The Best Game For Families is a collection of amazing board game reviews from a real family using this playful rating system!
As parents, we’ve always believed in the power of game night as a way to connect, but only if the competition is authentic, promotes good sportsmanship, and fosters pride.
We wholeheartedly believe it is detrimental to “let your kids win” games . . . at any age. Our family motto has always been — Don’t be a sore loser. Shake hands and demand a rematch.
When our girls were pre-schoolers we ditched boredom-inducing bouts of Candy Land, Zingo, and Sorry by partnering with our kids while playing games recommended for older children and adults.
We lovingly call our family-quartet The Core Four.
Our game closet is overflowing, Royal Tannenbaum-style, and we’re here to share our favorite finds with you. We believe a family that plays together, stays together — and is less prone to fist fights.
This is our official family rating system:
5-Star Game Night Rating System ★
5 ★★★★★ — I love this game and am always excited to play.
4 ★★★★— I like it! When do we play again?
3 ★★★— Meh. It's ok.
2 ★★— You're gonna have to talk me into it.
1 ★— I never want play this stinking game again. Let's get rid of it.
And let me officially introduce you to the reviewers.
The Core Four
Meet our gaming family . . .
Gamer Dad
Years of comic book collecting, Dungeons & Dragons, and video games gives Gamer Dad a long history of geekdom. (He insists everyone know he also enjoys sports.) He is the father of two wonderful daughters and he enjoys taunting and defeating them at every opportunity.
FAVORITE GAMES: Catan, Axis & Allies, Dixit
Gamer Daughter 1
A jolly demeanor and a constant smile make Gamer Daughter 1 a wonderful addition to any Game Night. She is always optimistic, but her kindness (and constant need for snacks) sometimes gets in the way of her being strategic.
FAVORITE GAMES: Pictionary, Machi Koro, and Road Kill
Gamer Daughter 2
Don’t let her age fool you into a sense of false security, Gamer Daughter 2 might be young, but she is smart, strategic, and a vicious, aggressive dictator when playing Risk.
FAVORITE GAMES: Risk, Ticket to Ride, and Machi Koro
Reluctant Gamer Mom (That's Me!)
After a childhood of traumatic unsupervised games of Monopoly with three brothers, Reluctant Gamer Mom is always hesitant to try new games. In the end, her love of family brings her into the fold and… she usually ends up loving Game Night more than anyone else.
FAVORITE GAMES: Machi Koro, Sanssouci, and Balderdash
If this is you too (below) you’re in the right place!
