Favourite Games!

Looking to add fun and excitement to your next weekend at the cottage? Here are our top picks for FAVOURITE GAMES!

This post is in answer to a number of messages we received on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM asking for recommendations on best board, card and strategy games. Well, the following list includes the games that most often come to mind when someone says those glorious words, “Hey! Wanna play a game?”

Games are an integral part of cottage life. They often make a welcome diversion and literally bring people together in the spirit of fun and a little healthy competition. You can play them anytime, rain or shine. All of the favourite games on our list are quite addictive – you’ve been warned!

One more thing: game night wouldn’t be the same without at least one of these favourite snacks. Our OVEN-BAKED NACHOS are always as hit, as are these pass-around SPICED NUTS and our PEANUT BUTTER POPCORN. Cookies are also a welcome treat. You’ll find many options in our COOKIE COLLECTION round-up.

Okay! Wanna play a game? We’ve provided handy links to purchase. Either click the TITLE of each game or, scroll to the Amazon section at the bottom of this post.

THE CLASSICS

These board games have been around for years and get tons of play. They’re especially wonderful for rainy days when you’re in for the long haul, winner take all!

MONOPOLY

8+ / 4 to 6 players

Buy, sell, dream and scheme your way to riches with this classic board game themed around the real estate market.

RISK

10+ / 2 to 6 players

The game of global domination where armies defend and attack during a face-paced game of military strategy.

SCRABBLE

8+ / 2 to 4 players

The perfect combination of challenge and fun, this crossword board game puts good words to good use. We’ve also included a Scrabble dictionary in the link section because sometimes you’ve just gotta challenge!

CARD AND DICE GAMES

These specialty card and dice games are always a safe bet if you’re looking for a more fast-paced game. The rules for each are simple, yet they do come with a caveat: no lollygagging! Play the card, it’s YOUR turn!

WIZARD

Ages 10+ / 3 to 6 players

Players bid on the number of tricks they’ll win in this ultimate game of trump (not that Trump!)

YAHTZEE

Aged 8+ / 1 or more players

This is the classic shake-and-score dice game, perfect for first thing in the morning (joking!) It may be noisy but it sure is fun, especially when someone gets all five dice of the same kind – YAHTZEE!

CAROL’S PICKS

Being a mom and all, Carol likes more relaxed, easy games. NOT! She’s super competitive and plays to win. Her two choices are fast-paced – you can play a full round of each in under an hour.

COVER YOUR ASSETS

Ages 7+ / 4 to 6 players

Amass a pile of assets by collecting pairs, but be careful because the most recent pair can be stolen. The game changes on a dime and can come down to the last couple of cards.

BLOKUS

Ages 7+ / 2 to 4 players

400 squares needing to be filled with 84 shaped pieces. Every move counts but every game is unique in this unusual strategy game of advanced blocking.

NIK’S PICKS

TICKET TO RIDE

Ages 8+ / 2 to 5 players

Players collect various train car cards to claim city-to-city railways routes, laid out on a vintage turn-of-the-century map.

SEQUENCE

Ages 7+ / 2 to 12 players

A game of strategy where cards and chips are used to build sequences across the board. But watch those Jacks – they can get you on or off the board when you least expect it!

Have a game you love but don’t see it on this list? We’d love to try it and possibly include it on an upcoming game list. Send your suggestion to contact@weekendatthecottage.com