Strategy

These games focus on planning, resource management, and decision-making. Examples include “Catan,” “Risk,” and “Twilight Struggle.”

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

California Review

California is all about sun, fun, and building the coolest house on the street. Fast turns, bright colors, and a pinch of luck make this one a hit at casual game nights, but strategy fans may want more.

China: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

China Review

China is a clever mix of strategy and area control that kept my friends plotting and laughing. Expect tense moments, smart moves, and just a pinch of luck sneaking in—enough to make every game feel fresh.

Colorado - Colorado, Sylex, 2023 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 3.8/5

Colorado Review

Colorado delivers quick, clever card play and just enough rivalry to keep everyone awake. The rules are easy, the colors are bright, and you might even forgive your friend for that wild pile they forced you to take.

Yellowstone: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Yellowstone Review

Yellowstone took our table by storm, mixing smart worker placement with stunning art. Even Bob, who usually hates parks, ended up plotting eagle rescues. Strategy fans, grab your ranger hats—this one’s worth the hike.

Times: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Times Review

Times is a simple, clever game that had my friends and me arguing over dates and laughing at wild guesses. It's smart, fast, and always teaches me something new. Just don't play if you hate losing to lucky guesses!

Carnival: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

Carnival Review

Carnival brings laughs, bright art, and a pinch of chaos to game night. Easy to learn, but luck often trumps strategy. Not for sour losers or folks who hate surprises!

Politico: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Politico Review

If your idea of fun is backstabbing friends while pretending to run the country, Politico delivers. Just be ready for a lot of bribery, laughter, and the occasional dramatic table-flip. Perfect for those who love chaos and clever deals.

Skyward: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Skyward Review

Skyward is clever, fast, and just sneaky enough to ruin your friendships. I love the card-splitting, and the art is a treat. Just know: strategy wins here, not luck. Bring your poker face—and maybe some snacks.

Target: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Target Review

Target is fast, silly, and packed with surprise betrayals. It’s perfect for game night laughs, but if you crave deep strategy over chaos, you’ll want something else. I still bring it out when friends want pure fun.

M: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

M Review

If you want a board game that brings laughs, smart moves, and a smidge of luck, 'm' fits the bill. Just don't let the flashy tokens fool you—skill wins the day!