I love board games, but I also love data.
A few years ago, I started tracking every play in BG Stats to make sure our collection wasn't just gathering dust. Sure, part of me wanted to be able to objectively say, "I'm not playing this game with you because the numbers guarantee I'll lose." (Just kidding... I think ).
But the real magic of tracking our plays is seeing the stories behind the numbers. It shows me what our friends keep asking to play, what games quietly become staples, and even helps me figure out what to recommend before game night. So with 2026 somehow already halfway over, it's time for my favorite kind of check in. Let's see how those board game intentions are holding up and what's actually making it to the table.
Spoiler: the hype fades, but some games are forever
If there's one thing these first six months have reminded me, it's that our favorite games aren't always the biggest or newest. They're the ones we can pull off the shelf, teach in a few minutes, and happily play over and over again.
Progress Report
All these games were played in person, I love BGA, but those numbers don't count towards our shelf audit:
- 487 games played across 3 countries
- 36 amazing players shared our table
- H-Index: 9 (all-time: 42)
- 164 unique games played (67 of them new to me!)
- 255 hours over 114 days spent gaming
Collection at 456 games, well under our 500-game ceiling.
Our Comfort Zone
Our comfort zone will always be those punchy 30 minute games that fit into just about any evening. Looking at my most played grid tells the whole story: Jump Drive, Castle Combo, The Game, Forest Shuffle, Dominion, The Gang . . . the games that get played the most are the ones we can throw in a bag, bring anywhere, and get to the table without much planning.
About the Author
Coty is a board game blogger, reviewer, and accidental LEGO art collector. When she’s not testing rulebooks or trying to beat her wife at two-player games, she’s playing ice hockey. Follow her adventures on Instagram or read more at KaCo Plays.
