How to Choose the Perfect Board Game for Every Occasion

Board games provide the best entertainment for friends and family. They bring people together, make one laugh, and entertain everyone in a great way. However, with so many board games in the market, choosing the right one is problematic. The best game depends on the occasion, players, and mood. And here‘s the guide on how to choose the perfect game for every occasion.

1. How Many Players?

Different games are suitable for different numbers of players.

2 players: Chess, Checkers, or Lost Cities.
3-5 players: Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Carcassonne.
6+ players: Werewolf, Codenames, or Dixit.

Check the box to see how many players the game accommodates.

2. Who‘s Playing?

Some games are best for kids, while others are best for grown-ups.

Ages 3-7: Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, or Guess Who.
Ages 8-12: Uno, Clue, or Monopoly Junior.
Teens & Adults: Risk, Catan, or Betrayal at House on the Hill.
Family Games: Apples to Apples, Pictionary, or The Game of Life.

3. What‘s the Mood?

Choose a game based on the group’s mood.

Relaxed & Fun: Exploding Kittens, Sushi Go!, or Telestrations.
Competitive: Chess, Risk, or Stratego.
Teamwork: Pandemic, Forbidden Island, or The Crew.
Party Games: Cards Against Humanity, Pictionary, or Charades.

4. How Much Time Do You Have?

Some games are short, and some are long.

Short (15-30 mins): Uno, Love Letter, or Skull.
Medium (30-60 mins): Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, or Codenames.
Long (1-3 hours): Risk, Twilight Imperium, or Gloomhaven.

If you don‘t have time, pick a short game.

5. How Much Strategy?

Some people like to plan and strategize, while others prefer to play simple games.

Simple (Luck-based): The Game of Life, Snakes and Ladders, or Candy Land.
Medium Strategy: Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Carcassonne.
High Strategy: Chess, Risk, or Terraforming Mars.

Pick a game appropriate for your group‘s style.

6. Are the Rules Simple?

Some games are easy to learn, while others take a long time.

Simple Rules: Uno, Connect Four, or Exploding Kittens.
Moderate Rules: Carcassonne, Catan, or Clue.
Complex Rules: Gloomhaven, Dungeons & Dragons, or Twilight Imperium.

If you have new players, play a simple game.

7. What Theme Do You Like?

Select a game that is of interest to the group.

Fantasy: Dungeons & Dragons, Small World, or Gloomhaven.
Sci-Fi: Terraforming Mars, Star Wars: Rebellion, or Cosmic Encounter.
History: Risk, Axis & Allies, or Timeline.
Mystery: Clue, Mysterium, or Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective.

A theme with humor makes the game more enjoyable.

8. Do You Have Enough Space?

Some games need a big table, while others can be played anywhere.

Small Space: Love Letter, Uno, or Coup.
Medium Space: Catan, Carcassonne, or Ticket to Ride.
Large Space: Gloomhaven, Risk, or Twilight Imperium.

Be sure to inspect your space before choosing a game.

9. Classic or New?

There are those who enjoy playing classic games, and those who enjoy playing new games.

Classic: Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, or Scrabble.
Modern: Wingspan, Azul, or The Quacks of Quedlinburg.

Choose a modern game if you want something new.

10. Check Reviews

If you’re unsure, look up reviews or ask friends. Websites like BoardGameGeek and Amazon have helpful ratings and recommendations.

This Reddit will also help you decide: https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/comments/sbray2/how_do_you_decide_what_game_to_play/

Final Thoughts

Picking the right board game makes any occasion better. Think about the number of players, their age, the mood, and the time available. Consider the strategy level, theme, and space needed. If you’re unsure, check reviews or go with a classic.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the game!