Board games have always been a popular pastime for families and friends, providing hours of fun and entertainment. While most board games have strict rules that must be followed, some have gained popularity for their rule-breaking elements.

These games offer a unique experience and often require players to think outside the box. Here are some of the most popular board games with rule-breaking mechanics.

Big Potato Games/ Catan Studios/ Days of Wonder/ Blue Orange | Board games can make you smarter and strengthen your memory capacity even when you're older

Munchkin

Munchkin is a card game that parodies role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons. The game's objective is to reach level 10 by defeating monsters and gaining treasure.

The catch is that players can use various cards to cheat their way to the top, such as playing cards that increase their levels without actually defeating monsters or cards that give them unfair advantages in battle. The game encourages players to bend and break the rules, making it a hit with fans of unconventional gameplay.

Fluxx

Fluxx is a card game that starts with a basic set of rules but constantly changes as the game progresses. Players start with three cards and draw one at the beginning of their turn. They then play one card, which could either change the rules of the game, change the game's goal, or change how players win.

This unpredictability and constantly changing gameplay make Fluxx a fun and exciting game for players who enjoy a challenge.

Craig Fedirighi/ Times | The party game Uno has more than 50 versions

Betrayal at Baldur's Gate

Betrayal at Baldur's Gate is a board game that takes place in a haunted house. Players take on the roles of adventurers exploring the house, but one of them is secretly a traitor who is working against the others.

The twist is that the traitor is not determined until midway through the game when a specific event triggers the reveal. This adds an element of uncertainty and mistrust among players, making for a thrilling and intense gameplay experience.

Risk

Risk is a classic board game that involves players battling for world domination. Players must strategize and plan their attacks to take over territories and defeat opponents. While the game has a clear set of rules, players often bend them in their favor.

This can include making secret alliances, breaking treaties, and taking risks that could either pay off or result in defeat. The game's open-ended gameplay and opportunities for rule-breaking make it a favorite among players who like to take risks.

Wirecutter/ NY Times | The Chinese invented their first known board game in 200 B.C

Cosmic Encounter

Cosmic Encounter is a game that takes players on a journey through space. Players take on the roles of alien races, each with their unique abilities and goals. The game revolves around players making alliances and negotiating with each other to achieve their objectives.

The catch is that players can break the rules and make deals with other players that may not benefit them in the long run. This social gameplay and opportunities for rule-breaking make Cosmic Encounter a fan favorite.