Simple Strategy Games That Are Easy to Learn

Strategy games are fun and make you think. Some are easy to learn and don’t take much time to understand. Whether playing alone or with friends, these games are simple but exciting.

1. Tic-Tac-Toe

Tic-Tac-Toe is a game where two players take turns placing Xs and Os on a 3×3 grid. The goal is to get three in a row. It’s simple, but you need to think ahead to block your opponent.

2. Connect Four

This game is like Tic-Tac-Toe but played on a vertical board. Players drop colored discs into columns, trying to connect four in a row. You must think carefully to win while blocking your opponent.

3. Checkers

Checkers is a classic game where players move pieces diagonally and jump over the opponent’s pieces to capture them. The goal is to remove all opponent pieces or trap them.

4. UNO

UNO is a card game where players match colors or numbers to get rid of all their cards. Special cards like Skip, Reverse, and Draw Two make the game fun and strategic.

5. Rock, Paper, Scissors

This game seems like luck, but paying attention to your opponent’s choices can help you win. It’s a simple but strategic game.

6. Shiritori

A word game where players take turns saying words that start with the last letter of the previous word. You can make it harder for opponents by picking tricky words.

7. Dominoes

In this tile game, players match numbers on tiles to create chains. You must think ahead to block opponents and use your tiles wisely.

8. Liar’s Dice

A bluffing game where players roll dice and make claims about their results. You must decide whether to believe your opponent or call their bluff.

9. Battleship

Players take turns guessing where the opponent’s ships are on a grid. Smart guessing and remembering past moves help you win.

10. Simple Chess

Chess can be complicated, but learning the basic moves first makes it easier. You can start with fewer pieces and add more as you learn.

11. Go-Moku (Five in a Row)

Played on a grid, players try to get five pieces in a row. It’s a simpler version of the classic game Go.

12. Reversi (Othello)

Players flip pieces to their color by trapping opponent’s pieces between their own. It’s easy to learn but takes thinking to control the board.

13. Blokus

A game where players place different-shaped pieces on a board. The goal is to fit as many as possible while blocking opponents.

14. Mancala

Players move stones around a board to collect the most in their home area. It’s easy to learn but requires planning ahead.

15. Carcassonne

A tile game where players build landscapes. It’s simple—just place tiles and choose where to put your pieces.

16. Ticket to Ride

Players build train routes across a map. You must decide which routes to claim while blocking opponents.

17. Splendor

A card game where players collect gems to buy cards. Planning and resource management make it interesting.

18. Love Letter

A small card game where players try to eliminate each other while keeping the highest card. You must guess what others have.

19. Tsuro

A tile game where players create paths. The goal is to stay on the board while making others go off.

20. Catan (Easy Rules)

Catan can be complex, but playing with simple rules makes it easier. Players collect resources, trade, and build settlements.

These strategy games are simple to learn but still fun and challenging. Whether playing with friends, family, or alone, they will keep your mind active without being too hard to understand.