When you spread out those five initial cards in Paperback, you’re being put to the test. They read: T, R, S, L, and N. They cost one cent each. Build words to create enough money to purchase better card. Use those improved cards to build longer word for even more money. It’s easy, right? Wrong. … Read more

In the last round of Quiddler, that particular panic can kick in where someone plays a 10-card hand and suddenly it’s not clear how much of a lead you have over them. Maybe you’ve got twenty points on the board and they play six word and they still have one low value card left. It’s … Read more

The essence of Scattergories is the creative spark mixed with competitive anxiety. This happens right after the time runs out and you have a blank line next to a musical artist name. That panic… You know the feeling. And that’s why the game has survived for decades. It rewards fast-thinking under pressure, not deep knowledge. … Read more

By turn three, you know: Upwords isn’t just like Scrabble. Someone plays CAR or TEA (a flat word), and another player puts a letter atop the A. Now that word’s twice as valuable. The game changes from spelling to spatial reasoning, specifically three-dimensional geometry. It catches people off-guard who don’t understand how important it is … Read more

The seemingly simple hexagonal board that Abalone plays on actualy makes for a very complex spatial geometry and momentum management game. With only fourteen marbles to begin, you need to figure out how to knock six of your opponents’ pieces off the rim. There is no straight line solution, as you have to learn what … Read more

In most games of Blokus, the endgame can become a frantic struggle to fill in all the gaps. Your board is packed full. There’s one turn left. You need that wonky pentomino to fit in a spot where it no longer can. As the last piece drops into place, everyone holds their breath. That’s usually … Read more

If you’re doing math in your head while playing, then Dominoes isn’t as fun anymore. You might be trying to decide if Player A gets a blocked round because there was fewer pieces? Or does Player B get it because their tiles has lighter pips? The competition becomes a discussion on house rules and you’re … Read more