# What are your favorite tabletop boardgames? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [August 1, 2015, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699 "2015-08-01T01:22:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![alfonzos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4bbf92/32.png) [@alfonzos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alfonzos)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2015, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/61 "2015-10-24T02:54:52Z")
> [@Quimby](#): > > They weren’t boardgames but in college in the early 90s I played the hell out of Illuminati and a Mobster themed card game. I would like to play more tabletop games but my friends don’t share my interest. 1. That mobster-themed card game may be Family Business by Mayfair Games 2. Get new friends. ---
**Author:** ![ENugent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/4af34b/32.png) [@ENugent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ENugent)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2015, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/62 "2015-10-24T05:06:31Z")
> [@Lok](#): > > My first choice, even after all these years. (Decades? :eek:) Don’t get to play it anymore, but I would jump at the chance. Have you played Through the Ages? You might like it if you like AH Civilization, depending on which parts you like, and it’s not quite so epic, although it’s still a long game. It won’t take as many players, though. ---
**Author:** ![Your\_Great\_Darsh\_Face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ac8455/32.png) [@Your\_Great\_Darsh\_Face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Your_Great_Darsh_Face)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2015, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/63 "2015-10-24T07:51:40Z")
> [@alfonzos](#): > > 1. That mobster-themed card game may be Family Business by Mayfair Games I wish I’d [said that](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=18569656&postcount=19)! Recently I discovered a huge stash of PDFs of the old “General” magazine and after much study I think I now understand how to play _Rise and Decline of the Third Reich_, which a friend of mine passed on to me in despair of ever working out. It looks like calling for even more commitment than _Civilization_, though. ---
**Author:** ![That\_Don\_Guy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/that_don_guy/32/538_2.png) [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Post date:** [October 24, 2015, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/64 "2015-10-24T19:18:46Z")
Time for my standard disclaimer: this list may change 10 minutes from now, especially if I suddenly remember a game I can’t believe I forgot. That being said… Diplomacy Settlers of Catan Ticket to Ride (I prefer the Europe map) Fluxx: The Board Game (yes, there is such a thing) Cosmic Encounter B-17, Queen of the Skies (a solitaire game where you fly a bombing mission during WW2; it is being reprinted as “Target for Today” and should be ready “In The Near Future”, or whatever the term for something slightly longer than “Real Soon Now” is) Advanced Squad Leader ( **“AAAAHHHH!!! He’s one of THEM!”** ) Oh, and since when is Dominion a “board game”? ---
**Author:** ![Lok](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e8c25b/32.png) [@Lok](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lok)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2015, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/65 "2015-11-01T19:24:08Z")
> [@ENugent](#): > > Have you played Through the Ages? You might like it if you like AH Civilization, depending on which parts you like, and it’s not quite so epic, although it’s still a long game. It won’t take as many players, though. I’ve heard of it, but not played it, or even seen it. It’s hard to get new games on the table with my friends though. > [@That\_Don\_Guy](#): > > B-17, Queen of the Skies (a solitaire game where you fly a bombing mission during WW2; it is being reprinted as “Target for Today” and should be ready “In The Near Future”, or whatever the term for something slightly longer than “Real Soon Now” is) Long time since I thought of B-17. Wonder if I still have my copy around in a box. Probably, but it would take some searching. ---
**Author:** ![RandMcnally](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b782af/32.png) [@RandMcnally](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RandMcnally)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2015, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/66 "2015-11-01T20:54:35Z")
> [@ENugent](#): > > Have you played Through the Ages? You might like it if you like AH Civilization, depending on which parts you like, and it’s not quite so epic, although it’s still a long game. It won’t take as many players, though. There’s a second edition coming out soon. I really want it but I don’t think the wife would be interested. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2015, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/67 "2015-11-02T10:39:37Z")
Uno attack is a good variation of Uno and you dont have the problem where you draw a dozen cards trying to find a yellow. NHL Icebreaker for the Hockey fans. I call them [“tin box” games](http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/football-and-baseball-tin-box-games). Just small self contained games usually sports themed that come in a small tin box about 4/6 inches and great to take on campouts or outings. ---
**Author:** ![Gedd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gedd/32/4938_2.png) [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2015, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/68 "2015-11-04T21:52:46Z")
I think this is the right thread for this question. I need a good strategy board game for ages 8-10 years old. Something like Battlemasters (which I scrapped for D&D monsters). My son has been making up games with Lego archers, cavalry and swordsmen on our Stratego board and I’m looking for something for Christmas. Any ideas? ---
