10Best.Guide

Board Games

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Easy to learn and fun for beginners.
  • Not time-consuming.
  • Modern classic game with many expansion sets.
  • Resource management game with humor.
  • Takes strategy, math skills, and luck.
Cons
  • Hard to learn and master.
  • Requires at least three players.
Bottom Line
Catan is a modern classic resource management game that is easy to learn and fun for beginners, but can be hard to master. It requires at least three players and has a "stealing" element that some may not like. However, it is addictive and enjoyable once understood and is the best family game around. Be aware of cheaply made components in some copies and confusing instructions.
Pros
  • Easy-to-understand and fun game for kids.
  • Teaches counting, numbers, taking turns, and good sportsmanship.
  • Sweetly illustrated with multi-racial children.
  • Great for building a collection of games for kids.
  • Timeless game that kids love.
Cons
  • Poor quality of game pieces.
  • Flimsy plastic stands for figures that move on the game board.
Bottom Line
Chutes and Ladders is a classic game that is easy to understand and fun for kids. However, the poor quality of game pieces may be a concern for some buyers.
Pros
  • Well-packaged and easy to learn
  • One-fold board that lays flat
  • Quick or long games depending on cards drawn
  • Takes players back to childhood memories
  • Great for family time and learning colors and rules
Cons
  • Playing board and cards are thin and cheaply made
  • Characters are different from the original
Bottom Line
Candyland is a fun and easy game for kids to learn and play, but the quality of the board and cards has gone downhill from older versions. Some buyers may not like the changes made to the characters.
Pros
  • No pieces to lose, snaps together for easy storage.
  • More diversity and more women in the game.
  • Portable game with 2 sides to use for play.
  • Good game to help kids think and ask questions.
  • More faces and different diversity.
Cons
  • Tiles don't flip up and down very easily.
  • Small, flimsy character pictures.
Bottom Line
This version of Guess Who is a good game for kids to help them think and ask questions. It has more diversity and women in the game, and is portable with 2 sides to use for play. However, the tiles don't flip up and down easily, the character pictures are small and flimsy, and the skin tones are too similar.
Pros
  • Fun for all ages
  • Adaptable and great for language development and critical thinking skills
  • Comes with different shaped headbands
  • Easy to play and can be played for a short or long time
Cons
  • Some customers received used or broken products
  • Some customers received products with missing or torn contents
Bottom Line
Headbanz is a fun and adaptable game that can be enjoyed by all ages. However, be cautious of potential issues with the product's condition and language.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Board Games

Overview

Board games have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries. They offer a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends and family, and they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different types of board games available, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to choosing the right one. This buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a board game.

Types

1. Strategy Games - These games require players to use critical thinking and planning skills to outsmart their opponents. Examples include Settlers of Catan and Risk.

2. Party Games - These games are designed for larger groups and are usually fast-paced and easy to learn. Examples include Cards Against Humanity and Taboo.

3. Cooperative Games - These games require players to work together to achieve a common goal. Examples include Pandemic and Forbidden Island.

4. Classic Games - These games have been around for decades and are considered timeless classics. Examples include Monopoly and Scrabble.

5. Family Games - These games are designed to be enjoyed by the whole family and are usually easy to learn. Examples include Ticket to Ride and Carcassonne.

Key Considerations

1. Number of Players - Consider how many people will be playing the game and choose a game that accommodates that number.

2. Age Range - Make sure the game is appropriate for the age range of the players.

3. Difficulty Level - Consider the skill level of the players and choose a game that matches their abilities.

4. Play Time - Consider how long the game takes to play and choose a game that fits within your desired time frame.

5. Theme - Consider the interests of the players and choose a game with a theme that they will enjoy.

Features

1. Replayability - Look for games that offer high replayability, meaning that they can be played multiple times without becoming repetitive.

2. Components - Consider the quality and durability of the game components, such as the game board and pieces.

3. Rules - Look for games with clear and concise rules that are easy to understand.

4. Expansion Packs - Consider whether the game has expansion packs available to increase the replayability and variety of the game.

Prices

Board games can range in price from under $10 to over $100. Consider your budget when choosing a game, but also remember that investing in a higher quality game may provide more value in the long run.

Tips

1. Read Reviews - Read reviews from other players to get an idea of the game's strengths and weaknesses.

2. Try Before You Buy - If possible, try the game out before purchasing to ensure that it is a good fit for you and your group.

3. Look for Sales - Keep an eye out for sales and discounts on board games to save money.

4. Consider Local Game Stores - Consider purchasing from a local game store to support small businesses and get personalized recommendations.

FAQs

Q: What is the best board game for beginners?

A: Answer: Ticket to Ride is a great game for beginners as it is easy to learn and offers high replayability.

Q: Can board games be played with just two players?

A: Answer: Yes, many board games can be played with just two players. Look for games that have a "2 player" option.

Q: Are board games just for kids?

A: Answer: No, board games can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Many games are designed specifically for adults.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Sturdy and heavy gameboard
  • Tokens, cards, and dice are of nice quality
  • Easy to follow directions
  • New cards add extra fun to the classic game
  • Good game that requires concentration and strategy
Cons
  • Basic version doesn't set the mood for Clue
  • Instructions are vague and not complete
Bottom Line
This newer version of Clue is a fun game for both kids and adults, but it may not be as atmospheric as the original version. The gameboard, tokens, cards, and dice are of nice quality and the new cards add extra fun to the classic game. However, the instructions can be vague and there may be some changes from the original version. Overall, it's a good game that requires concentration and strategy and is great for family interactive time.
Pros
  • Loads of fun for kids and adults.
  • Good for family game nights.
  • Perfect for parties and entertaining children.
  • Easy to set up and play.
  • Classic game that everyone knows.
Cons
  • Poor quality, flimsy mat.
  • Spinner can break easily.
Bottom Line
Twister is a classic game that is fun for all ages and perfect for parties and family game nights. However, the quality of the product has decreased over time, and the spinner and mat may break easily. It is also not suitable for younger children under 6.
Pros
  • Easy and fun game for kids and adults.
  • Good value for the price.
  • Dice is embedded within the board game.
  • Can be played with just 2 people.
  • Helps teach kids to take turns, count, and accept loss.
Cons
  • Cheaply made product.
  • Board quality/design is poor.
Bottom Line
The Hasbro Trouble game is a fun and easy game for kids and adults, but the product is cheaply made and has some design flaws. It is a good value for the price and can be used to teach kids important skills such as taking turns, counting, and accepting loss. However, buyers should be aware of the potential for missing parts upon delivery and the possibility of the dice wearing out quickly.
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Functional and beautiful
  • Comes with chess and checkers pieces
  • Good value
  • Smooth edges and easy to handle pieces
Cons
  • Small board size
  • Checkers don't stay on well
Bottom Line
This wooden chess and checkers set is a functional and beautiful addition to any game collection. While the board is small and the pieces are made of cheap plastic, it is a good value and great for entertaining kids or for family game night. However, it may not be suitable for avid chess players or for those who require a storage box.
Pros
  • Nice board layout and coloring.
  • Low cost and small, so easy to carry anywhere.
  • Exactly the same look and feel of the cheap checkers board.
  • Plastic pieces with a star and a crown in the other side.
  • Good starter set for kids.
Cons
  • The board came warped.
  • Playing pieces kept falling over.
Bottom Line
This product is a low-cost option for those looking for a basic game set. However, it has some quality issues with the board and pieces that may affect gameplay. It is a good starter set for kids but may not be suitable for serious game players.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}