Bye bye, boredom: These 10 top-rated board games are fun for the whole family
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One of the best ways to stave off boredom is with a board or card game. We rounded up some of the best games for two players or more with an eye towards keeping you active and competitive while stuck indoors. Some of the picks are for adults, while others are for kids and the whole family. Either way, you’ll have fun — and spend less time glued to your screen of choice.
Shop the games below:
Cinephile: A Card Game
Cinephile: A Card Game is made for movie lovers and pop culture fans with various different ways to play (including Six Degrees, Filmography and more) with just two people or a whole group. In fact, the game is designed to be “re-mixed” with your own rules and objectives. The card game comes with 150 eye-popping cards with movie stars from Amy Adams to Denzel Washington. If you’re a movie fan, then this game is a must!
Othello
The classic board game Othello, which only takes “a minute to learn, but a lifetime to master,” can provide hours of skill and strategy. The object is to cover the board entirely in black or white discs, while it’s a perfect game for kids and adults of various ages. But beware: it can be very addicting.
“This is a great game for all ages. Constantly changing and evolving, never boring and always a platform for becoming better,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “Gives a good basic strategy for chess.”
Ticket To Ride
Ticket To Ride is popular among adults, but it’s also suitable for children over eight years old. It can be played with just two people, but it also allows for up to five players at a time. The object of the game is to build train routes across North America, while you connect cities and earn points. Whoever builds the most routes wins the game. There’s a bit a competition to make sure others don’t build routes around you, but overall, it’s a great strategy game to pass the time.
This version is Alexa-enabled, so you can use the voice assistant as a “guide” through the game. It doesn’t require an Echo Dot to play it, but it might juice up the action.
Hive
Hive is described as “chess, but with bugs” and doesn’t require a traditional board to play. In fact, this game only comes with game pieces and just about anything flat like a table or tray can be used as a game board. Players take turn placing down pieces to surround your opponent’s queen bee. Each piece features a different bug, while certain bugs and only move certain ways... like chess. It’s great for kids, as well as adults.
“This game is incredibly fun! I hate chess and most similar strategy games, but I can't stop playing Hive,” wrote an excited Amazon shopper. “My husband and I bought it for our kids (who do love chess) as a Christmas gift, but when we were going to wrap it we decided to play it first. We then proceeded to play it three more times that night. We laughed and had so much fun!”
7 Wonders: Duel
There are many different ways to win 7 Wonders: Duel, which is why it’s so popular. The object is to go head-to-head, as you both try to build a new civilization with dazzling architectural “wonders,” while also trying to crush your opponent through scientific, civilian or military supremacy.
“My husband and I love playing board and card games, and own and play a lot of them regularly. We are always searching for great two-player games, and this is one of our favorites,” wrote a satisfied shopper.
Sequence: The Game
Sequence: The Game is designed for up to twelve players from ages 7 and up, so everyone in the family can have a good time. Here’s how to play: Players are dealt card six cards, which correspond to the included game board. All you have to do is place a chip on your board from your hand for each turn. Once you get five in a row, that’s a “sequence.” However, other players can strategically block from getting to five in a row, so you must avoid and set your own “traps” to win.
Rivals For Catan: Deluxe
Rivals For Catan is the two-player version of Settlers of Catan, but the concept is just the same. Build your own civilizations in different scenarios, while trying to outdo your opponent. You may role-play as a prince or princess, but the object is to build a bigger and better settlements, roads and cities.
“This has quickly become a favorite for my husband and I. We love the ‘real’ version, but hardly ever play it since it requires at least 3 players. This is great for a two-player option,” another five-star shopper shared.
Codenames: Duet
Designed as a cooperative game, Codenames: Duet is meant to be played hard and fast The object of the game is to give one-word clues to your partner, while you both try to discover who are the “secret agents” on your team from a 25-card grid. If you reveal too many innocent bystanders or the assassin, you lose the game. There are different outcomes of each game, which are only meant to be played for about 15-to-20 minutes.
“My wife doesn't like board games. I do. I knew if I wanted to share my passion, it would need to be a cooperative game, easy to explain and play, and fun. This fits the bill perfectly,” shared an Amazon reviewer. “We now pull this out at least every other week to spend some quality time together doing something besides watching TV.”
Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island is designed for two-to-four players with a cooperative angle. This game takes you on an adventure in the search for four hidden treasures. The game has multiple difficulty levels, plus it’s easy for anyone to pick up and play. The some strategy and problem-solving involved to find the treasure, so be prepared for some brain teasers and puzzles along the way.
“Wow, what a clever game! I'm so impressed to have a cooperative game that is complicated enough to engage adults and still playable with the kids,” shared a delighted reviewer.
The Ladybug Game
The Ladybug Game is a perfect two-player board game for little kids ages three and up. Players must lead their ladybug across the board, while trying to avoid other bugs along the way. This game puts children’s reading and math skills to the test, while also teaching them about colors, taking turns and bug life.
“This is a great little game for younger children,” wrote a five-star shopper. “My 4-1/2 grandson loved playing it, and it's easy enough that I'm sure the 3-year-old will love it too, and be able to play with only minor help. It's really good for teaching/reinforcing numbers and counting in a fun way. It's not a cooperative game, but it's also not competitive; there's no competing against the other players, there's just finding your own way to the finish line. I was surprised that after playing the game last night, it was the first thing my grandson asked for again this morning.”
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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