Five board games for competitive family nights
Video games aren’t exactly family-friendly forms of entertainment. Most are either single-player or online multiplayer experiences, while couch co-op titles (games you can play with multiple players on the same screen) are mostly only for two to four people. Not to mention, they are few and far between. If anything, video games today are meant to be enjoyed in isolation.
So on family nights, are we only ever going to play games like “Overcooked” and “Mario Kart”?
Board games, on the other hand, while less technically impressive, offer much variety for their players. Feeling a little academic? Play “Scrabble” and put your dictionary knowledge to the test. Looking to channel your inner naval officer? Win a battle for the seas with “Battleship.” Whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s likely a board game for it.
And if you’re feeling a little competitive, here are five board games to take family night to the next level.
Avalon
A unique mix between espionage and medieval fantasy, “Avalon” tests one’s social deduction skills.
Players under the banner of King Arthur are tasked with identifying those aligned with Mordred, while those on the opposite side must sabotage up to three quests without being identified.
The catch? A character named Merlin knows all the evil players, but must stay hidden from Mordred’s camp—if he is killed, the game is over—and steer player opinion to vote against the evil characters without revealing their own identity.
Codenames
A board game take on information espionage, “Codenames” splits players into two teams. Each led by its own leader, the goal is for players to guess their team’s respective cards, using only a prompt from the leader who can see the correct ones they have to guess.
Game of the Generals
Initially released in the Philippines in the 1970s, “Game of the Generals” is designed for two players, a neutral arbiter, and emphasizes strategy and misinformation. Player pieces are hidden throughout the game and can only be assumed by their movements and the results of previous skirmishes. The game forces players to make their moves with limited knowledge.
Throw Throw Burrito
A mix between a family card game and dodgeball, “Throw Throw Burrito” will have your adrenaline pumping while potentially putting any surrounding glassware and furniture at risk.
How does it work? Players have to draw three matching sets of cards faster than the other. However, when a burrito card is drawn, a mini dodge-burrito skirmish ensues, where you lose cards if you’re hit by a burrito.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Uno (ish) with a hint of aggressive hand slapping, in “Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza,” players say their word as they flip their card. If the said word matches the revealed card, players have to slap the pile. However, the last to do so has to collect all the cards on the table. The way to win? Completely empty your hand.
