New Game Recommendations
I confess, we are an analog game family. We love to try new games, especially during the cold winter months.
Over the Christmas and New Year break we tried some new games and so I thought I’d share them with you. I’ll also list some of our standard, all-time favorites. All in no particular order…
Although it took me a few games to really get into feel of this game, it became an instant favorite with everyone. The game is fast-paced and easy to learn.
Each person takes a card from the draw pile, doesn’t look at it, and on the count of Moose, Match, Mayhem, flips their card for all to see. You then quickly grab a card you want (not necessarily your own). The goal is to create sets of 3 like cards while also avoiding cards that can wipe out all of your hard work. It’s a fairly quick game but a true joy to play, especially with kids. Highly Recommend!
This five-suit rummy style game has become a favorite of everyone in the house. The only complaint from anyone (including adults) is at the very end you are holding and sorting through 13 cards.
Something like this may be handy for little or older hands.
The first round, 3 cards are dealt to each player. The goal is to gather 3 of a kind or make a straight of the same suit. The next round, 4 cards, and so on. Each round you must use all of your cards. So for round four, 4 of a kind or a straight of the same suit. Once you get to six cards, you can make 2 sets or 2 straights or a combination. This goes on until you reach the kings. In addition, each round there is a different wild. In round 3, 3’s are wild, round 4, 4’s are wild and so on. Jokers are also wild all of the time. I even created a score sheet that you can download instead of buy. The only drawback to my sheet is that you have to do some mental math… We play nearly every evening so yeah, Highly Recommend.
If your family is anything like ours, you play Monopoly every 5 to 10 years because it takes that long to get past the hurt inflicted during a normal game!
Monopoly Deal takes many of the same wheeling and dealing concepts and wraps it into a fast-paced card game. The goal is to get 3 monopolies but of course there is rent to be paid, birthday money to cough up, opportunities to pass Go, and deals to thwart.
The box states ages 8+ but I would argue that the game is more suited to ages 12+ because there are different strategies and planning that must be considered. We really like this game and the more players the wilder it gets. Highly Recommend!
If you are a fan of Secret Hitler, you’ll probably like this game. It’s a fun game where everyone knows who the Sheriff is but no knows who the Outlaws, Deputies, or Renegades are. Action proceeds with the roll of the dice that can allow you to shot who you may think is opposed to your crew. The dice can also heal you and hurt you in other ways.
We enjoyed many games of Bang! It’s great for a quick game and if you only have a few people to play. Recommend.
I was hesitant to list this one because I can’t decide if I like the game or hate it.
It’s UNO but it’s not. There are so many twists and turns, new cards, and rules, it’s tough to keep it all straight the first couple of games.
It’s a fun distraction and can really reveal who in the family is Brutal, Ruthless, and Unapologetic.
Recommend.
Family Favorite Games
These are some of our family favorites that have seen us through many a winter night or summer evening.
- Sky-Jo – skillfully uncover cards and try to be the one with the least points
- Dutch Blitz – an insanely quick card game that is easy to learn but difficult to master.
- Sequence – play a card – place a chip – try to get five chips in a row without being blocked by an opponent. Easy to play, very addicting.
- Exploding Kittens – a hilarious game where you don’t want to be the last person to draw an exploding kitten card.
- Happy Salmon – card game, exercise, and the silent mode is the funniest. Leave lots of room around the table for switching spots!
- Phase 10 – this game has been around a long time. I remember playing it with my grandmother. Loads of fun for everyone.
Does your family have a favorite game(s)? Let me know in the comments! We’d love to check them out!
James M. Hahn, Author 