10 Games to Play with Your Family!

[@benn1181]

Any game I bring gets met with "Oh neat, can we play crokinole now?"

[@shutupandsitdown]

That's the biggest downside of owning a Crokinole board.

[@quadlazer]

At our house, it’s reversed. “Anyone want to play crokinole?” “Sure, but a few games of Qwirkle first!”

[@KJNZ2011]

Building 3 boards now so I can play at home. At the in-laws and at my parents. Bring on Christmas!

[@hkapeman]

​@@shutupandsitdown yes. Also you get referred to as "the crokinole guy" in polite company.

[@styfen]

Crokinole is reserved for players who have been eliminated in our house

[@shokwave00]

Great suggestions! Now I have to decide between the simpler games my family will like vs. the slightly less simple versions I would prefer…

[@juqu3700]

My attemps to introduce new games to family: Success: Cockroach poker, A Fake Artist Goes To New York Meh: Azul, Skull (with playing cards) Failue: Condottiere, deep sea adventure, regicide

[@wiiplayers19]

I backed long shot on kickstarter and i can confirm it is an absolute blast! The teach takes a minute for people to get used to it, but usually we'll go a couple laps of open handed stuff and then people get the hang of it and then love it! I highly recommend for the chaos alone!

[@onyx.avenger]

Quacks of Quedlinburg - My recommendations for teaching the game to first-timers: So I've taught this game to a lot of people who would consider themselves non-gamers or lite gamers (e.g. my parents, aunts/uncles, etc). The biggest "fear" that these players have is that there's too much going on with the 7 colors of chips. I've found that once players get about 2-3 turns into the game, they go from "I don't think I can keep track of all of this" to "Oh I get what I'm supposed to be doing." In order to get them to that point, I have a Tutorial Version that I use for the first game. Here are the setup changes: 1. Shorten the game to 5 rounds. (Use the rules for Round 9 on Round 5 instead.) 2. Remove the Purple and Black chips. Simply removing two colors has made a HUGE difference on beginners saying "This seems like it's too much" vs "Okay I can try this." (I remove Purple and Black because these ones sound the most confusing to players before they start the game, and also simplify the Chip Actions step significantly.) 3. Ignore or remove cards that mention Purple or Black chips. (There are two, "Choose Wisely" and "You Only get to Choose One" - both are purple cards. I marked mine with a small dot in a corner on the front side so I can remove them quickly.) This tutorial version of the game takes about 20-30 minutes with explanation, and gets new player to the point of "Oh, I want to play again, and sure we can try the full game this time."

[@reedjos08]

For this holiday season I’m asking for a good old fashioned Quinn’s and Matt video. It feels like it’s been an age!

[@andrewstewart7078]

Ooh Tom's had a nice haircut! My little girl loves Quacks, although I'm pretty sure that she peeks into the bag, nobody can be as lucky as she is... Also I'd recommend Order Overload Cafe as a good family game (particularly if the adults are on the sherry)

[@oliverwarren1074]

Matt looking more and more like waluigi and im here for it

[@virtualexamman6251]

Great video as always. Some brilliant suggestions on there. Quacks and Decrypto are both an absolute blast. Would love to get Cockroach poker and Soclover, but have to sneak the games in gradually, so my wife doesn’t realise they’ve taken over yet another shelf in the living room.

[@danielhowsley6561]

Just come home with something for her. That's how I do it, she gets a little treat and I get another game to look at.

[@zach7286]

Light games are all I own and get to the table, love the suggestions here!

[@Scio_]

I don't care how many times Matt tells me to play Bohnanza I won't do it until there's a version with art that doesn't make me shudder in horror.

[@EasyForYouToSay.mp3]

Make your own deck. I did for a couple of games. Cockroach poker with realistic anatomical pencil drawings is pretty popular with my family

[@Bobby-Digital82]

That game a prime example of the "Uwe pass". If it were developed by anyone else it wouldn't get a fraction of the attention.

