Blog summary:
When choosing a board game to play with your group, you have to weigh up some important factors such as player count, experience, time constraints, mood, and competition. When these have been evaluated, it will be much easier to find a game that fits your group perfectly!
How to choose
Picking a board game sounds easy enough. Then you look at the shelf and realise there are approximately 14 billion options!
With so many games available, finding the right one for your group can be tricky. The best game isn't necessarily the biggest, newest, or most complicated. It’s the one that fits the people sitting around the table.
Here are a few things to consider before choosing your next game!
Start with player count
First things first, how many people are playing?
This is one of the easiest ways to narrow things down. A game designed for two players can feel very different from one built for six or eight. Some games also work particularly well at certain player counts, even if their box suggests a wider range. If your group changes size regularly, look for games with flexible player counts. That way, you won't end up with a brilliant game that spends most of its life gathering dust because you need exactly four players to enjoy it.
Think about experience
Not everyone at the table needs to be a board game expert!
If you're playing with beginners, starting with something simple can help everyone get involved quickly. Party games, family games, and lighter strategy titles are often a good introduction to modern board gaming. For experienced groups, you can start turning up the complexity. Games with deeper strategies, longer decision-making, and more detailed rules can provide a bigger challenge for players who already know their meeples from their miniatures!
How long have you got?
Don't accidentally pick a three-hour epic when everyone needs to be home by nine!
Check the estimated playing time before choosing. If you're squeezing a game into a lunch break or planning a quick evening session, something that takes 30 minutes or less could be ideal. Got the whole afternoon? That's when you can bring out the big box and settle in for something more substantial.
Match the mood
What does your group actually enjoy?
Competitive players might love head-to-head strategy, while another group could prefer cooperative games where everyone works towards the same goal. If your friends enjoy bluffing, look for social deduction games. Love puzzles? There are plenty of deduction and logic-based options. Theme matters too! A group of fantasy fans might jump at an adventure game, while another might be far more interested in running a restaurant, building a city, or trading commodities.
Consider the competition
This one can be important!
Some groups thrive on ruthless competition. Others would rather avoid arguments over who stole whose resources. Think about how your group reacts when things get competitive. Cooperative games can be a great choice for players who prefer working together, while competitive games are perfect for groups that enjoy a bit of rivalry.
Don't be afraid to ask.
Still stuck? Ask for recommendations!
Board game shops and cafes are full of people who can help you find something based on your player count, experience, and interests. You can also check reviews and guides before buying. Most importantly, don't overthink it. The perfect board game is the one your group actually wants to play. Find something that suits your crowd, get everyone around the table, and let the games begin!
