Top 10 Party Board Games

boardgamequest.com:

If you’re looking for tips on being the life of the party, look no further. Picture this scene. Everyone is happily chatting, looking relaxed, maybe some are inebriated. You, with your knack for reading the room, have a splendid idea. “Who wants to play a game!?” you inquire. It appears no one wants to speak over one another, so they all remain silent. Some bury their face in their drink, others turn away. They must think there can’t possibly be enough room for everyone to play. “Have no fear. I brought party games. Everyone can play!.” The crowd goes wild as partygoers rush to the table, eager to grab a spot. You are loved.

Here are my top 10 party games for when you have a willing and captive audience, which is sometimes, ironically, not at a party. Unless it’s your birthday party. Then you get to decide, and no one can complain. These are all easy to learn, highly engaging/interactive, and they work with large groups.

Honorable mentions: Detective Club, When I Dream, and Pictomania.

Pictionary is both my nostalgia pick and my drawing game pick. I’ve very much enjoyed newer games like Pictomania, Fake Artist, and Telestrations, but the real-time, team based race is still my favorite format. I love that the focus is more on relaying concepts efficiently rather than necessarily drawing well. If playing these days, I’ll forgo the board and the dice. Instead, I’ll choose a set number of cards and see which teams wins the most of them. With those, admittedly major changes, this game is super competitive and often laugh out loud funny. I’m not usually bringing this one out myself anymore, but I am always hoping in the back of my mind that someone will suggest it.

Codenames needs no introduction. It’s already a modern