I was an only child (and I’m now married), I don’t have siblings and for this reason it was difficult to play board games alone, so I did not play so much as a kid, but I remember to have at least two board games: checkers and noble solo.

In my teens I was introduced to the two most famous board games: Monopoly and War and my mind blew. That time, I was fully surrounded by friends, and I could play a lot.

Both games are introductory for the ones that want to start playing. I fully recommend!

The classic board games are chess, checkers, backgammon, and noble solo, after 1960, German designers started to create new board games with different dynamics and became popular among countries in Europe, and this new style established in The U.S. and spread around the world. The most famous are The Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride and Carcassonne.

The benefits of playing board games are being in contact with family and friends, causing different sensations, making us alive and the most important it improves cognitive and socio-emotional performance. And they become popular again due to the new generation of board games, they consume less time than the used to, and they are more collaborative, and the players should make a more strategic decision instead of throwing dice only.

Stay tuned for next posts!

Xoxo

Milena

This post is about the most popular games of all time, and because of that it is measured by the number of units sold. 
 
 Here is the top 10!

1.    Chess

2.    Checkers

3.    Monopoly

4.    Scrabble

5.    Clue

6.    Battleship

7.    Trivial Pursuit

8.    Backgammon

9.    Candy Land

10.  Rummikub

We have 17 kinds of board games, but as this blog is for the ones that are starting this amazing hobby, I will just show the mechanics of our top 10.

Examples: Monopoly, Candy Land, Trivial Pursuit, Clue, Cranium

Games where you roll dice and move as many spaces as possible, triggering actions or decisions that need to be made based on where you land.

Examples: Azul, Santorini, Hive, Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, Rummikub

Games that lack a thematic element and rely solely on the decisions that players make. Abstract games can incorporate themes; however, they don’t impact gameplay itself so it’s as if they may as well not be there.,

Examples: Axis and Allies, Twilight Imperium, Warhammer, Inis, Battleship

Games that pit players against each other through armies (often represented by a variety of miniatures) to the death, by encouraging large-scale combat determined via dice rolls or deck building.

Example: Scrabble, Patchwork, Cascadia

Games in which two to four players compete in forming things with tiles on a square board; Players draw tiles from a pool at the start and replenish their supply after each turn.

Did you like it?
Have you ever played one of those games?

Drop me a line!
Xoxo
Milena

Tip #1 - What kind of boardgame do you like?

There are several game mechanics and categories that can make your heartbeat faster, check out some below:

• Hand management (it consists of using cards to play in sequence, performing combos and making the best use of them).

• Mystery (games that may involve solving a murder case, undoing deaths, and even finding who the spy is).

• Family games (to get together and play with the family, from the grandfather to the great-grandchildren).

• Party games (perfect games to play with friends and laugh a lot).

Tip #2- Who are you playing with?

Think about who is going to play with you, is it your family, your friends, or co-workers? This will help you make a more accurate choice, as not all games can be played in all environments.

Remember, it's always funnier to play together, so think about the age, difficulty level and taste of the people who is going to play with you.

Tip #3- What kind of challenge would you like to face?

Read about the board game you want, watch videos about them and make sure it's the perfect game you were looking for! This way, you can avoid buying a game that is too difficult or too easy for the type of challenge you are looking for. 

Tip #4- Price x Value

Board games are very diverse, including the prices they offer. There are games that range from R$30.00 to more than R$300.00. But nowadays there are places that you can rent board game for one week to test, and then if you like you can buy it. 

Don't worry, you will find a game that, compared to its value, fun and benefits offered, the price will be your last concern.

Tip #5 – Game duration

You've probably had the experience of starting a game and not being able to finish it, so paying attention to the duration of the boardgame, it is essential.

We usually don't pay attention to this detail; we can easily get frustrated. So, analyze how much time you and the other participants will have available to play and then choosing the game will be much easier.

For quick games, the entry-level games and party games categories are generally the most recommended. For longer games, we recommend those that involve more strategies, such as mystery and programmed movement.

Suggestions of board games for beginners 

1.    Pandemic

2.    Catan

3.    Dixit

4.    7 Wonders

5.    The Resistance

6.    Black Stories

7.    Zombicide

8.    Munchkin

9.    Ticket to Ride

10.  Cards Against Humanity

Did you like one of my suggestions?

I’ve never played Munchkin; I am very curious now.
Drop me a comment.
Xoxo
Milena

Set a Date and Time:

-Choose a date that is convenient for most of the people involved.
-Consider the duration of the game night; typically, 3-4 hours is enough.

Create a Guest List:

-Think about how many people you want to invite to ensure there's enough space for everyone.
-Consider the gaming interests and preferences of the people you invite.

Choose a place:

-Decide whether the game night will be at your home, a friend's house, or a public place like a game room or café.
-Ensure the place has enough space and tables to fit all the guests.

-Choose a variety of games that suit the tastes and skill levels of your guests.

-Board games, card games, puzzles, and party games are great options.

-Make sure you have the rules and components for each game ready.

-Provide snacks, appetizers, and drinks to keep everyone fueled and hydrated.
-It can be a good idea to ask guests to contribute food potluck-style to diversify the options.

-Set up tables and chairs comfortably for the players.
-Illuminate the space adequately to prevent it from being too dark or too bright.
-Play soft background music if desired.

-Create a schedule for the games, allowing enough time for each one.
-Start with lighter and more social games and progress to more complex ones, if desired.

-Before starting each game, explain the rules clearly and ensure all players understand them.
-Be available to answer questions during the game.

-The most important aspect is to enjoy your time with friends and family. Game night is an opportunity for fun and making memories.

Prizes or Recognition (Optional):

-Consider rewarding game winners with small prizes or symbolic recognition.

-Be prepared to clean up and tidy the venue after the game night.
-Make sure that everyone feels welcome and included, regardless of their gaming experience. The key to a successful game night is fun and social interaction. Have a great time!

Did you like the steps?
Are you trying to organize a game night?

Xoxo