Strategy

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

King: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

King Review

King had us making alliances and breaking them faster than my dog knocks over my meeple pile. Fast turns, lively table talk, but luck sometimes throws a wrench in your plans. Still, it's a royal treat for game nights!

California: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

California Review

California is the sunshine-filled board game I never knew I needed. Build dream houses, grab furniture, and watch your friends fight over a golden bathtub—what more could you want? Fast, fun, and only slightly unfair. BYO sunglasses.

China: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.8/5

China Review

China offers smart, sneaky moves and very little luck—just the way I like it. If you enjoy plotting against your pals, this game delivers. Be ready for tense moments and the occasional evil glare across the table.

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

Colorado Review

Colorado brings out my inner risk-taker. Fast, colorful, and easy to teach, it's big fun in a small box—just don't expect to plan your way to victory!

Yellowstone: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4.5/5

Yellowstone Review

Yellowstone’s clever mix of tactics and stunning art turned our game night into a lively showdown. If you love blocking friends and spotting bison, you’ll want this on your table—even if the geysers sometimes treat you unfairly.

Times: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.8/5

Times Review

Times is the trivia game that made us smart and salty. Fun questions and quick rounds, but a wobbly timer and luck can tip the scales! Good for laughs, not for ultra-competitive brainiacs.

Carnival: Box Cover Front
Rating: 3.5/5

Carnival Review

Carnival packs wild fun and plenty of laughs—if you like games with a pinch of chaos and lively table talk, you’ll have a blast. Just don’t expect to outsmart the deck every time!

Politico: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Politico Review

Politico is where you negotiate, scheme, and bribe your way to the top. It's smart, a bit sneaky, and always rowdy—just keep one eye on your friends and the other on Steve, who cheats at everything.

Skyward: Box Cover Front
Rating: 4/5

Skyward Review

Skyward throws you into a sky city brawl where you split cards, squabble, and laugh at your own bad luck. It’s fast, fun, and has just enough strategy to keep you blaming yourself instead of the dice.

Target: Box Cover Front
Rating: 2.8/5

Target Review

Target brings fast-paced action and a dash of chaos to the table. It’s fun with friends, but heavy on luck. Great for laughs, not for planners. Components are simple, but hey—at least it’s quick to clean up!