A Beginner’s Guide to Modern Board Games
I think many of us are looking for ways to get away from screens. More time talking, having fun, and doing something together! Whether that’s with family, friends, or kids after dinner.
We believe board games are a great answer, but once you start looking, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
If you’re new to board games, you’re not alone. Large boxes full of cards and figures, unfamiliar terms, and games that look like they might take hours to learn can make it hard to know where to start. Many of us love the idea of board games, but aren’t sure which ones they actually want to learn and play!
The good news is modern board games are designed to be welcoming. Many of the best games today are easy to learn, quick to play, and genuinely engaging. They work well for families, couples, and casual get-togethers, and they don’t require long rulebooks or a large time commitment. Even if you’ve never played anything beyond Monopoly or Scrabble, there are far better starting points now!
We've put together a quick guide with some recommendations to help you get started, learn what to look for, and which types of games work best for beginners!
What Is a “Modern” Board Game?
There are many board games that have been around forever! Modern board games usually mean games made in the last 20ish years that focus on:
• Clear, well-designed rules
• Minimal downtime between turns
• Meaningful choices without heavy maths
• Shorter playtimes
• Better balance and less player elimination
Games like Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Azul, and Catan are considered modern classics because they’re easy to learn but still interesting after many plays.
If you’ve ever had a bad experience with a game that dragged on for hours or knocked you out early, modern board games fix those problems.
How Do I Choose My First Board Game?
The best first board game depends on who you’re playing with and what kind of experience you want.
Before buying anything, ask yourself:
• Am I playing with kids, adults, or a mix?
• Do we want something quick or something we can sink into?
• Are we competitive or more relaxed?
• Do we want to talk and laugh, or quietly think?
Once you know that, choosing a game becomes much easier.
Best Board Games for Beginners
For those thinking “I want something easy to learn.” If you’re brand new to board games, start with something that can be explained in under five minutes.
Ticket to Ride
One of the best beginner board games ever made. Collect cards, claim train routes, connect cities, score points. Simple rules, big payoff.
Carcassonne
Build a shared landscape tile by tile. Turns are fast, rules are intuitive, and the game grows naturally as you play.
Azul
A beautiful abstract game that’s easy to understand but full of clever choices. Great for couples or families.
Splendor
Short turns, clear goals, and very satisfying progression. A fantastic entry-level strategy game.
Great Games For Playing With Friends or a Group
For those thinking “I want something social and fun.” Party-style board games are perfect if you want laughter, energy, and very little rules explanation.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Fast, silly, and impossible to take seriously. A crowd favourite.
Happy Salmon
Pure chaos in the best way. Everyone plays at once and nobody needs to remember rules.
Love Letter
A small, clever card game that works with almost any group and plays in under 20 minutes.
The Mind
A cooperative game where you’re not allowed to talk. Surprisingly intense and very memorable.
Best Board Games for Families and Kids
For those thinking “I want something we can play together.” Family board games are designed so kids can play with adults, not just alongside them.
My First Carcassonne
An excellent introduction for younger players. Teaches turn-taking and spatial thinking.
Catan Junior
All the fun of Catan, simplified for families with younger players.
Ticket to Ride: First Journey
Bright, friendly, and perfect for younger players or first-time gamers.
Cascadia Junior
A calm, gentle game that introduces strategy without pressure.
Games With More Strategy
For those thinking “I want board game that makes me think.” Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you might want games with deeper decisions and longer-term planning.
Catan
The most famous modern board game. Trading, building, and interaction in a very approachable package. A great next step.
Viticulture
A relaxed but rewarding strategy game about running a vineyard. Excellent for players who enjoy planning ahead.
7 Wonders
A fast-paced strategy game where everyone plays at the same time, keeping downtime low.
The Crew: Quest for Planet Nine
A cooperative card game that gradually increases complexity through short missions.
Games For Couples
For those thinking “I want to play with my friend or with my partner” Some of the best board games are designed specifically for two players!
Jaipur
Trade and sell goods to become the most wealthy merchant. Quick, tactical, and perfect for repeat plays.
Patchwork
Piece together a quilt and leave no holes to become the button master. A calm, strategic puzzle game that works beautifully with two.
7 Wonders Duel
Experience an intense two-player struggle for supremacy in the ancient world! Designed from the ground up for two players, with excellent depth and tension.
Codenames: Duet
Team up with other covert operatives, exchange clever clues to collectively reveal agents while sneaking past enemy assassins A cooperative word game that’s ideal for pairs.
How Long Do Board Games Take to Play?
This is one of the most common concerns for beginners. As you get more into board games you may just want them to last longer! Legacy games can take weeks and months... these certainly aren't for everyone. Generally games fall into these buckets.
• Party games: 5-20 minutes
• Family games: 20-45 minutes
• Strategy games: 45-90 minutes
• Heavy strategy games: 90+ minutes
We have play times on the product page for all our board games, and you can even filter our board game collection by play time to find the right time for you. Many modern games also scale well, meaning you can play a shorter version first and go deeper later!
Do I Need to Learn All the Rules Before Playing?
Most people (definitely myself) learn board games best by playing a practice round... or two... or three... Many players also watch a short rules video instead of reading a long rulebook! YouTube is infinitely helpful with many great videos on most popular games and how to play them.
But it's important to remember getting rules wrong the first time is completely normal and part of the fun. Common beginner mistakes:
• Buying a game that’s too complex too early
• Forgetting a rule halfway through
• Focusing on winning instead of learning
• Thinking you’re “bad at board games”
These mistakes are completely normal and every experienced board gamer started exactly the same way!
Why We Think Board Games Are Worth Playing
Most of us spend far too much time in front of screens, often even when we’re sitting right next to the people we care about. If you’re looking for a simple way to step away from screens and engage with the people around you, board games are one of the best places to start.
Board games encourage:
• Face-to-face interaction
• Shared moments and memories
• Screen-free entertainment
• Learning, curiosity, and fun!
If you're looking for any of these things, why not buy a board game for your bookshelf? You might find a hobby that you'll enjoy for the rest of your life. And if you are new to board games, begin with one or two titles. Play them a few times, get comfortable, and notice what you enjoy. From there, it’s easy to branch out into new styles and experiences.
And if you’re ever unsure what to try next, we’re always happy to help you find the right game!
