As a former PUA, I have dated quite a bit and I found a few games that work smashingly well with girls and games that completely fall flat. And I would like to present to you a list of what I think you should have on hand when you have company over. They also work as ULTRA cheap dates that entertain for hours.
Monopoly Deal – This game is fantastic and can be had for as little as 5.95 at your local walmart. It involves stealing and money, how can any woman not love that? Seriously though, this has been a huge hit at almost every table I’ve brought it to.. Both old and young enjoy the fast pace and simplicity while the interaction is very limited it does provide quick fun jabs and ‘dealbreaking’ game enders.
UNO – This game is great because its basically crazy 8’s simplified. I’ve used it all across the globe and taught foreigners on a train with 0 english ability. I carry it to almost every new interaction and serves as a wonderful ice breaker.
Hey that’s MY fish! – Like the game GO this is a strategy HEX based game with very simple rules. The game is inexpensive (10.00) and allows for up to 4 players. The game can be played both cooperatively and competitively and can be setup in just a few minutes.
Paranoia (the mandatory fun card game) – This game requires a high level of backstabbing and interaction all around. One person must always assume the role of the leader and the others, his/her, subordinates. Favors to the leader can earn ‘ranks’ but at the same time everyone is trying to kill each other. I once made an ex-girlfriend cry while playing this, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
SmashUps – Magic ‘lite’, if you enjoy complex strategy games you might enjoy this, its a cool little game that takes the best of Magic and simplifies the rules.
Space Alert – This is a wicked game, that I have yet to try as I cannot locate 5 other interested players. It is very complicated and if you search it on youtube I’m sure you’ll agree this is for board game and Sci Fi enthusiasts ONLY. It cost me $50 so if you are interested in playing, please let me know. I’ve never come across anything quite like it and it looks very very interesting. Its completely co-operative.
Catan – This is an easy game to learn and you can play with up to 6 people. It involves trading resources to build cities across a board. The game is as follows: Roll dice, collect resources, broker deals with others, count up points. Sounds stupid, but I’ve played this with men and women all over the place and every age group loves it.
Sonic All Star Racing – This is a great 4 player game for guys and girls (provided they can drive). I’ve played this 100’s of times with my wife and yet she still struggles to finish a lap. If you like cart racing its a ton of fun, my friends and I enjoy going head to head.
Pictureka – This game is more for English learners but it works across all ages. You say a phrase or name a detail on an animal and the other players race through the picture cards to find it. The game is simple and easy but really fun.
Family Business – A game about the mob. This is another simple and interesting board game that can be played with up to 8 people. You line up the opposing teams mobsters against a wall and proceed to execute them, while brokering deals with other players to get your guys removed.
Mag-Blast – A small card game with a cool science fiction theme, the object is to eliminate the other player’s capital ship. The interesting part of the game is that you have to make laser sounds every time you BLAST a weapon at another ship.
Mechwarrior Clix – My brother and I are huge ‘mech’ video game fans and this game takes it to your table top. In our case we own several hundred and when we get a chance we convert his living room into a battle arena. A clix piece is a model attached to a base the revolves around the model and clicks between stats. Everytime the model is damaged, you roll a dice and ‘click’ that many times for damage effects. This could be played with beginners and would be more for fans of Warhammer 40k (except nowhere near as complex).
CLUE the card game – It takes everything great about the board game and none of the boring stuff. A complete game about deduction where 4 players compete to guess who, what and where. Great for both women and men, my wife loves it and could probably be a detective.. its difficult to keep track if you are playing by memory only but that adds to the fun.
Knightmare Chess – A cool addon for regular chess that puts various cards that change the rules for pieces when played. I find the best strategy is to agree on a few cards before hand, shuffle them and deal randomly.
Forbidden Island – Another co-op only game. Very easy to play and get setup and its usually the first game to make an appearance at a party. This is a great introduction to boardgames for non-gamers. Its very easy to get hooked and you are racing against a player decision dependent timer.
Will continue with more next time. I own over 50 board games, and have at least 40 different ccg/tcg games. (separately)
I want to buy Space Cadets but again, I don’t think I could find anyone willing to play, looks great though.
MagicStarBunny 4 years, 11 months ago.