**Author:** ![HookerChemical](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/278dde/32.png) [@HookerChemical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HookerChemical)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2015, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/69 "2015-11-04T22:34:51Z")
> [@Gedd](#): > > I think this is the right thread for this question. > > I need a good strategy board game for ages 8-10 years old. Something like Battlemasters (which I scrapped for D&D monsters). > > My son has been making up games with Lego archers, cavalry and swordsmen on our Stratego board and I’m looking for something for Christmas. Any ideas? The first that comes to mind are Forbidden Island and Forbidden Desert (same designer, similar game). They’re cooperateive games where you are looking for hidden items in a desert/on an island. The island/desert is forbidden and making your mission difficult by sinking or dehydrating you. Each player gets a character with special abilities that can help keep people alive or slow the threat from the desert/island. Both are fairly light as far as rules go (if they grok Stratego, they can grok the Forbidden games) but with enough depth to make it entertaining for adults. There’s an adjustable difficulty setting for both. If you’ve played Pandemic, both the games will feel familiar. In fact, Forbidden Desert may be my favorite of those three. If you’re looking for something non-cooperative, Ticket to Ride is a good light weight one. If he’s into Marvel superheros, I’ll reiterate that Marvel Legendary is fun. BTW, I think Stratego is one of the most underrated mass-produced board games around. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2015, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/70 "2015-11-04T22:56:19Z")
> [@Gedd](#): > > I think this is the right thread for this question. > > I need a good strategy board game for ages 8-10 years old. Something like Battlemasters (which I scrapped for D&D monsters). > > My son has been making up games with Lego archers, cavalry and swordsmen on our Stratego board and I’m looking for something for Christmas. Any ideas? Have you checked out [Battlelore](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezpcXF-dVpc)? ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2015, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/71 "2015-11-04T23:19:15Z")
> [@That\_Don\_Guy](#): > > Fluxx: The Board Game (yes, there is such a thing) OMG I did not know this. Thank you for mentioning it I’m off to buy it now. ---
**Author:** ![Gedd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gedd/32/4938_2.png) [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/72 "2015-11-05T13:12:47Z")
> [@HookerChemical](#): > > The first that comes to mind are Forbidden Island and Forbidden Desert (same designer, similar game). They’re cooperateive games where you are looking for hidden items in a desert/on an island. The island/desert is forbidden and making your mission difficult by sinking or dehydrating you. Each player gets a character with special abilities that can help keep people alive or slow the threat from the desert/island. Both are fairly light as far as rules go (if they grok Stratego, they can grok the Forbidden games) but with enough depth to make it entertaining for adults. There’s an adjustable difficulty setting for both. > > If you’ve played Pandemic, both the games will feel familiar. In fact, Forbidden Desert may be my favorite of those three. > > If you’re looking for something non-cooperative, Ticket to Ride is a good light weight one. If he’s into Marvel superheros, I’ll reiterate that Marvel Legendary is fun. > > BTW, I think Stratego is one of the most underrated mass-produced board games around. I hadn’t thought about trying Forbidden Island with him, but I’ve enjoyed it when playing it. He’s also played TtR with us a few times. > [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Have you checked out [Battlelore](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezpcXF-dVpc)? It looks like Battlemasters but without a huge sheet to spread across the living room! ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/73 "2015-11-05T13:42:44Z")
> [@Mollie\_Magill](#): > > I’ve always enjoyed [Avalon Hill’s Advanced Civilization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Civilization), but that takes a Long Time to play. There’s a computer game version! ---
**Author:** ![Gedd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gedd/32/4938_2.png) [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/74 "2015-11-05T17:58:00Z")
> [@glee](#): > > There’s a computer game version! Or 5 ---
**Author:** ![MentalGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/439d5e/32.png) [@MentalGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MentalGuy)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/75 "2015-11-05T21:22:37Z")
> [@Gedd](#): > > I think this is the right thread for this question. > > I need a good strategy board game for ages 8-10 years old. Something like Battlemasters (which I scrapped for D&D monsters). > > My son has been making up games with Lego archers, cavalry and swordsmen on our Stratego board and I’m looking for something for Christmas. Any ideas? You might check out the new Star Wars Risk. It is not actually a Risk game. They just named it that for promotion, but it is a fun asymmetrical game where one team plays the Rebels and the other team plays the Empire. My (almost) 10-year-old son plays about anything we play with us including things like Alchemists and Five Tribes. He is currently one of our team in our playthrough of Pandemic Legacy. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [November 5, 2015, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699/76 "2015-11-05T21:50:33Z")
There are many Civilization games (mostly based on Sid Meyer) but as far as I know there is only one computer version of Avalon Hill’s Advanced Civilization (DOS based) There is an online implementation: [http://civ.rol-play.com/](http://civ.rol-play.com/) Brian [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-favorite-tabletop-boardgames/726699.md?page=3)