Welcome to board gaming. It is better than you think, and you do not need a four-hour commitment or a PhD to enjoy it. These games are where everyone should start.

The Perfect Starter Collection

If you buy these five games, you will have a game for every situation:

1. Ticket to Ride (Family Night)

Ticket to Ride - $39

Easy to teach, satisfying to play, works with everyone from kids to grandparents. This is the single best first game to buy.

Check Price on Amazon

2. Codenames (Parties)

Codenames - $15

For any group of 4+. Simple word game, infinite replayability, $15.

Check Price on Amazon

3. CATAN (Strategy)

CATAN - $35

Your first "real" strategy game. Trading, building, blocking. The gateway drug of the hobby.

Check Price on Amazon

4. Pandemic (Co-op)

Pandemic - $30

Work together to save the world. No competitive anxiety, just teamwork.

Check Price on Amazon

5. Patchwork (Two Players)

Patchwork - $25

The perfect couples game. 15 minutes, zero arguments, pure fun.

Check Price on Amazon

Total Cost: $144

For less than the price of a single video game console, you have a complete board game library that covers every situation. Each of these games has hundreds of plays in them.

Beginner Tips

  • Watch a how-to-play video before reading the rulebook. It makes everything click faster.
  • Play it wrong the first time. Seriously. Just go. You will figure out the rules you missed in round two.
  • Do not buy too many games at once. Play each one at least three times before buying the next.
  • Board Game Arena (online) lets you try many games for free before buying physical copies.