Physical and social distancing has put all but an end to a hobby that you traditionally play in close proximity to other people.
Fortunately, thanks to online video calling, you can still play board games with friends and family. You just need to be clever about how you do it. Here’s how you can play board games with friends and family by simply using Zoom.
How to Set Up a Zoom Call
One reason for its popularity is that Zoom is simple to use. It’s also easy to connect on any device. One person starts a call and sends the link to everyone else.
When you click on the link, you can download the Zoom web client for faster service or simply use the web version of the program. Either way, Zoom will prompt you to join the call.
It’s a good idea to check your Zoom security settings before you go online to protect your call from hackers.
How to Play Physical Board Games Online
For the most part, you’ll play board games over Zoom just like you would at your gaming table. The only difference is your game pieces might be virtual.
Best Games to Play
Once you know how to set up or join a Zoom meeting, it’s time to decide which game to play. Some games won’t require an actual board game set up. Think 20 Questions, Charades, Pictionary, and straight-up trivia. You can find lists of topics or questions on Google or Pinterest to play these games easily.
Some games will work well, even if only one person on the call owns the game. With Scattergories, for example, one person could roll the dice and call out the topics for every turn. You could also use an online Scattergories list generator and timer (like Scattergory, shown below).
Other games will be more fun if each player has their own copy of the game. You could play common, classic games like Monopoly, Battleship, Yahtzee, Uno, and Clue if each player has their own gameboard or cards. You could have one person move everyone else’s pieces around a single board, but where’s the fun in that?
Depending on which game you choose, you may need to tweak it a bit to play on a video chat platform. Just make sure everyone knows the rules before you begin.
Setting Up the Game
Setup really depends on the game. You may need cards, physical board games, dice, timers, etc. which you can easily find online or on smartphone apps.
You may need to share your screen with the other players. To do this, find the green Share Screen button at the bottom of your call window, or use the Zoom keyboard codes, Alt+S on Windows or Cmd+Ctrl+S on Mac. Then click on Whiteboard > Share.
Then you can use the whiteboard to draw or type so everyone on your call will be able to see it.
Sharing your screen is also a simple way to show your virtual dice or an online timer. If you require virtual dice, then DiceApp is a great place to start. If you need a timer, then Online Stopwatch has you covered.
In a Google tab, open the dice and timer in separate browser tabs. Back in your Zoom call, click Share Screen, click the dice tab, and click Share. Now everyone will be able to see what you roll. Try this method for virtual timers too.
How to Play Digital Board Games Online
If you’ve gotten confused trying to figure out where everyone’s playing pieces should be or who is holding which cards, you might be ready to play online versions of your favorite games.
Download the Apps
If you just want something to do while you gossip idly, you and your friend can each download an app on your phone and play multiplayer games together while chatting on Zoom. Check out the app stores for your favorite board games. Here are some examples to get you started.
Scrabble Android | Apple (Free) Monopoly Android | Apple ($3. 99) Clue Android | Apple ($3. 99) Ticket to Ride Android | Apple ($6. 99) Risk Android | Apple (Free)
Visit an Online Board Game Platform
There are many sites you can use to play board games together while running zoom in the background or on a separate device. These platforms allow you to play with opponents all over the world or with your friends near and far. Here are a few to get you going:
Board Game Arena: You and your friend can join games if there are enough empty seats. You may have to pay if you want to start your own table. Strategy games, card games, kids’ games, and more. Choose from over 150 games of different themes, lengths, and levels of complexity. A premium membership will eliminate wait times, give you access to the best games, and get you a built-in video chat so you won’t need Zoom. Tabletopia: From Pandemic and Carcassonne to Chess and Backgammon, access over 1500 board games on this site with free or paid memberships. Game publishers have all consented to host games on this site. To invite friends, one player needs to be a subscriber, but the other participants can play for free. Catan Universe: We can’t leave the Catan fans out. This site is just for you. You can play on your smartphone or your PC and add friends so you can play together while you Zoom. Purchase Catan Gold to unlock expansion packs and premium features.
Time Limits on Zoom
There are lots of fun things to do on Zoom, but if you don’t watch your time, all good things might come to an end. Don’t worry though. You’ve got options if your game is going to take longer than that. A paid account is relatively inexpensive and gives you unlimited chat time, but in most cases, it isn’t necessary.
The platform is free to use as if your call is less than 40 minutes long. Sometimes, when the meeting ends at the 40-minute mark, you can click the original link that the host sent out and log back into the same meeting.
If that doesn’t work, there’s no need to worry since the free version allows you to send out unlimited links. When you get close to your end time, just have the host start another meeting and you’re good to go.
Staying Entertained While Stuck Home
Aside from allowing you to continue your hobby, playing board games is a great way to beat Zoom fatigue with friends and family. With so many options, you can keep in touch, have fun, and build memories together.
If board games aren’t your thing but you want to connect, you can always watch movies together from a distance.
