Board Game Ideas for Adults

Just-for-Fun Games

• Depending on the personalities in your group and the amount of time you have, you may want to focus on board games that are played just for the fun of it. These games often go a little faster in pace and winning the game seems to be based more of the luck of the draw than on individual game play. These games sometimes have an hourglass timer or a set board where the goal is to go from point A to point B. Just-for-fun games includes games such as Taboo, Balderdash, Jenga, Monopoly, Life and Scattergories.

Strategy Games

• Strategy-style games on the other hand focus on how the individual players choose to play. Making a move is usually a choice made by the player to go in one direction instead of another. Games that revolve around the mindset and strategy of the players do tend to last longer, sometimes hours with the right group of people. However the length of time is a fair trade for the deeper benefit of playing together. These games include chess, Scrabble, Bang, Munchkin, Parcheesi, Risk, Settlers of Catan and Trivial Pursuit.

Board Game Versions

• When it comes to purchasing a board game in today's world, it isn't as simple as it used to be. Even if you know which game you want, there may be multiple versions or varieties to choose from. Classic sets, such as Scrabble or chess, can be offered in solid wood sets meant to last for years of game play. Other games may have offshoots from the original. For example, Monopoly can come in themes ranging from Simpsons to Transformers, or could be based on the college of your choice. Even Trivial Pursuit is available by the decade or by a specific subject such as Star Wars. Take your time picking an offshoot version of an original, especially if it is a strategy game, because not all of your guests may be familiar with the topic and could feel left out. Always make sure to choose a game where everyone is included.

Buying Games

• Whether you know which game you want or not, there are several places you can go to buy the right game for you and your group. Traditional toy shops, such as Toys R Us, will always have an aisle full of board game options, but that's not the only place to find games. Big box stores, like Target and Walmart, also carry a large selection of games as well as Barnes and Noble. If heading out to shop is not in your plan, you can also take advantage of shopping online. Several sites, from Amazon to Hasbro (makers of Parker Brothers and Milton Bradley) offer board games often with coupons for discounts or free shipping options when you purchase a minimum dollar amount of merchandise.