Popular Board Games of the USSR

In the Soviet Union, board games were an essential part of family leisure, bringing generations together around the table and fostering a tradition of shared recreation. These games encouraged camaraderie, honed mental skills, and simply provided joy. Unlike today’s modern board games, Soviet games were produced on limited budgets and were created in an era with restricted access to resources and information. However, this didn’t stop them from becoming cultural symbols of the time and popular across all ages.

Today, many of these games are experiencing a revival: restored and improved versions let us revisit those times and offer the chance for new players to experience their unique atmosphere. Let’s take a closer look at the most beloved board games of the USSR.

Game 1. Manager – An Economic Game with Strategic Elements

Created in the 1980s, the game “Manager” is considered a Soviet adaptation of the famous “Monopoly.” However, the Soviet “Manager” was simplified and adapted to the planned economy’s realities, where players’ goal was not to bankrupt each other but to develop their own enterprise and become market leaders. Players could buy factories, trade raw materials and products, negotiate deals, and manage business transactions with others.

“Manager” required careful planning, as success depended not only on luck with the dice but also on resourceful budgeting and business growth. Today, this game has become popular as a retro game, capturing the spirit of Soviet times and giving players a taste of what it felt like to be an entrepreneur in that era.

Game 2. Journey Across the USSR – An Educational Tour of the Country’s Geography

The game “Journey Across the USSR” (or “Traveler”) was a staple in every other household. The main goal was to take a virtual journey across the entire country, stopping in the most famous and beautiful cities and regions of the Soviet Union. The game board featured a map of the USSR, and each turn brought players closer to the finish line while teaching them about the geography and history of the country.

The game was especially popular among children and teenagers, as it provided a fun way to study the map of the USSR and remember information about cities, seas, lakes, and mountains. Modern editions of “Journey Across the USSR” allow today’s players to enjoy this classic game and learn about the country’s geography as it once was.

Game 3. Sea Battle – A Classic Paper Game

The game “Sea Battle” was not officially released as a full board game in the USSR; it was an improvised version played with graph paper. Participants drew ships on their grids and tried to “sink” each other’s fleets by guessing coordinates and “attacking” the grid. Despite its simplicity, this game was incredibly engaging and could easily keep kids occupied during school or entertain adults over tea.

Today, more modern versions of “Sea Battle” with plastic boards and pieces are available. However, for those nostalgic for Soviet childhood, the traditional version with paper grids and hand-drawn ships remains the favorite.

Game 4. Lucky Chance – The TV Trivia Game Adapted

The game “Lucky Chance” became a board adaptation of the popular TV quiz show of the same name. With question cards in various categories—literature, history, science, and sports—players could test their general knowledge. The questions were diverse and sometimes quite challenging, making the game an exciting way to demonstrate one’s knowledge or learn something new.

Modern versions of “Lucky Chance” have been updated and expanded with new questions while preserving the classic knowledge categories. It’s a great game for the whole family, where everyone can test themselves and learn new facts.

Game 5. Lotto – A Classic of Cozy Family Evenings

“Lotto” was a classic of Soviet family evenings. People of all ages played this game, and almost every household had a set with wooden or plastic game pieces and cards. Players would draw numbered barrels one by one, covering corresponding numbers on their cards. The goal was to be the first to cover all the numbers on one’s card.

“Lotto” was not only a game of chance but also a relaxing game, with luck playing a big role. The game remains popular today for its simplicity, fun factor, and suitability for large groups.

Game 6. Checkers and Chess – Games Requiring Strategic Thinking

Checkers and chess are classic board games still popular today, and they held a special place in the USSR as well. Almost every home had a set of either checkers or chess, and tournaments for these games were held in every city and town. Both games encouraged logical thinking and taught strategy. Chess, in particular, became a symbol of intellectual leisure and prestige in the USSR, especially following the successes of Soviet grandmasters on the international stage.

Restored versions of Soviet-era chess and checkers sets are now available in stores, making them suitable both for play and as unique home decor items.

Game 7. Backgammon – Eastern Classic with a Soviet Twist

Backgammon arrived in the USSR from Eastern countries and quickly gained popularity. Combining dice rolls with thoughtful planning in moving pieces across the board, this game was especially popular in southern republics. People played backgammon both in the streets and at home, spending countless hours engaged in this simple yet captivating game.

Today, backgammon is enjoying renewed interest. Modern sets, created based on Soviet-era designs, let players experience the game in its authentic style.

Game 8. Erudit – The Soviet Answer to “Scrabble”

“Erudit” was the Soviet counterpart to the Western game “Scrabble.” Players had to form words from letter tiles, earning points with each turn. “Erudit” promoted literacy, expanded vocabulary, and encouraged players to get creative with language. Some families still have Soviet editions of “Erudit,” but the modern versions offer updated designs and more durable materials.

Where to Buy Restored Versions?

Retro board games are making a strong comeback today. They immerse us in the atmosphere of the past and give us a chance to experience a piece of that era. Restored versions of Soviet games offer not only updated designs and high-quality materials but also preserve the most important aspect—the spirit of the times and the sense of togetherness that was so valued in Soviet families.

We invite you to visit our online store, where you’ll find restored versions of popular Soviet board games. Our collection includes all the games described here and more. Dive into the unique atmosphere of the past with these classic Soviet board games!