal when Eva Gabor tried it out on the Johnny Carson show. This is the only game I’m aware of (not counting video games) that uses human bodies as game pieces. Something Sag knows and appreciates! Those with arthritis, might want to sit this out, but those limber limbed, of all ages, will have so much fun. Sagittarius is just the sign to say “Let’s play Twister!” This is not a sit-down board game, so this will keep your blood circulating. Another Hall of Fame game, that is still popular. Relatively inexpensive, but valuble fun! Little kids love it!
CAPRICORN: PLAYING CARDS. My friend, the Capricorn, loved Hearts. She taught me the Black Lady version and we played and played, until I approached her level. Then we played some more, and she handily beat me every single time. I mean, every time. I can still hear her laughing, each time she won (and I was left holding the Black Lady). My Capricorn friend also taught me a few other card games, including Spite and Malice. I think she won almost all of our games, and that is where I first also learned about Capricorns. Awesome competitors, and really good at cards. There are really so many card games, we could mention here - including Gin Rummey, Bridge, Canasta - well, you get the picture, especially if you are a Capricorn, because “You Got Game.” Cards are timeless and so inexpensive, if price is an issue.And you can play by yourself (Solitaire) or with a group of 4 or more. Cards have been around forever (you should see the Medieval versions)- and there’s a reason for that; they’re fun. And never boring, unless you’re the Dummy.
AQUARIUS: YAHTZEE. This traditional dice game was invented in 1954, as Yahtzee, but, before that, was known, in another version, as Yacht. This is another Hall of Fame game, and there are a few reasons it’s so popular. One of the most important reasons is that Yahtzee is a challenge to play! It’s a complicated dice game,for 2 players, that involves dice rolling, but also mathematics. Addition, mainly. Sheesh! You almost have to be a brilliant, head person like Aquarius to figure it out, in the first place, and then to strategize on how to win. Yahtzee is not expensive; you can find it in almost any toy store - or on the net. But because the numbers are always changing, it’s exciting and brain-enhancing. Aquarius likes a a little action, and can’t stand being bored (like sitting around waiting for his/her turn at Monopoly). The slogan for Yahtzee was “The game that makes thinking fun!” So roll those dice, Aquarius!
PISCES: CHESS. This is almost the perfect game/spot for Pisces. Pisces is a visualizer and a strategizer, who can plot moves, especially the trickier ploys, and enjoy the escape of this game. This is an ancient game - and one that knows no boundaries - so you can play chess (only 2 can play) in any country and you won’t need to speak the language. Just make your moves. There are so many levels to this game - another attraction for Pisces, who thinks on so many levels. You can enjoy Chess, even if you’re not a grand Master. The game fulfills a lot of Pisces’ need to dream and accomplish. Again, you can spend a little - or a lot - depending on your budget. But this game is timeless; a classic that will engage you, and open up new social outlets, if you like (chess club, anyone?)
If you still want to play games, and none of these appeal, or you don’t want to spend any money, there are a few word and acting games to delight almost any Sun sign - including Two Truths and a Lie, Boticelli and the good ol’ Charades. I’m sure you know how to play Charades (especially if you’ve spent time in a parlour), but you may want to look up “Two Truths and a Lie” and “Boticelli” . They are both so much fun, good for all ages, and best of all - free!
Whatever your choice, there’s no better time than to be gaming (and I don’t mean gambling). We need to lighten up - refresh our relationships - and stretch our brains a bit. So get off the couch, set up the card table, and game on!
