More Than Just A Game

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Original Air Date: 
November 30, 2019

We play them to pass the time at family functions, or to relax after a long day of work or school. But board games say so much more than we think — about our relationships, our politics, our histories. We learn the storied history of Mahjong, play a few classic games with some modern twists, and consider the mental brutality that is competitive chess.

Mahjong tiles
Interactive

Board games are a tradition for a lot of us. But have you ever thought about where those traditions come from? Producer Angelo Bautista investigates the history of mahjong.

Length: 
22:56
Catan
Articles

Board game critic Eric Thurm argues that games carry subliminal messages — and that even some of the most innocuous games are often more political than we think.
 

Length: 
14:47
chess fight
Articles

Chess has a reputation as a highly-intelligent, elegant game. But sportswriter Brin-Jonathan Butler says it’s also addictive — and sadistic.

Length: 
11:30
Extras

Show Details 📻
Airdates
November 30, 2019
June 13, 2020
February 20, 2021
October 02, 2021
May 21, 2022
July 08, 2023
August 17, 2024
Last modified: 
August 01, 2024