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”.

Target: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Target Review

Target shines with strategic gameplay and lively player interaction. Its fair mechanics make it a must-try for any game night. Just watch out for that sneaky luck that can occasionally shuffle your plans!

M: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

M Review

'm' delights with its engaging gameplay, stunning artwork, and strategic depth. However, a slight luck factor may irk purists. Still, it's a must-try for fantasy lovers and strategy enthusiasts.

Cats: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Cats Review

"Cats" dazzles with its vibrant board and clever mechanics. Players rearrange rooms and play Kitty Chaos cards. It’s strategic yet casual, perfect for game nights. However, a bit of luck may surprise you, keeping things interesting.

Connections: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Connections Review

Connections is a thrilling game, all about strategy and planning. With high-quality components and balanced mechanics, it brings intense fun to every game night. Perfect for those who thrive on strategic gameplay over random luck.

Amazons: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Amazons Review

Amazons is strategic gold. It challenges your mind, like chess with a twist. Each move feels like a grand masterstroke. Great for those who love intense battles of wits. Rookies beware—it punishes careless plays!

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.