Who said board games weren’t for adults? Strategy, cooperation, negotiation have no age… For novices and experienced players, GQ has selected the best board games for a few hours of relaxation (or boxing) with friends or family. With different levels of complexity, put yourself in the shoes of a detective, an outstanding bluffer or even a medium…
All you have to do is choose what appeals to you among the rules that are more or less quick to master (or above all easy to understand : we know, it’s always the same friend that we designate to explain the rule in 2 times 3 movements). In short, here are the essentials to get you started!
LivingForest
In the program ? As much an extension of the original Gloomhaven game as it is a standalone game, Jaws of the Lion immediately immerses you in fantastic intrigues. You are asked to investigate a mysterious disappearance case in the city. This cooperative strategy game brings together 25 well-crafted scenarios where the 4 characters will have to play tricks in this ruthless universe. Number of players: 1 to 4 players Duration of a game: 60 to 120 minutes
Dunes Imperium
In the program ? This board game is directly inspired by the cult work of Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, and the film by Denis Villeneuve. As the leader of one of the great houses of Landsraad, raise your banner and gather your forces and your spies. It’s up to you to beat your opponents in battle by becoming the best military power. Number of players: 1 to 4 players Duration of a game: 60 to 120 minutes
Everdell
In the program ? Delve deep into the forest kingdom of Everdell as the leader of the village. You will have to do everything in your power to gather the maximum resources so that the forest inhabitants and animals survive the harsh winters until the spring arrives. It’s up to you to ensure everyone’s life during the winter season! Number of players: 1 to 4 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Other Lands
In the program ? Immerse yourself in the universe of Sherlock Holmes through 5 unique investigations in a world of cosmic horror. An atmosphere between horror and the pleasure of playing detectives for a day. A complete file containing several dozen mysterious elements will allow you to solve the riddle. Number of players: 1 to 8 players Duration of a game: 90 minutes
White Eat Coco
In the program ? Perfect for livening up your aperitifs, Blanc Manger Coco is a completely quirky game to play with friends to relax everyone. The principle ? One player draws a blank sentence and the others complete with a face down answer card. Enough to reveal meaningless sentences where the player who read the question will choose the craziest answer to designate the winner of the round. Number of players: 3 to 12 players Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
Citadels
In the program ? Play as a character each turn with special powers to build a citadel using your cards representing the city’s districts. Earn gold, assassinate and destroy the cities of your opponents… It’s up to you to build the craziest and most prestigious of cities! Number of players: 2 to 7 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Concept
In the program ? Get into teams and have your teammates guess as many words as possible by placing your pawns on different icons on the board. Let’s hope your communication prowess earns you the maximum points to win the game. Number of players: 4 to 12 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Risk
In the program ? Notice to strategy fans, here is a game where conquering new territories to win the game will be your only motto. Be tactical, move your regiments and rout your enemies. What access to victory thanks to your infallible combinations. Number of players: 2 to 5 players Duration of a game: 90 minutes
Last Post
In the program ? If you want to test a quick game of drawing and deduction, “Last Message” is the perfect game. When a crime has just been committed, you must identify the culprit with the sole help of the last message from the victim… Number of players: 3 to 6 players Duration of a game: 15 to 20 minutes
Codenames
In the program ? Are you more of a spymaster or an agent on a mission? To begin the game, divide yourselves into two teams, each headed by a spymaster: he is the one who will direct the operations since he is the only one who knows the secret identities of the 25 agents (known by the names of codes). Then, each spy master must guess as many words as possible in as few rounds as possible. Listen carefully to the clues and be careful not to fall on the words of others or worse… the word assassin. Number of players: 2 to 8 players Duration of a game: 0 to 15 minutes
Unlock! Star Wars Edition
In the program ? Like an escape game, this cooperative card game is played in a limited time (about 60min) by immersing you in 3 new scenarios from the Star Wars saga. Around a table at home, you must escape from the room of Smugglers, Rebels and Imperial Spies by successively answering timed puzzles. Tick tock tick tock… Number of players: 1 to 6 players Duration of a game: 1 to 2 hours
Mimetix
In the program ? The must to play with friends or family, this mime game of French expressions guarantees you a good deal of laughter. Switch to “literal rather than figurative” mode to win or give your tongue to the cat… Number of players: 3 players and more Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Pigeon Pigeon
In the program ? Ideal for outstanding bluffers, this game is played as a team to make the other players say anything so that they do not discover the correct answer that is hidden between the two false ones (totally fanciful). Be inventive! Number of players: 4 to 10 players Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
