Strategy

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

Focus: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Focus Review

Focus is a smart, tactical game with zero luck. If you love outwitting your friends and hate losing to dice rolls, this is your jam. Easy to learn, hard to master—bring your brain, leave the excuses.

Delta: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.8/5

Delta Review

Delta surprised me! It's all about clever moves, not lucky dice. The artwork pops, and my friends actually wanted a rematch, which never happens. If you hate random nonsense, this one just might be for you.

Museum - Museum, Holy Grail Games, 2019 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin
Rating: 4.3/5

Museum Review

Museum is a set collection gem with gorgeous art and smart gameplay. Trading gets heated, but luck stays low. A few rule hiccups, but I keep returning to the table for just one more round.

Goodwill: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.3/5

Goodwill Review

Goodwill is one of those games that tricks you into thinking you're smarter than your friends—until you're not. Easy to learn, quick to play, and guaranteed to spark a friendly rivalry around the table.

King: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

King Review

King serves up quick laughs, sneaky player moves, and the kind of chaos that has you blaming your bad luck—and your friends. If you love friendly feuds more than pure strategy, King will fit right in.

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.3/5

California Review

California is a bright, quirky race to furnish your pad before your friends can. Luck plays a role, but sneaky blocking and clever planning keep you on your toes—just don’t expect a brain-burner!

China: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

China Review

China is a snappy area control game where smart moves matter more than luck. Quick to set up, it shines with more players and keeps things tense, without overwhelming with rules or weird plastic bits.

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

Colorado Review

Colorado looks simple but packs sneaky choices and plenty of laughs. Luck can mess you up, but quick rounds and easy rules make it a go-to filler for game nights with friends.

Yellowstone: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Yellowstone Review

Yellowstone blends gorgeous art with easy rules and just enough strategy to keep things lively. It’s perfect for families, but hardcore gamers might want more depth—not that the bison care. Nature never looked this board-gamey before.

Times: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Times Review

Times kept our group laughing, arguing, and shouting random facts. Quick rounds, a chaotic timer, and wild questions made each play different. Strategy helps, but luck can ruin your streak. Prepare for friendly chaos more than serious competition!