I used to firmly believe that board and card games = lame. And then I got married and my husband’s family LOVED them. Literally, we would play every time we were at their house and it was intense. Sometimes it was a blood bath, complete with hot debates over actual vs/ house rules. It was a great and terrible sight, and I fell in love with the process. In a lot of ways, I really got to know my in-laws by playing games with them.

I still submit that many games are lame indeed and I’d rather not waste my time with them. However, the right ones can be SO. MUCH. FUN.

My husband and I have carried on the tradition of playing games in our own little family. We are now collectors of what we deem “really fun games”. We LOVE having friends over for a game night. It creates real connection and some friendly competition. I love a good movie too, but a game night always leaves me feeling fulfilled. Additionally, quality time with friends fills my well of social connectedness.

Below is a list of our very favorite games. 👇

“Really Fun” Board & Card Games

• Settlers of Catan

  Right now this game is my absolute fave - I’ve been binge playing it. This is a strategy game in which you give and lose resources and then trade in those resources to build roads, houses, and cities. Building infrastructure earns you points. The first person to reach 10 points wins. It’s strategic enough to make you think, but simple enough that anyone (probably 10 and older) can get good at it. It’s a longer game (usually takes about an hour) but everyone is involved each roll of the dice so it moves fast and is really engaging.

• Hearts

  Quick moving, 4 player card game. All you need is a standard deck of cards. Follow suit and avoid picking up hearts or the Queen of Spades, unless you’re “shooting the moon.” Which my husband always does, to everyone’s utter despair.

• Monopoly Empire

  This is a super fast version of Monopoly. Every time you buy a property, you build your tower. When anyone lands on any of your properties, they must pay you the value of your entire tower. Classic and a family favorite.

• Bananagrams

  Like Scrabble, but easier & quicker. Start with a pile of letters and make as many words as you can as fast as possible. Each time a player uses all their tiles, they yell “peel!” and everyone has to take another tile. Be the first one to have a complete crossword when all the letter tiles are gone.

• Coup

  Everyone is suspect. Take on two different secret identities and complete actions based on those identities. If your identities aren’t helpful, you can always lie and pretend to be someone else! Fun, fast, and super easy to learn.

• One Night Ultimate Werewolf

  Awesome party game. This is a lot different than the campfire Werewolf game, and much quicker. Some people are secretly assigned as werewolves. Some are village folk. Some have special abilities. You must figure out who the werewolves or lose! Bonus, it’s narrated through an app so no one has to sit out to narrate. There are a lot of different versions of this game but in my opinion, One Night Ultimate Werewolf is hands down the best one.

• Wackee Six

  This is another favorite party game. Everyone plays at the same time, trying to get rid of all their cards to build up piles on the table. Win by racking up the most points by getting the most cards out on the table and being the first to get rid of all the cards in your pile. A high energy level game and such a blast.

• Tenzi

  With a lot of people, this game is a riot. Be the first person to roll the same number for all 10 of your dice. All ages can play this and have a good time. While the brand name game is really pretty, it is also expensive for colored dice. You really only need a bunch of dice and instructions on how to play.

Honorable mentions include: Ultimate Banking Monopoly, Bang, and Cover your Assets. I have also heard raving review about Skull King and Secret Hitler but have not yet played them myself.

Games can bring people together (or tear them apart if you get really emotional haha so I guess be careful there). They are a great way to build face to face connection in a plugged in world.

What are your favorite games? Please share in the comments below. I love trying new things out!