Board games are the centerpiece of most game nights. This collection gathers our guides to classics, strategy titles, cooperative adventures, family favorites, abstract puzzles and story driven games, so you can match the game to the group.
Use the sections below to find a game by style, or scan the table to jump to the right guide.
Classic Board Games
Some games have stayed on tables for decades. The Enduring Appeal of Classic Board Games explains why, and our single game guides cover the rest: Monopoly strategy, Risk and global conquest, Clue, Scrabble tips and Catan. For two player classics, see chess tactics for beginners, Checkers vs Chess, Backgammon basics and Connect Four strategy.
Family Board Games
The best family games keep kids interested and still give adults something to think about. Start with Family Board Games for an overview, then try Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Qwirkle or The Game of Life. King of Tokyo adds dice rolling and monster battles, while Sushi Go, Exploding Kittens and Uno strategy are quick card based options. Codenames works well when adults and kids play together.
Strategy and Abstract Games
If you like games where every move counts, start with The Thrill of Strategy Board Games. Our strategy guides cover Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride routes, Agricola, Viticulture, Terraforming Mars, Splendor, Twilight Struggle and Dominion. Abstract games strip away theme and luck. Read Abstract Board Games first, then look at Go, Hive, Onitama, Quoridor, Santorini, Azul, Yinsh, The Duke and Chess vs Checkers. When you plan a long evening, Epic Board Games for Long Game Nights suggests titles that fill two hours or more.
Cooperative Board Games
In cooperative games the whole table wins or loses together. Cooperative Board Games introduces the style. For lighter picks, see Forbidden Island and Forbidden Desert, Hanabi, The Crew and Flash Point. Groups that want a bigger challenge can try Gloomhaven, Arkham Horror, Ghost Stories or Robinson Crusoe.
Thematic Board Games
Thematic games pull you into a story. Thematic Board Games explains what sets them apart. Horror fans can read about Eldritch Horror, Mansions of Madness, Betrayal at Baldur's Gate and Dead of Winter. For fantasy, space and conflict, see Gloomhaven campaigns, Terra Mystica, Dune, Imperial Assault and Blood Rage.
Find the Right Board Game Guide
Match what you want from the night to a guide.
| If you want | Start here |
|---|---|
| An overview of timeless games | The Enduring Appeal of Classic Board Games |
| Something the whole family can play | Family Board Games |
| A game where planning matters | The Thrill of Strategy Board Games |
| No theme and no luck | Abstract Board Games |
| To win or lose as a team | Cooperative Board Games |
| A story and a world to explore | Thematic Board Games |
| A game for a long evening | Epic Board Games for Long Game Nights |
Choosing a Game for Tonight
A simple order works for most groups:
- Count how many people will play and how long the night will run
- Pick a style that suits the group, such as family, cooperative or strategy
- Choose a game at least one person already knows how to teach
- Read the strategy guide ahead of time so the first round runs smoothly
- Keep a shorter backup game ready in case the first one does not land
Board Game Styles Covered
- Classic games and their strategy
- Family friendly games for all ages
- Strategy and abstract games
- Cooperative games for teams
- Thematic games with a story
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I start with board games?
Pick a game that is easy to teach and quick to finish. Family Board Games and The Enduring Appeal of Classic Board Games are good first reads.
What are cooperative board games?
In a cooperative game all players work against the game instead of against each other. Cooperative Board Games explains how they work and which ones to try.
What is an abstract game?
An abstract game has little or no theme and usually no luck, so the result comes down to skill. See Abstract Board Games for examples.
Which games suit a long night?
Games with deeper decisions and campaign style play fit long sessions. Epic Board Games for Long Game Nights lists several.
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