Board games

Games to play when you’re bored

Board+games

by Ben Irish, Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need a break from screens? Need a fun activity? Here’s some of our favorite board games:

Monopoly (~$30):

onopoly is undoubtedly one of the 

most iconic board games of all time. With more than 300 versions and 250 million copies sold, almost every kid in America has played this game at one time or another. For my family, Monopoly is the first game we sit down to play when we’re all together for the holidays. It’s especially fun when playing with house rules, such as using the “free parking” space as a jackpot, or trading properties for money, other properties, or favors, which we call “wheeling ‘n’ dealing.” It’s the sort of comfort game that brings people together and makes them talk, which earns it a clear spot on the roster.

Settlers of Catan (~$40):

I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like this game. It’s kid-appropriate, strategy-based, and unique, with the fun addition of being able to trade. With something for everyone, it’s no wonder this game is such a classic. I’ve played it just about everywhere, from school to my friend’s basement to the family table to a board game convention, and I still see new strategies all the time. The expansions for Catan also are some of the best I’ve used, and are absolutely worth the money. No board game can be perfect, but even objectively speaking, this one checks all the boxes. 

Clue (~$20):

Just like the 1985 movie, Clue will forever be a classic. It makes strategy count for everything, logic puzzles fun, and it’s the most satisfying thing ever when you win. It’s definitely the most intellectually stimulating game on this list as well. The biggest downside is that there’s a lot of room for cheating, but this can easily be fixed by just arguing it out. Also, sometimes cheating at Clue is fun if you can get away with it.

Splendor (~$35):

I don’t know too many people who’ve played Splendor, but it’s easily my favorite tabletop game of all time. I’ve hardly ever lost it, either, because it’s super suited to my playing style (strategy over everything, mess with opponent’s heads). If you like anything math, logic, or optimization-based, this game is for you. In Splendor, you play as a gem merchant eager to expand their empire by collecting gems, buying gem mines, and attracting nobles to earn points. There’s also a few expansions for the game that change objectives by giving players specific power-ups for the gems they own. Having played at least 40 times, I strongly recommend this game for parties, families, friends, and game geeks alike. 

One Night Ultimate Werewolf (~$20):

This might be the most chaotic and the most logic-based game I’ve ever played at the same time. Although it’s based on the popular party game ‘Mafia,” One Night Ultimate Werewolf takes the deception, teamwork, and strategy aspects of the game to a whole new level. It also provides a role for everyone playing, so nobody misses out on the action. The best part of the game is the arguing, though, because trying to figure out who’s who is usually a nightmare, which makes everything more interesting.