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”.

Tetris: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.8/5

Tetris Review

Played Tetris with friends, and man, it's a blast! Simple yet addictive, it's a game night staple. Just wish luck wasn't such a big player in winning. Still, it's a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Aquarius - Aquarius, Looney Labs, 2021 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 3.8/5

Aquarius Review

Aquarius brings wild, colorful chaos to the table. It's quick to learn and super silly, but luck rules the day. Great with kids or rowdy friends, but don’t expect deep strategy. Artwork pops, gameplay zooms by, laughter guaranteed.

Focus: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Focus Review

Focus is a pure strategy battle—no luck, just brains. The chunky pieces are super satisfying to move, and every game feels tense. If you like clever moves and fair play, Focus could be your new go-to classic.

Delta: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Delta Review

Delta offers solid strategy, eye-catching pieces, and a fun level of player scheming. Luck pops up now and then, but skill usually wins out. We laughed, plotted, and definitely played more than once. Good value for game night.

Shazamm!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Shazamm! Review

Wizards blasting each other across a fiery bridge? Yes, please. Shazamm! mixes smart bluffing, cheeky magic, and just enough chaos to keep everyone grinning—unless you’re on fire. Great fun, a little spicy on the luck sometimes.

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.