[@itxi]

That's how I feel about small world underground

[@Raphaelus13]

Now there is the flowers version available (Dahlias)

[@louisacoote2337]

Quacks of Quedlingburg looks like a fun one for Christmas. I might get my sister to get it for our big family Christmas.

[@Vellzi]

I love when Christmas comes this time of year! It fills me with Christmas cheer!

[@happymaskedguy1943]

I’m filled with Christmas fear.

[@biomeboardgame]

Fantastic recommendation! We're having trouble finding a game that suits everyone haha - thanks for this :)

[@Superflydanfry]

i've been able to play 'Long Shot' with a number of different relatives that have come down to visit at this point and i'll say that if you can get down the teach of it (which isn't all that long) they'll want to play again. It's exciting, can elicit fun banter, and most importantly comes in a really nice package, slightly larger than a VHS tape

[@jamessherman7797]

I just got Ready, Set, Bet which supports 2 - 9 players. We just brought it to the table once so far with a large group. Long Shot looks similar. Thanks for the game suggestions for groups!

[@BigRenz13]

Lmk how it compares. I didn't get long shot but RSB was a flop with my group

[@JonGardner]

Decrypto is a Codenames killer. Same pleasure you get from Codenames, but waaaay better.

[@xyan3191]

Im in the same boat, but man the experience is miserable for people that don't understand it fully

[@AUMOTmusic]

I'll throw First Contact in the ring as well for a Codenames killer candidate!!

[@rK4n3]

I generally agree, but one person can screw up a Decrypto game pretty badly in a way they can't in Codenames unless they're the clue giver.

[@isaacwittenberg611]

Hell yeah! I was just rewatching these guides from previous years.

[@gnollman]

Just One is a solid game, good times, particularly at the end of the night when everyone is a wee bit punchy. That 'clever, but not too clever' is a challenge, not gonna lie. Lots of good games in this episode.

[@ryanbutler2658]

Wandering Towers is a fantastic game, a lot of luck involved but very easy for people to pick up and play

[@mitchmegaw7201]

I got my family to play AND enjoy Cartographers last time. I think I can move them up to one of my fave lighter games, Space Base but Longshot would be another great choice.

[@andrewshih110]

Having recently played both Quacks and Wandering Towers for the first time, I can vouch for Tom's conclusion that it's the better family choice. Easier to teach, easier to understand how to play well, more interactive.

[@joshwhalen17]

Actually got my copy of Bohnanza in the mail today (per SUSD's prior video) just in time for American Thanksgiving.

[@ismount]

Dang, Wandering Tower passed right under my radar. It looks like it's right up my alley!

[@shetuski]

Agreed

[@denycast]

I got it recently. And yes it is very fun👍

[@LydiaMills-g1r]

I absolutely love how much SUSD loves Bohnanza . I absolutely love how much SUSD loves Bohnanza .

[@danopticon]

I’m guessing 0:15 has something to do with your recent review of _¡Resistid!_ … which looked like a humdinger, but turned out to be pretty hard to track down, even if one was happy to play it in Spanish? (Although thank you for that upload! And I *did* track it down, _en castellano,_ although the shipping costs were nearly as much as the game!) ((Come to think of it, how did Emily happen to have a copy, _en inglés_ no less??))

[@StormCrow42]

Lots of times a SUSD review results in stock of the game immediately selling out everywhere. This is especially true for games with smaller print runs.

[@SPQRKlio]

I absolutely love how much SUSD loves Bohnanza 😆

[@spinaltap526]

Gotta get some of those beans

[@jolly_joel]

I love these kinds of videos. Thanks for doing another one like this :D

[@philipthonemann2524]

Charming video, and also highly informative - great stuff! I’ve made some notes! Many thanks!

