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efhernandez_

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I would love to learn and play some Greek board games but I don't know of any!! Can any fellow Greeks help me out?
 
Tavli is the post popular .
 
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Tavli is the post popular .
Also known as backgammon, this is traditionally a game played, very fast with many different variations, by men in the cafes. However it’s been my favorite game for years and when you’re in Greece be sure to check out the tavli boards available for purchase….from inexpensive to beautifully hand-crafted in-laid boards.
 
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Also known as backgammon, this is traditionally a game played, very fast with many different variations, by men in the cafes. However it’s been my favorite game for years and when you’re in Greece be sure to check out the tavli boards available for purchase….from inexpensive to beautifully hand-crafted in-laid boards.
I would say this is the most traditional Greek game and the most popular as well
 
Tavli is the most popular game in Greece. Women und Men, chlildren und older play tavli,but at most the students.
Check the rules hier. Portes is the easier to learn. You can also online practice.
 
I think Tavli might have a few different rules from backgammon but it is pretty much the same game from what I understand. Interesting about the Greek version of monopoly, that is very cool!
 
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Tavli is the most popular game in Greece. Women und Men, chlildren und older play tavli,but at most the students.
Check the rules hier. Portes is the easier to learn. You can also online practice.
I've never heard of Portes!! Thanks
 
I think Tavli might have a few different rules from backgammon but it is pretty much the same game from what I understand. Interesting about the Greek version of monopoly, that is very cool!
Does Greek tavli only have one set of rules? Or are there different versions?
 
There are some Greek versions of board games we recognize, like Monopoly, and there is also Tavli...
 
For me, such a game is Dune II: The Battle for Arrakis. Another revolution in the game market. Although Herzog Zwei is considered to be the first strategy game of its kind, and one could certainly agree with that, Dune II was in every respect a much more mature product. Dune II was the first game to offer the classic RTS motifs. Mouse control? Here you go. Collecting raw materials to produce units and buildings? Here you go. But if you're more realistic and don't want to get into it like I did, you can play games with online casinos. Especially since, thanks to https://1houseofpokies.com/no-deposit-bonuses, you can take advantage of no deposit bonuses.
 
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Sometimes it strikes me how different the cultures of each of our countries are.
 
As a beginner diving into the world of Greek board games, I'm thrilled to stumble upon this thread! The discussion about popular Greek board games truly warms my heart. By the way, have you tried playing hearts? (Haha, pun intended).From classics like Tavli to modern gems like Santorini, there's a whole universe to explore. Each game seems to carry a piece of Greek culture and history, making the experience not just about winning but also about immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of Greek life. So, what's your take on these games? Any personal favorites or hidden gems you'd recommend? Let's keep the conversation rolling like the dice on a tavli board!
 
There's actually some pretty cool ones out there! One popular one is "Tavli," which is like the Greek version of backgammon. It's super fun and you can get really into it. Another classic is "Pente," which is a bit like Connect Four but with five stones in a row. If you like something strategic, you might enjoy it!

Also, if you're into card games, Greeks love playing "Biriba," which is kinda like a mix between rummy and canasta. It’s perfect for those chill nights with friends. And while we're on games, I've been hooked on spider solitaire lately. I know it's not Greek, but it's a great solo game when you need a little break from everything else.
 
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Tavli’s gotta be one of the most well-known Greek games—it’s kind of like backgammon but with a twist. You see it everywhere in Greece, especially in cafes. It’s quick to play, and there are a bunch of variations, so it never really gets old.
Another cool one is Pente. It’s a bit like Connect Four, but you need five stones in a row. Super easy to learn, but it can get pretty competitive once you’re into it.
Honestly, when I couldn’t decide between a couple of options once, I tried a tarot reading yes or no just for fun. It’s kinda cool to let something random guide your choice.
 
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Harvest Traditions in Greece for Olives?

I’ve always been fascinated by the olive harvest in Greece — not just the agricultural side, but the traditions that go along with it. I know olives have been a cornerstone of Greek life for thousands of years, and that harvest time is a big event in many villages.

For those who have experienced it firsthand, what’s the process like? Do families still gather together to pick olives by hand, or is it mostly done with modern equipment now? Are there specific rituals, blessings, or celebrations before or after the harvest?

I’ve heard that in some places, the first oil pressed is shared or offered in church — is that still common? And do different regions of Greece have their own unique customs tied to the olive harvest?

Would love to hear stories, memories, and local traditions from around the country.

Family Evil Eye Rituals?

I’m Greek and grew up with the “mati” being a normal part of life—but I’ve noticed that every family seems to have their own unique way of dealing with it. I’m really curious to hear how others do it!

In my family, salt plays a huge role. My grandmother always kept a little dish of coarse salt near the icons, and if someone got dizzy, irritable, or just “off,” she’d whisper prayers while tossing salt over their shoulders or dissolving it in water. We also do the oil-and-water trick, watching for the droplets to separate or join. And of course, there’s always the person who knows the secret prayer.

I’ve heard some families use threads, others burn charcoal, or recite specific psalms. What are your family’s evil eye rituals? Do you still practice them? I’d love to hear the different versions passed down through your line!

Information About Apokries?

I’ve been curious about how people experience Apokries and what it looks like in different parts of Greece. For some, it seems centered on big public celebrations and costumes, while for others it’s more about smaller gatherings, food, and local customs.

I’m especially interested in the traditions people grew up with. Was Apokries something your family actively celebrated, or did it feel more like a community event? Did you attend costume parties, parades, or specific local festivities? And how did days like Tsiknopempti fit into it for you?

I’d also love to hear whether your experience changed over time, for example, celebrating differently as a child versus as an adult, or noticing differences between village and city celebrations.

For those who no longer live in Greece, do you still mark Apokries in some way, or has it faded with distance?

I’m looking forward to hearing how this tradition shows up for others.

What was school like in Greece?

I’m Greek, but I never actually went to school in Greece. I only spent summers there growing up. Lately, though, I’ve become really curious about what everyday school life is actually like.

I have close Greek friends who are moving back to Greece permanently, and they have two young children (ages 5 and 7) who will be entering the Greek school system. It made me realize how little I really know about the day-to-day experience beyond what I remember from being around cousins in the summer.

For those of you who went to school in Greece: what was it like, especially in the early years? How structured is the school day? What’s the relationship like between teachers and students? And how do kids generally adjust socially?

I’m genuinely curious what those first school years might feel like for them!

Village Storytelling Traditions in Greece?

I’m curious — are there still village storytelling traditions in Greece?

My family originally came from a few small mountain villages, but we’ve been in the U.S. for several generations now, and we don’t really have anyone left back in Greece to ask about this. I’ve been thinking about visiting someday, and I keep wondering: if I went to those villages, would there still be older people who share stories the way our grandparents used to?

I don’t mean just local history from books or museums — I’m thinking more about personal stories, folktales, myths, or even funny old family anecdotes passed down out loud.

Does that kind of thing still exist in rural Greece today? Would it be welcomed if I asked about it while visiting, or is it something that has faded away with time?

I’d love to know what to expect and how to approach it respectfully.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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