The Board Games Most Likely to End in Divorce

Whilst at home, Brits will do anything and everything they can to keep themselves entertained. After all, there are only so many shows you can binge-watch and so many conversations you can have with your partner to kill boredom. As a result, why don't you consider dusting off the board games sitting at the back of your cupboard?

But everyone knows that some board games have the potential to cause more drama than others. At OnBuy, we sought to find out which board games can (potentially) lead to a divorce by asking 1,220 respondents which board games cause the most arguments between them and their partners.

Which board games cause the most arguments?

We can reveal that these are the top 10 board games that are likely to end in a divorce, according to Brits:

1. Cluedo – 87%

The game most likely to leave you in the doghouse is... Cluedo! According to our research, 87% of people who played this board game admitted to getting into an argument with their partners at least once.

2. Monopoly – 81%

Following closely behind Cluedo is none other than the nation's favourite Monopoly! The infamous board game was the most common cause of marital conflict for 81% of couples as, let's face it, is there anything worse than seeing your significant other laughing at you while you go bankrupt?

3. Scrabble – 77%

The popular word game, Scrabble, has the potential to cause drama for over three quarters of British couples. Whether it be disagreements over whether words are "real" or their partner taking too long, at least 77% of Brits admit to getting into an argument while playing the game.

4. Articulate – 71%

71% of Brits said the seemingly innocent board game Articulate got couples into some tense conversations while playing the game. After all, it's rather hard to describe a word while crying because your partner is winning...

5. Trivial Pursuit – 70%

Many Brits will know that Trivial Pursuit has led to many trivial arguments, with 70% admitting that they have got into an argument with their partner whilst playing the game. While knowledge is power in this game, knowing how to take a loss could save your relationship!

6. Risk – 67%

Play this board game at your own Risk! Our research found that this board game results in an argument for 67% of British couples whilst battling each other for treasure on the high seas. However, a little bickering never hurt anybody, right?

7. Taboo – 63%

As the name suggests, Taboo can lead to some awkward conversations in your household. We can reveal that 6 in 10 Brits (64%) admitted to getting into an argument with their partner whilst playing this game. So, if you are both highly competitive, beware, this game can get intense!

8. Diplomacy – 59%

This game is anything but diplomatic – especially when over half of Brits (59%) admit to getting into a heated argument with their partner while playing Diplomacy. However, if you can swallow the loss, this game could be fun!

9. Chess – 42%

In this tense game of kings and queens, 42% of Brits playing Chess said they were close to having their partner exiled from the realm. But, if you can keep your cool, the feeling of calling out "checkmate!" is second to none.

10. Catan – 38%

Last but not least is Catan, a strategy game which requires plenty of patience and mental gymnastics. As a result, it's no surprise things end up heated for 38% of couples when their strategies fail to pay off!

What is most important to couples when playing a board game?

OnBuy also wanted to delve deeper into the subject to find out what is most important to couples: winning the game, or keeping the peace in their household?

Our results can reveal that three-quarters of Brits are more likely to win a game, instead of letting their partner win to "keep the peace". After all, who wouldn't want to win bragging rights? However, just over a third of Brits (36%) admitted to stopping a board game mid-way through in order to prevent an argument brewing.

Furthermore, our research also found that 35% of Brits didn't break up, but were close, as a result of playing a heated board game, but 6% deemed it to be the final straw, thus ending their relationship or calling for a divorce.

The results:

If you want an activity that won't lead to an argument, why don't you try playing video games together instead? Or even get your pulses racing by reading up about the UK's favourite sex positions and trying something new in the bedroom...