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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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Tradition of Kallikantzaroi (Christmas Goblins)?

With the holiday season approaching, I’ve been thinking about some unique Christmas traditions I’ve come across, and one that really intrigues me is the Greek legend of the Kallikantzaroi—the mischievous Christmas goblins.

From what I understand, these goblins are said to come to the surface during the 12 days of Christmas, causing trouble and playing pranks, until they return underground on Epiphany. I’ve heard stories of people using special rituals, like burning incense or leaving out food, to ward them off.

Does anyone here know more about the origins of this tradition or how it’s celebrated in different parts of Greece? Are there specific regions where the legend is more prominent? Also, are there any fun family stories or modern twists people have added to the tradition?

Information and History about Komboloi Beads?

I recently came across Komboloi beads (worry beads) and noticed how popular they are in Greek culture. I always thought they were just a fidget toy or stress reliever, but I’ve heard they have a deeper history and meaning. I’d love to learn more!

Does anyone know the origins of Komboloi? Were they originally religious like prayer beads, or have they always been used for relaxation? I’ve also seen different types made from amber, coral, and even silver—do certain materials hold special significance?

Also, is there a “correct” way to use them? I’ve seen people flipping them in different ways, and it almost seems like an art! Are there different techniques or traditions associated with them?

If anyone has stories, historical insights, or personal experiences with Komboloi, I’d love to hear them.

Engagement Traditions in Greece?

I’m curious to learn more about traditional Greek engagement customs. Are there any specific rituals or celebrations that typically happen when a couple gets engaged in Greece?

I’ve heard of the “arravonas,” which I believe is a formal engagement ceremony where both families meet, and sometimes there’s an exchange of rings and blessings. Do people still do that today, or is it more of a past tradition?

Are there certain foods served during an engagement gathering? Do people bring gifts? And is it usually just close family, or a bigger celebration?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s experienced or witnessed a traditional Greek engagement—whether in Greece or the diaspora. Are there any regional variations? Do any of these customs still carry over into modern times?

Thanks in advance for sharing your stories or family traditions. There are some people in my family who are pretty close to being engaged (fingers crossed!)

Greek Coffee Cup Readings Question

I’ve recently become fascinated by the tradition of Greek coffee cup readings (tasseography) and would love to learn how to do it myself. It seems like such a unique and insightful practice, but I’m not sure where to start.

Can anyone recommend good resources, books, or even online tutorials that could help me get started? I’m particularly interested in understanding the meanings behind different symbols and the overall process of interpreting a cup.

I asked one of my aunties and she said she makes it up! Based on her imagination and knowledge about the person. Well, I can certainly do that but is there more to it?

Do you still break plates at celebrations?

My cousin is getting married later this year, and during the planning, she mentioned something that made me smile—she wants to break plates at the reception! It brought back memories of older family weddings where the music was loud, the dancing was wild, and the plates were flying (safely, of course).

But I’m wondering, do people still do this? I know it’s a classic Greek thing, but I’ve also heard that in modern times, many venues don’t allow it, or people opt for safer alternatives like throwing flowers or using napkins. Some say it’s more of a touristy thing now, but I still associate it with joy, energy, and that unapologetic Greek celebration spirit.

Has anyone here actually broken plates at a recent event, especially a wedding? Was it allowed at the venue, or did you find a workaround? Curious to hear your stories, advice, or modern twists on the tradition!
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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