Most people pick a game by its box art or by what a friend recommended for a very different group. The result is a game that sits on a shelf. Here's the method our staff use at the counter every day.
1. Start with how many people play
Look at the player count on every game, then check the number your group usually has. A game that says 2–5 players may shine at 3 and drag at 5. Our staff notes on each game say which count we think is best.
2. Be honest about time
The play time on a box assumes everyone already knows the rules. For a first game, add 15 to 30 minutes. If your evenings are short, look for games under 45 minutes. You'll play them far more often.
3. Match complexity to your newest player
Our complexity dots run from one (learn in a minute) to five (years to master). Pick for the least experienced person at the table. If everyone enjoys it, you can move up next time.
- One or two dots: families, parties and people new to modern games
- Three dots: groups who already own a few games
- Four or five dots: dedicated players who enjoy learning rules
4. Choose the mood, not the theme
Some groups want a relaxed, chatty evening. Others want to outwit each other. A game with the right mood and a so-so theme will always beat the reverse.
Skip the guesswork
Our Game Finder asks these four questions plus one about experience, and matches you with three games from our shelves.
