HT Games
Simple and Short Games
Many games can keep going for well over an hour, but there are also choices for families looking for a game that is fun and can be played in a shorter amount of time. In the game "Blokus," the objective is to get as many pieces into play as possible before the other players do. This game is simple to learn, for two to four players ages five and up. "Gobblet" is a game that can be described as a mix of checkers and chess. This game is played by two players at a time, but multiple rounds being played simultaneously or a round robin tournament can easily accommodate more players. The recommended age range is seven and up.
Strategy Games
Strategy games have become increasingly popular, and are a great way to stretch players' thinking skills and risk-taking abilities. "The Settlers of Catan" is based on building colonies, where players must collect natural resources in order to build settlements. One of the advantages is that players are not eliminated along the way, so everyone can enjoy the game until someone wins. This game is for three to four players, ages 10 and up. "Puerto Rico" is another popular game in which players must build up their properties and choose a role in society. This game can be played with three to five players, ages 12 and up.
Games Involving Cooperation
While many games promote individual victory, there are also games that give family members a chance to work together. "Pandemic" is a game in which each player can take on a specific role, such as a dispatcher, medic, scientist, researcher or operations expert, to work with other players to find a cure for epidemic diseases. Either all players win, or all players lose. This game can be played with two to four players (five with the expansion), ages 10 and up. "Diplomacy" is a game that requires rounds of negotiations to build alliances in the pre-World War I period in Europe. While players strive to build their own armies, they still need to constantly interact with each other in order to win. This game is for two to seven players, ages 12 and up.
Classic Favorites
Scrabble, a popular game for over half a century, gives each family member a chance to show off and to learn obscure and esoteric vocabulary. While electronic versions played online and on mobile devices are increasingly popular, gathering around and playing the actual board game with families continues to be a fun learning experience. Scrabble is for two to four players ages eight and up. "Clue" is a game that has been turned into a film, musical and play since its invention in the 1940s. This game, built on the premise of solving a murder mystery with 324 possible solutions, continues to be a family favorite for two to six players aged eight and up.