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: 4.3/5

Delta Review

Delta wowed my game group with its funky gears and brainy moves. No dice rolling drama here—just pure strategy and friendly rivalries. It's a game that rewards clever planning, though the color palette could use a splash more zip.

Shazamm!: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Shazamm! Review

Shazamm! made me laugh and yell in equal measure. Bluffing my best friend into wasting all his magic felt glorious, but he got revenge next round. Fast, fun, and only mildly rage-inducing—just like the best wizard duels.

Target: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Target Review

If you like flinging stuff and yelling at your pals, Target brings laughs, some skill, and a bit too much luck. It's fun, but don't expect pure strategy. Still, I'd play again, just not every weekend.

M: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

M Review

If you want a game that looks great and keeps everyone engaged—while sometimes letting luck run wild—m brings fun to the table, but won't please players who want to be in full control.

Cats: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Cats Review

Cats is a silly, light card game where you chase fancy felines and sabotage your friends. Quick to learn, fun for all, but luck can topple your plans. Good for laughs, not for serious strategists.

Connections: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Connections Review

Connections is the party game that had us shouting, "How on earth is pizza connected to clouds?" Fast, funny, sometimes frustrating—bring your clever friends and your wildest guesses!

Amazons: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Amazons Review

Amazons is pure strategy—no luck, just your brain versus your friends. It’s tense, fair, and maybe even friendship-ending, but I’d still play it again (and again).

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.