On both sides of my family, we play games. Board games, or card games, we love getting around a table for some fun. I thought I would let you in on some of our favorites. Maybe some of you play the same games, or if there is something different you like, post it so we can all have new ideas for the holidays!
1. Settlers Of Catan and Expansions
Now this is THE NUMBER ONE pick on Russ' side of the family. We all have our own boxes, because we were tired of hauling them around to each others places. We have since gotten most of my family in on this craze as well.
This is the board game to end all board games. EVERY SINGLE GAME IS DIFFERENT !! See, each one of those pieces is separate, and the board gets put together like a puzzle everytime you play. Hence a new game everytime. It involves strategy and thinking ahead, but is simple enough to learn and TONS of fun. There are also expansions that you can add on and we have a couple of those too.
These are the two expansions we have, Seafarers and Cities and Knights. I DISLIKE Cities and Knights because is is to cut throat for me, but we use Seafarers everytime we play. This is a 4 person game, but there is another expansion to play with 6 players that I also use.
2. Uno
A classic card game that we play different versions of to make more exciting. We do play the original way, but most often we play "Jump In" Uno. In that version, if you have the same color and number (or weapon) card as the one just played, you can place it down, even if it is NOT your turn. So if someone put down a red 5, and you have one, youcan quickly get your card down and the play then continues from you. Everyone in between you and the previous card player skip their turn. For weapon cards, let's say that YOU put down a +4 card. If someone else "jumps in", the person beside them would pick up 8, if someone else jumps in it would be 12. The original card layer could end up adding 16 cards to his hand if everyone "jumped in". The +2 cards are the same way. Makes for a much more lively game ... hehehe. Almost unlimited in the number of people that can play.
3. Dutch Blitz
This is a fast paced game all on its own and can cause sore hands. I recommend taking off jewelry to play, but don't let the scare you. This game is worth the effort to play. Though it is technicaly a game for only 4 people, we often play in pairs so that more of us can join in the fun. This card game often finds a way to the bigger family gatherings (cousins, aunts, uncles, etc.), so that everyone can have a go. In pairs, one person does the flipping pile and one person does the deck. I can say that 4 eyes are usually much better than 2, but don't play against my mom. She NEVER loses !!
4. Ticket To Ride (Nordic Countries)
This game is new to me, having only played it a couple times. I loved it so much, though, that I went and bought it the day after I learned to play it!! It is kind of like Settlers, in that it is a new game everytime, but it is a bit easier to learn. I just HAD to bring it to the rest of the gatherings that I have this year ... hehehe. Since I have only played it twice (once by myself and I WON), I can't really comment too much except to say that if you like Settlers, you are going to LOVE this one.
I hope this gives you some new ideas for games, or resurrects memories of times gone by. I also hope it encourages you to spend some time around your table with loved ones and have a few good laughs! Tootles, have fun and happy gaming!
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