Burger Quiz
In the program ? Modeled on the mythical game show, this board game takes up the original concept through more than 2700 new questions. Enough to answer more or less crazy questions to reach 25 Yum (points) first and claim to participate in the final (Le Burger de la mort)… For the rest, we let you choose your team: team Mayo or Team Ketchup? Number of players: 2 to 7 players Duration of a game: up to approximately 15 minutes
Mystery
In the program ? This investigation game immerses you in the atmosphere of an old manor where you are part of a team of mediums who must elucidate a murder through the elements obtained over the 7 turns to meet the challenge. Pay attention to the visions that the ghost sends you to help you identify the culprit… Number of players: 2 to 7 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
The Adventurers of Rail Europe
In the program ? Awarded in Germany, France and Japan, this 100% strategic game will allow you to set out to conquer the European rail network… It’s up to you to know how to connect Paris to Athens by choosing the roads (tunnels and ferries) that will require you fewest car cards in hand. Be smart! Number of players: 2 to 5 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Conceived
In the program ? Develop your imagination to make the other players guess one of the 1000 puzzles using transparent cards (which overlap, assemble and combine) the possibilities are endless… Number of players: 3 to 8 players Playing time one game: 30 to 60 minutes
7 wonders
In the program ? At the head of one of the seven great cities of the ancient world you must reign supreme to prosper on the civil, scientific, commercial and military levels in order to accumulate the most points to win the game. To inscribe your city in history, it’s up to you to build a more influential city than those of your opponents. Number of players: 3 to 7 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Duel
In the program ? This Duel version of 7 Wonders can be done with only two players (very rare for a board game) in a minimum of time. Same principle, impose yourself by capturing your opponent’s capital or by building a dominant civilization through scientific progress. For the rest (like couple disputes) we let you manage! Number of players: 2 to 8 players Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
Splendor
In the program ? Do you have the commercial fiber in your soul? Perfect ! Become the most prestigious merchant in the game with the help of tokens symbolizing precious stones which will allow you to acquire developments which produce new stones (the bonuses). So you can reduce the cost of your purchases and attract noble patrons. Why go to business school… Learn all the tricks of business with this strategy and management game… Number of players: 2 to 4 players Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
Said
In the program ? If you want to develop your imagination and your attention to detail, Dixit is the game for you. Intuitive and poetic, this atmospheric game contains 86 illustrated cards where players must discover which illustrated card corresponds to the sentence spoken by the “storyteller” of the game without falling into the traps set by the other players. Number of players: 3 to 6 players Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
Limit Limit
In the program ? For evenings with friends, this party game can be very effective in triggering some giggles… The idea? The boss draws a gray card which will give the beginning of the quote. Each player draws 7 red cards which will complete the gray card of the boss to try to be elected boss in turn by having been the funniest. For example, are you the type to get up at night for an autofellatio or a threesome with conjoined sisters? Number of players: 3 to 12 players Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
Pandemic
In the program ? This game is quite topical… Put yourself in the shoes of a specialist in the fight against disease who must deal with the cause of the spread of a pandemic and seek remedies before it degenerates. It’s up to you to cure the 4 diseases to win and be déconfinés (if only it were that simple…). Number of players: 2 to 4 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Scrabble
In the program ? Since his arrival in France, exactly on January 19, 1955, the rules of this transgenerational game have not changed: accumulate points thanks to your letters drawn at random (no cheating at tea time with Bonne Maman… we know you! ) by creating words on the grid where some boxes are more or less rewarded (like the famous: word counts double). Adopted by more than 95% of French people, it may be time to start working on your vocabulary! Number of players: 2 to 4 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
The 6 that takes
In the program ? If you want to have the smallest herd (the small bull heads at the top and bottom of the cards correspond to the number of points: from 1 to 5), you must at all costs avoid placing the 6th card of a line otherwise you recover the whole row… In short, collect as few points as possible by cleverly placing your 10 cards dealt at the start of the game. The cool thing is that it can be played at any age. You just have to know how to put the numbers from 1 to 104 in order… Number of players: 2 to 10 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Trivial Pursuit Friends Edition
In the program ? 600 questions to challenge you on your (real) knowledge of the cult Friends series . Because it’s all well and good to have you threaded the 10 seasons but remains to be seen if 25 years after its first broadcast you are still able to collect 6 correct answers to win the game. We have to admit, it’s the perfect game to get into the Central Perk mood from your living room! Number of players: 2 or more Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
