As much as I’m a fan of meaty strategy games like Diplomacy and Game of Thrones, the best games are the ones you actually take out of the closet to play! Usual

As much as I’m a fan of meaty strategy games like Diplomacy and Game of Thrones, the best games are the ones you actually take out of the closet to play! Usually I find myself playing in groups where some people are unfamiliar with a given game, so I also prefer games that are fun for new players. For me, those games are: Pandemic Original or Legacy: one of the best cooperative games I’ve played. Fun for groups or just two players. My wife and I had the best time playing Legacy Season 1 over many months. There’s something so magical about a game that changes AND self destructs as you play it. Acquire: easy to learn and set up, with the right blend of luck and strategy so that players of mixed skill levels can enjoy together. Carcassonne: same positives as above with slightly higher learning curve. Puerto Rico: quite a bit more complex than the above, but relatively accessible and quite fun once you learn the strategy. Takes a game or two to really enjoy. Blokus: a fantastic informal game for a lunch break. Easy to learn with deep strategy. Quick game best for 4 players. Eight minute empires: fast paced and easy to learn civilization building game.