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”.

Shazamm!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Shazamm! Review

Ever wanted to duel your friends without setting the kitchen on fire? Shazamm! delivers tense wizard battles, big laughs, and just enough chaos to keep both your ego and your eyebrows intact.

Target: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3/5

Target Review

Target brings some laughs and friendly chaos to the table, but don't expect deep strategy here. Fun for a quick round, but if you hate luck-based wins, you'll want to skip this one.

M: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

M Review

m is a fast, fun, and strategic game that keeps everyone on their toes. With smart turns, great bits, and lots of laughs, it quickly became a favorite at my table.

Cats: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Cats Review

Cats serves up adorable art and easy laughs. You’ll battle friends for cardboard fish, but don’t expect epic strategy—luck sometimes snatches victory. Great for chill nights, less so for serious gamers or dog lovers.

Connections: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Connections Review

Connections is a word game that made my friends argue in the best way. Easy to learn, loads of laughs, but beware the sneaky judge! Great for groups who like wordplay and lighthearted bickering.

Amazons: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Amazons Review

Amazons delivers pure strategy, no luck, and lots of "aha!" moments. It’s a favorite at my table—easy to teach, tricky to master, and surprisingly tense for a game that doesn’t need any plastic miniatures or wacky dice.

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.