Abstract Strategy

These games focus on strategy rather than luck or a theme. They usually have minimalistic designs and rules, emphasizing skill and critical thinking. Examples include “Chess” and “Go” and “Stratego”.

Delta: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Delta Review

Delta is a clever mix of strategy and bird meeple beauty. I loved the planning and player interaction, but colorblind players beware those confusing tokens! Play it if you like brains over luck and enjoy a chunky bit of engine-building.

Shazamm!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.9/5

Shazamm! Review

Shazamm! throws two wizards into a wild spell duel, where brains beat luck. With sly bluffing, tricky mana bets, and clever mind games, it’s perfect for frenemies. Just keep your mana—and your temper—under control!

Target: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Target Review

Target delivers fast setup, easy rules, and lots of player banter. Strategy matters, but luck can turn the tables. Great for casual nights, but competitive folks might grumble. I've laughed and lost here—always worth another round.

M: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

M Review

‘m’ brings quick laughs, colorful pieces, and just enough chaos to start an argument or two with friends. The rules need a second read, but game night’s never boring with ‘m’ on the table.

Cats: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Cats Review

If you want a game with silly cats, colorful cards, and playful chaos, Cats brings laughs to the table. Just don’t expect brain-burning strategy—here, paw luck rules!

Connections: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Connections Review

Connections is quick to teach and full of laughs. My friends tried to outsmart each other, but the wild card links kept us guessing. If you like sharp thinking with a dash of chaos, it’s worth a look.

Amazons: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Amazons Review

Amazons hits that sweet spot between chess and arm-wrestling—sharp moves and zero luck! Every game felt tense and fair, with my smug brother tastefully blocking my queen, again. If you love pure strategy, this one’s a keeper.

Element - Element, Rather Dashing Games, 2017 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.5/5

Element Review

'Element' thrills with its mix of strategy and nature's powers. Easy to learn but challenging to master, it's a hit at game nights. Just when you think you've got it, Element surprises you again. A solid 4.5 stars!

Photosynthesis cover
Rating: 4.5/5

Photosynthesis Review

In Photosynthesis, strategy and nature intertwine. You'll plant and grow trees strategically to capture sunlight. Despite a slight learning curve, it offers engaging gameplay. A must-try for those who love strategy over luck.

TZAAR: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

TZAAR Review

TZAAR captivates with strategic depth, engaging piece sacrifices, and palpable player tension, offering an exhilarating battle of wits and social interaction that solidifies its place in the pantheon of abstract strategy games.