Nowadays, when mentioning boardgames, young people often think of UNO, Werewolf, or Exploding Kittens. That said, Vietnam also boasts a diverse collection of board games, many with roots spanning centuries. These games not only offer a form of entertainment but also serve as a gateway to the country’s history, values, and social practices.
While many traditional games have lost popularity, they remain an essential part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and foster a sense of community. Let’s explore some of the most popular board games that have stood the test of time!
Cờ Tướng (Chinese Chess)
Xiangqi, also known as Chinese chess in English and Tường kỳ in Vietnamese, is an intellectual game that you can easily spot enthusiasts playing in public spaces. The game involves two players, simulating a war between two countries, and the goal is to capture the opponent’s general.
Originally, Chinese chess originated from Saturanga (or Chaturanga), an ancient chess game in India from the 5th to the 6th century. Saturanga spread eastward in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279) and became Chinese chess. From China, this board game was widely spread to many Asian countries, including Vietnam.
Ô Ăn Quan (Vietnamese Mancala)
Ô Ăn Quan, a traditional game among Vietnamese children, is played on a grid drawn in the sand or on a wooden board. Players use small objects, such as pebbles or beans, as pieces, moving them strategically across the board’s sections. The goal is to capture more pieces than the opponent by following a set of rules that require both skill and patience.
It is still unclear when Ô Ăn Quan first appeared in Vietnam. However, it is evident that the game has been present in the country for a long time. It is possible that Ô Ăn Quan was inspired by the rice fields and the farmers' desire for prosperity and wealth.
Today, many children no longer know about this traditional game. Currently, the Ô Ăn Quan game is preserved and displayed at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Cờ Cá Ngựa (Horse Racing Game)
Cờ cá ngựa, a board game based on a French game called Jeu des petits chevaux, is another favorite among both children and adults. In this game, players roll dice and move horse-shaped pieces around the board, trying to be the first to reach the finish line.
This game originated from the Indian game Pachisi, introduced to America and became Parcheesi. The French called it Petits chevaux (little horses), and finally introduced it to Vietnam and called it the Horse Racing Game .
Today, you can still find this game on mobile apps, with yourself as the solo player, but it just doesn’t feel the same as playing the traditional physical version with a group of friends.
Bầu Cua Tôm Cá (Vietnamese Dice Game)
Bầu cua tôm cá, which originated from the Chinese game Hoo Hey How (Fish-Prawn-Crab), is a traditional Vietnamese dice game often played during Tết (Lunar New Year) celebrations.
The game is typically played with six images on a dice: a fish (cá), a crab (cua), a prawn (tôm), a cock (gà), a calabash (bầu), and a melon (dưa). Players place bets on which image the dice will land on, and the dealer rolls the dice. After the dice are rolled, if the chosen animals match what shows up on the dice, the player wins their bet times. If not, the dealer takes the wager.
Cờ Vây (Go Game)
Cờ vây, or the Go game, is a traditional board game dating back over 4,000 years to ancient China. Initially, its purpose extended beyond entertainment; it was used as a teaching tool for strategy and leadership among scholars and generals.
The game later spread to neighboring countries like Korea, Japan, and eventually Vietnam. Players place black or white stones on a grid, aiming to capture their opponent’s stones by surrounding them.
Similar to Cờ tướng, enthusiasts—mostly the elderly or retired—can often be seen playing Cờ vây in local cafes and parks.