Catan
In the program ? Beware of bankruptcy! The most famous board game makes you walk the streets of the capital where each real estate transaction must be studied with a magnifying glass to buy, sell or negotiate at the right time to try to win the game! Number of players: 2 to 6 players Duration of a game: 30 minutes to 2 hours
The Mind
In the program ? This game was voted As d’or Cannes 2019 for the best board game of the year. In The Mind, you have to form an increasing sequence of numbers with the other players, but without talking to you or waving! Telepathy or magic game… it’s up to you to put your card first if you think you have the lowest card… This game will drive you crazy. Number of players: 2 to 4 players Duration of a game: less than 30 minutes
Detective
In the program ? Have you always dreamed of solving a murder? Then you will love this cooperative game. Take on the role of an investigator for a game by solving crimes, all in close collaboration with the national agency Antares within a team of experts! Thrills guaranteed 🙂 Number of players: 1 to 5 players Duration of a game: more than 60 minutes
Mixmo
In the program ? Draw 6 letters per player to start the game. Once all these letters are placed in the form of a crossword grid, shout “Mixmo”. Then all the players must remove two new letters from the deck to form their own grid and so on. replace their letters over and over again as quickly as possible to try to announce “Mixmo” before their opponents. Beware, this very addictive game will give you an adrenaline boost to take everywhere! Number of players: 2 to 6 players Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
Micro Macro Crime City
In the program ? Try to solve one of the 16 puzzles with only the giant map of the city of “Crime city” and a magnifying glass, so you don’t miss any clues. What to find there? Well-buried secrets, heinous thefts and bloody crimes: they are commonplace in this city! If you have an eye for detail and a bit of observation, then this game is for you! All you have to do is designate the game master to guide you through this cooperative criminal investigation. Note that the 16 surveys are classified by degree of difficulty… So don’t panic! Number of players: 1 to 6 players Duration of a game: about 30 minutes
Skip.Bo
In the program ? In this card suite game designed by the creators of the famous UNO, at the start of the game you will have 5 cards in your hand and a “stock” (a pile of about 20 cards face down which will act as an individual draw pile). The goal is to be the first player to get rid of his stock of cards by completing series (the 4 heaps in the center of the game) in ascending order (from 1 to 12). Any tips for winning the game? Take a look at the visible card of the neighbour’s heel to block him in his progress! Number of players: 2 to 6 days Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Candy lab
In the program ? Immerse yourself in a confectionery factory where the machines are running at full speed to try to make the right combination for your customers. It’s up to you to gather the right barley sugar sticks to try to win the title of master confectioner before your opponents… Number of players: 2 to 4 players Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
Azul
In the program ? Head to Portugal, southeast of Lisbon to put yourself in the shoes of a craftsman. The goal is to build the most beautiful mosaic to decorate the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora. In this strategy game, each player has a board with a pattern to complete and must compose his fresco as efficiently as possible to eliminate the competition. To your trowels! Number of players: 2 to 4 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Werewolves
In the program ? Perfect to pack in your bag for a weekend with friends, this board game takes place in a small village where you have fallen prey to werewolves. Be careful, as villagers you decide not to let it go and the serious things begin! Each player plays a role and two sides compete to find out who the werewolf is behind this fearsome game of bluffing. Number of players: more than 10 players Duration of a game: 15 to 30 minutes
TTMC How much do you wear?
In the program ? The goal is simple: you have to go through the board first by responding favorably to the questions asked of one of the 4 themes (mature, improbable, academic and pleasure). But be careful, it’s up to you to indicate whether your knowledge on the subject is closer to 1 or 10. Via this self-assessment, in the event of a good answer, you will advance the number of boxes corresponding to the note you indicated before statement of the question. So, how much do you wear? Number of players: 2 to 16 players Duration of a game: 30 to 60 minutes
Teotihuacan
In the program ? Be a strategist to win the benevolence of the gods. To do so, actively participate in the construction of the Pyramid of the Sun in the heart of the city while managing a team of workers as best as possible to limit their movements and use the fewest resources necessary. It’s up to you to develop new technologies! Number of players: 1 to 4 players Duration of a game: 1 to 2 hours
Cat island
In the program ? This competitive and strategic board game will make your head spin to save as many rare felines as possible before the arrival of the army and the ruthless Vesh on Cat Island. To do this, it’s up to you to explore the island up and down to rescue mice, recover treasures while putting your boat in the shelter so as not to be stuck on the island. Good luck… Number of players: 1 to 4 players Duration of a game: 1 to 2 hours
