Games to play with family far away, from anywhere

Calls with family far away often turn into the same short exchange: how is everyone, how is work, how is the weather. A shared game gives the call a purpose and lets people who find small talk awkward join in anyway. Here is how to choose games that suit different ages, devices and time zones, and how to make them a regular habit.

What to look for

No account or download. Grandparents should not have to install anything. A link or a short room code is ideal.
Rules people already know. Games with a long history are a head start, because the older generation may have played them as children.
Big, clear boards that are readable on a phone.
Quick rounds, so the youngest players do not lose interest.
No fast reflexes. Turn-based games let everyone play at their own pace.

Games that suit mixed ages

Ludo

Many families already know ludo or its ancestor, pachisi, and the rules take a couple of minutes to teach. Up to six people can join a room, so a whole family branch can play at once. Bots can fill any empty seats. Start with ludo on inkmate and, if anyone is unsure, send them ludo rules for beginners.

Snakes and ladders

This one has no decisions at all, so a four-year-old and a grandparent are on equal footing. It is the best choice for the very young. Play snakes and ladders when you want something gentle and quick.

Chess

If someone in the family loves chess, a long-distance game is a lovely excuse to connect. It works particularly well between a grandparent and a grandchild who is learning: there is no pressure, and clocks are optional. Teachers will like how to teach chess to kids. You can start a game here.

Carrom

In many households carrom is the family game, played on the floor or a table on summer evenings. Playing carrom online will bring back memories and give two generations a chance to compare their flick. Read carrom rules and tips if you need a refresher.

Co-op games

If the family is competitive in an unhelpful way, try a game where everyone is on the same side. Toot Boat has up to six people steering one boat down a river. It is silly, loud and does not need anyone to be good at it. See how to play Toot Boat.

Getting everyone connected

Call first. Ring or video-call whoever is the least comfortable with technology, and stay on the line while they join. Turn the call into the game night itself.
Send one link or code. In an inkmate room, everyone enters the short room code on their own device. There is nothing to install.
Check the device. Most phones and tablets work well. If a screen is small, ask them to turn it sideways.
Do a practice turn. Let the least confident person take one turn while everyone watches, then start properly.
Keep the call open on another device if you can, so people can chat while they play.

Dealing with time zones

This is usually the biggest obstacle. Pick a slot that is reasonable for everybody, such as a weekend morning for one side and evening for the other. Write both local times in the invitation. For people who cannot be online at the same hour, a room keeps its games and scoreboard, so you can pick up a game later rather than losing it. Slow, turn-based games like chess are suited to this: a move now, a reply in a few hours.

Make it a tradition

Choose a regular slot, like the first Sunday of the month.
Keep a family scoreboard going. A bit of rivalry between cousins keeps people coming back.
Rotate who picks the game, and let the youngest choose now and then.
Mark special days, birthdays and festivals, with a game session as well as a call.

tip: Start small. A fifteen-minute game after a regular call is easier to sustain than a two-hour event that happens once.

Beyond the family

The same approach works for friends. If you want more ideas for groups, see best free games to play on a video call. For couples, see board game night ideas for long-distance couples.