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Get ready to exercise your brain and have some fun during National Game & Puzzle Week, starting on November 20! This week-long celebration has been around since the early 1980s and encourages people of all ages to take a break from their screens and engage in some good old-fashioned games and puzzles. From classic board games to challenging jigsaw puzzles, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your friends and family, turn off your devices, and let the fun begin!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1760s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Modern Board Games</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first board games, resembling modern ones, started to emerge, inaugurating a new way of entertainment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Invention of Jigsaw Puzzles</div><div class='timeline-text'>The jigsaw puzzle was invented by John Spilsbury, an English cartographer and engraver.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1935</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Monopoly Game Released</div><div class='timeline-text'>One of the most famous board games, Monopoly, was first introduced by Parker Brothers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1940s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Scrabble Enters the Market</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scrabble, one of the most popular word games today, was introduced to the public.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Game & Puzzle Week</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Game & Puzzle Week was celebrated in early 1980s, encouraging more people to engage in board games and puzzles.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Board Games & Puzzles Resurgence</div><div class='timeline-text'>In the 2010s, board games and puzzles saw a resurgence in popularity with the advent of gaming cafes and the trend of "unplugging" to enjoy offline entertainment.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a game night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a fun night of board games and puzzles. Have a variety of games and puzzles to choose from and enjoy some friendly competition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create your own puzzle</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make your own puzzle using a favorite photo or design. This is a great activity for both kids and adults, and the finished product can be a unique keepsake.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a puzzle or game convention</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check online for local conventions or events centered around games and puzzles. This is a great way to meet other enthusiasts and discover new games and puzzles to try.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Challenge yourself with a difficult puzzle</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put your skills to the test and try a challenging puzzle, such as a 1000-piece jigsaw or a Rubik's cube. This is a great way to exercise your brain and have fun at the same time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate puzzles to a local charity or nursing home</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the joy of puzzles by donating some to those who may not have access to them. Contact local charities or nursing homes to see if they are in need of puzzles and games.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Game & Puzzle Week is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy some quality time together. Board games, card games, and puzzles provide a fun and entertaining way to bond and create lasting memories with loved ones.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It challenges our brains</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Games and puzzles require critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategizing - making them great exercises for our brains. Taking part in National Game & Puzzle Week can help keep our minds sharp and improve cognitive skills as we age.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It provides a break from technology</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In today's digital world, it's easy to get lost in screens and ignore the world around us. National Game & Puzzle Week encourages us to unplug and have some analog fun. It's a perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with others.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Puzzles were originally a teaching tool</h3><p class='facts-content'>The first jigsaw puzzle was made in 1767 and was intended as an educational tool to learn geography. It has evolved over centuries into a popular form of entertainment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are more than a thousand versions of Monopoly</h3><p class='facts-content'>Monopoly, one of the best-selling board games worldwide, has more than a thousand versions representing various cities, television shows, movies, and more.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Scrabble is played competitively</h3><p class='facts-content'>Scrabble isn't just a fun family game. There are professional tournaments where players compete for prestigious titles and cash prizes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sudoku came from Switzerland</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite its Japanese name, the logic-based number puzzle known as Sudoku was originally developed in Switzerland in the late 18th century.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The world's largest jigsaw puzzle had over 551,232 pieces</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the Guinness World Records, the largest commercial jigsaw puzzle consisted of 551,232 pieces and was measured at over 6,509 sq ft (604.4 sq m).</p></div></div>
National Game & Puzzle Week is celebrated on November 20th every year. In 2024 National Game & Puzzle Week will occur on a Wednesday.
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