Bring it in, Gang
Board games have literally been around since ancient Egypt, so you know they’re a universally beloved pastime. How could they not be? From donning cowboy hats to purposefully misguiding gnome miners, they’re the best way to bring people together (or ruin friendships)! Whether you have two players or seven, here are some of our top picks.
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1. Sequence
Though you can play Sequence with up to four players, the game is far more fun one-on-one. The rules are simple—the first player to two completed sequences wins. Of course, there’s a little more to it, but it won’t take long to pick up the nuance and start slapping down those Jokers.
2. Boggle
Boggle’s often considered a family-friendly game, though we much prefer a smaller group for this classic. It’s far easier to compare words against two players than a handful of them, though bringing in more people does amp up the difficulty.
3. Ticket to Ride
It’s easy to see why Ticket to Ride has been a fan favorite all these years! It’s a race to the finish line as you try to build the longest continuous railroad route. You can welcome up to five players, but two are more than enough to ruin each other’s dreams of a finished track.
4. Jaipur
One of our favorite things about Jaipur is just how easy it is to learn. It’s a game designed for two, forcing you to trade and exchange goods with your competitor to see who comes out on top. Playtime often doesn’t stretch over half an hour either, allowing you to play best two out of three.
5. 7 Wonders Duel
Faithful players of its parent game will undoubtedly love this variation, but this time it’s a board game exclusively for two. Like the original, it’s a game of timing and strategy as you scramble for the seventh wonder, only now you’re pitted against the enemy directly.
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6. Azul
It’s a mesmerizing board of mosaics and matching tiles, it’s Azul—a crowd favorite that’s just as fun with two players as its max of four! It’s simple, fun, and doesn't require much time to play. Just be mindful of all those pieces when it's time to clean up.
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7. Watergate
Whether you need to brush up on the Watergate scandal or you’re simply itching to step into a journalist’s shoes, this board game has it all. Players either rally behind the Washington Post or the Nixon administration, each trying to get to their version of the truth. It’s not as dry as it sounds, and we’ve always wanted to build our own evidence board.
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8. Castles of Burgundy
This one takes a little longer than your average two-player game, but hey—we are building settlements here. Grab your aristocratic garb because players only have five rounds to collect victory points, expanding their empire in Medieval France. This popular game also has several expansion packs.
9. Splendor Duel
Have you ever thought, “Splendor…but meaner”? Well, your competitive streak is in luck because Splendor Duel still has the same mechanics as its parent game but also comes with a few important tweaks. Two players need to cut through serious tension and put their noodles to see who can hoard the most prestige.
10. Lost Cities
Hey hey, we didn’t always have Nathan Drake to take us on treasure-hunting excursions. No, back in the late '90s we had Lost Cities, a two-player card game that put us in peril while we stumbled through dangerous expeditions. Despite its age, it still holds up today.
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On the other hand, if your dinner party's full then it's time to break out the big boys. Let's dive into some board games perfect for a crowd.
1. Monopoly
Despite the hair-pulling and shouting, the angry slap of cards and accusations of crooked bankers, Monopoly remains one of the most cherished multi-player board games around. After all, what’s life without threatening to disown family members?
2. Wits and Wagers
Ah, the perfect game to remind you just how little you actually know. For example, go ahead and tell us when the toothpaste tube was invented. Or what year the first U.S. college accepted both male and female students. Don’t worry—the game embarrasses your friends, too.
3. Pandemic
Competition isn’t for everyone, and games like Pandemic make for a far friendlier night. For this one, two to four players collaborate to eradicate various global diseases. Figure out how to best use your character’s abilities before it’s too late and those little cubes take over.
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4. Codenames
Put on your shades and adjust those ties—we’re spies tonight, folks. Spymasters need to guide their teammates with single-word clues, hoping to find fellow agents without running into any trouble. Based on how well you know your teammates, it’ll be an interesting night!
5. Bang!
Long after Clint Eastwood but way before Arthur Morgan, there was Bang!, a spaghetti Western card game filled with outlaws and deputies. Your Wild West role is kept secret until the end, letting players cause all sorts of mayhem until then. Though it can be played with as little as two people, it’s best to max out.
6. Saboteur
Those poor dwarves just want their gold. However, your cruel efforts have now forced them to dig confusing tunnels forever. It’s a mad dash to riches in this simple card game as miners and saboteurs scramble for glory.
7. Taboo
Taboo is hilariously difficult, testing vocabulary and putting quick wit to the test. The rules are simple: try to have your team guess the word on your card without using a handful of common descriptions. (Adults can also treat themselves to the after-dark version.)
8. Dixit
Dixit is a board game best for creative imaginations. It requires each player to succinctly describe beautiful artwork with just enough detail to earn themselves points. It might take a few rounds to get the hang of it, but it’s a lovely little adventure for as many as eight players.
9. Herd Mentality
Who knew conformity was so rewarding? The name of this game is to listen to questions and write down the same answer as every other player…or attempt to. Trying to avoid that dreaded pink cow is harder than it seems.
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10. Telestrations
A touch of imagination goes a long way with this one. It’s best played with a group, especially because it’ll open up even stranger guesses and artwork. To really make it fun, you can also opt for the after-dark version.
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