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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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Are most Greeks left or right?

Are most Greeks liberal leftist progressives? Most that I encounter are. Not only that but self hating. WHY?

Greek Tsiknopempti Traditions?

I realized Tsiknopempti is coming up soon, and it made me curious how everyone celebrates it, especially outside of Greece. Growing up, I always associated it with grilled meat, lots of smoke in the air, and a general feeling of celebration before Lent started, but we never had a really structured tradition at home. Now I’m wondering if I should start one.

Do you usually grill at home, go out to a Greek restaurant, or gather with friends and family? Are there certain foods you always make, or is it more about the atmosphere and being together? I’ve seen photos from Greece where entire neighborhoods are grilling outside, which looks amazing.

I’d love to hear what Tsiknopempti looks like for you, whether it’s something big and festive or just a simple meal that still feels meaningful.

Greek Traditions from Childhood?

I’d love to hear everyone’s memories of Greek traditions from childhood, especially the small everyday things that may not even seem unusual until you look back on them later.

For me, some of the strongest memories are tied to food, church, family gatherings, name days, holiday preparations, and the feeling of constantly having people around. Even certain sounds and smells immediately bring everything back.

I’m also curious how traditions differed depending on region or family background. Did your family keep strong village customs? Were there things your grandparents insisted on doing a certain way? Any traditions connected to Easter, Christmas, weddings, coffee, hospitality, music, or food?

For me, we ate a family-oriented Sunday meal where everyone go together after church. That was a big part of things for me.

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.

Why do Greeks celebrate name days?

I grew up with name days being a big deal, and I’ve always wondered why they feel more important than birthdays for so many of us. I know they’re tied to the Greek Orthodox Church feast days and the saints we’re named after, but it feels like there’s something deeper going on culturally.

In my family, name days were always open-house style, people calling, stopping by, bringing sweets, and it felt very communal. Birthdays, on the other hand, were more low-key.

Do you feel like name days still carry that same weight today? Or has it changed depending on the generation or where you live?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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