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”.

Amazons: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Amazons Review

Amazons nails the sweet spot between chess and chaos—pure strategy, zero nonsense. If you like your board games fair and clever, this one's a real winner (as long as you don’t lose your arrows under the couch!).

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.

Ingenious - Ingenious, KOSMOS, 2023 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.8/5

Ingenious Review

'Ingenious' hits the sweet spot between being easy to learn and offering deep strategic play. With its high replay value and great component quality, it's a must-have in any game collection, despite its luck factor. A solid 4 out of 5 stars.

Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition Review

Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition shines with innovative dice-driven mechanics, fostering strategic multiplayer interaction, boosted further by its fantastic replay value through exciting expansions—a delightful challenge for friends and family alike.

Canvas: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Canvas Review

Canvas lets you stack see-through cards to paint cool pictures and score points. It looks amazing, feels clever, and gives a calm, friendly game night vibe. Just watch out for a bit of luck sneaking in!

Turing Machine: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Turing Machine Review

Excerpt from Turing Machine Review: Boasting ingenious puzzles and compelling player interaction, Turing Machine offers deep strategies and high replayability—making each session a unique excursion into the brilliance of collective problem-solving.

Chess: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Chess Review

Chess is king of board games. No luck, just pure brain work. I once tried to bluff my way through—didn’t end well. If you love strategy (and don’t mind losing to your grandma), this game’s for you.