Recommended Games

Alright, in trying to think of what I could contribute to this quarantine situation I decided that rather than contribute a reading list or a watch list I'd suggest some games that I've had some fun with during this lock down. (Because it came to my attention that even introverts need some, very basic, very minimal, social interaction. ;)) But I was just trying to do something different. Maybe I'll still do a read or watch list but in the meantime, here are some games I've enjoyed. These games also don't require a great many players which means you can play with those within your own household whatever size that may be.

#1 Dragonwood

Link takes you to Amazon

This is a goofy little game where, believe it or not, you can vanquish a a grumpy troll by stomping on him, overcome a wild boar by screaming at him, and finally capture a dragon by slashing at him. (Only one of those makes some sense, and that's part of why I love this game.) It's a card and dice game though it's very easily taught and understood so there is little rule learning at the beginning that may cost you interest and then perhaps players by the time you're actually ready to play. And the best part, the point is to capture the dragons! 

#2 War (the card game)

I wonder if any of you remember War. It used to come in a box set with other games like Go Fish and Old Maid (which are both fun games for any, although mostly younger, audiences), but you can play it with an ordinary deck of face cards and being a two player game it requires minimal recruiting time to find someone to play with you. You'll also end up playing for at least an hour or more and you might end up, at the conclusion, playing Slap Jack as well. (That game is not suggested for all audiences unless smashed hands are properly attended to as needed. ;))

#3 Bananagrams

Link takes you to Amazon
(You'll want to browse around because there are different
sizes depending on your needs)

Think of Bananagrams as a speedy free-form scrabble game. (Only I like it so much better than scrabble. ;)) You all start with an assigned amount of tiles and as you connect your letters you are required to take more and continue to improve your puzzle until the tiles run out so be prepared to rework and add and subtract as needed. You'll do best with a combination of long and very short words. Believe me, you have no idea how many two letter words there are.

#4 Uno

Uno is classic, but play with caution, friendships have been lost, alliances betrayed and trust crumbled under the incredible weight of this game. The grudges are long lasting. Basically, everyone becomes the equivalent to Tolkien's elves vs dwarfs feud during this seemingly harmless game. The resentment can run deep. Especially, if you have some sabotaging house rules. But should you be able to set such thing aside, one could very happily simply enjoy the card game as the simple card game that it is. And if you want an added challenge, there's always Uno Attack!

#5 Trouble Olaf's Ice Adventure

Link takes you to Amazon

Alright, while this looks like a mostly kids game, it can be for all ages. I would especially recommend it for the competitive people in your life that might have a bit of a sense of humor. Using actual pieces frozen to ice the point of the game is to be the last one standing who hasn't melted. Using salt, your own hand, your warm breath, and straight up water, the point of the game is to melt your opponents game piece before your own melts. You have no idea how long and yet how quickly ice can melt. What I've "learned" from this game is that sometimes it just helps to play games that include a wee little itty bit of sabotage. And let's be real, I don't know if I'd like this so much if I didn't have such a soft spot for Olaf.

So there you have it. A little line-up of, I hope, a little bit of something for everybody. I am curious to know, what games you all have been playing, as well as what games might appeal to you so, do tell me. In the meanwhile, stay safe and have some fun when you can.

Yours truly,
Cordy