When the holidays roll around, many of us romanticize the idea of a cozy game night—only to remember the part where someone has to read the rules, explain them, and keep the vibes going while everyone tries not to flip a table. If you’ve ever sighed at the sight of a board game box (or struggled ...
When the holidays roll around, many of us romanticize the idea of a cozy game night—only to remember the part where someone has to read the rules, explain them, and keep the vibes going while everyone tries not to flip a table. If you’ve ever sighed at the sight of a board game box (or struggled through a four-hour strategy game you didn’t sign up for), this episode is for you.
James Austin, Wirecutter’s staff writer covering games and hobbies, shares how to host a game night that actually stays fun, how to pick games that match your group’s vibe, and which games work best for kids, adults, mixed-age families, multilingual gatherings, or friends who are already a few drinks in.
If you crosswords and other NYT games, check out Puzzle Mania! from The New York Times Games editor Joel Fagliano.
James’s favorite resources to learn new games:
Games for kids
Games for mixed-age groups or families
Party Games for adults (including boozy groups)
Strategy games
- Catan - the original “Euro” style game
- Bohnanza - if you like the interactive trading of Catan
- Brass: Birmingham - if you want a complex strategy game with a lot going on
Games you can play with just a deck of cards
- Oh Hell! - James’ family-favorite, trick-taking game
Two-player favorites
- Splendor - can be played with more than two as well
- Star Realms - build decks of cards that become more powerful as you play
Games for solo play
James loves:
Additional reading:
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