[@Ben-pf9wx]

If you like “just one” you would love “the chameleon” It is a similar game, but with social deduction. You are trying to figure out “the chameleon” who doesn’t know the word. You are trying to say words that are specific enough to let people know you are innocent, but vague enough so the chameleon doesn’t catch on

[@IgnorantGravity]

Every game I bring out with family holiday parties, my dad always sighs, rolls his eyes, and plays along. Then at the end he always says the same thing: "you know...sometimes when you ask to play board games I feel like I'm going to the dentist...but that was a lot of fun." A lot of these games are already in my collection and are great holiday games, but I'd also add Detective Club to this list

[@emmaturner2558]

Do you any suggestions for Co-operative games without too much reading/writing. Trying to find family games to play with my son who is blind and therefore cannot read text (or braille) or write. Not too complex either as he will have to hold all the information in his head.

[@tonyglaser]

Cheesy and informative, well done!

[@IndianaGeologist]

Loved this video

[@wiktormonfilsgustafsson56]

Great list, byt where are the medium weight euros? Greetings from Sweden!

[@richd0c]

oooh, Xmas SUSD video 👏👏👏

[@HalzyonMC]

Thanks for this list. Unfortunately my family's upper limit is code names lol. Was planning on introducing them to Just One soon, wishlisted So Clover though!

[@joelface]

Just One is great, and about 400 times easier to learn and play than code names (which IS of course already very easy to learn and play).

[@krahnjp]

"..into this here tower." pointing at the mystery object that is completely hidden by the Wandering Towers name overlay.

[@Cosmitzian]

I know there's some favorites at SUSD.. but no Cascadia? A game with an approachable theme, super easy family modes and intermediate modes which over the course of the holidays you can actually play a full proper game with grandma on the fifth day after christmas? Also, no dexterity games? I feel those are absolutely easier to put onthe table and explain than abstract rules of turns and points and cards.

[@VictorDiGiovanni]

There's only one game I've ever introduced that has been an absolute hit every time, no matter what sort of group I've brought it to: Telestrations. It's undefeated. It's the only game that every group asks me to bring it back the next time we have a game night. Even though I'm sick of playing it, and try desperately to get everyone to sample some new games, I have to admit that even for me, the game is hilarious and a good time for all even after a hundred plays.

[@ValkyrieTiara]

Somehow I feel like this is the format Matt shines the best in.

[@gemknight9889]

I adore Quacks of Quedlinburg but my mom insists it's way too complicated for her, so... it sadly gathers dust on my shelf

[@mfcrocker]

I could maybe see a little analysis paralysis but damn, I feel like it's one of the easiest teaches ever

[@gemknight9889]

@@mfcrocker I thought so too, but I think her definition of complicated is most things outside the scope of Sorry!

[@Lordborg909]

I dont have your copy of Decrypto Matt

[@Flip5ide]

Wondering Towers is super fun! It's easy enough that even grandparents can join in and have fun, highly recommend it.

[@homolamb]

Is it actually part of the game design to memorize where your wizard was hidden or are you allowed to always check? Sounds actually super fun if you have to memorize that

[@Flip5ide]

@@homolamb you can't check where your wizards are, it's all about memory, with the full player count it's very easy to forget where everything is 😁

[@homolamb]

@@Flip5ide omg i need this game, thanks for the reply!

[@Flip5ide]

@@homolamb no worries, we love it, if I remember correctly you can add a spell that lets you peak but you have to spend a potion to use a spell, full potion bottles act as tiebreakers at the end of the game so it's best to try and not use them unless totally necessary 😁

[@homolamb]

@@Flip5ide risky! i love stuff like that, boardgames are awesome lol i love this hobby

[@kr8771]

good recommendations

[@chrisjohnphillips6352]

I know you also recommend Scout. What do you prefer between Scout and Bohnanza?

[@wizzardoffuzz]

The one that we go back to every Christmas is “don’t get got” it’s just such silly fun and you can play it while doing other things as well

[@Ends_Of_Invention]

My kids love that but unfortunately a lot of adults (aka boring people, not me) find it irritating that every conversation is potentially some sort of scheme to set up an argument about which way is north or trick someone into eating a brussel sprout (the Christmas edition is good btw).

[@frankharr9466]

Good ideas. I hope you get your games returned for Christmas. :)

[@aboredgamer8]

Is the spirit island expansion video still happening?

[@dividendapacolypse6060]

The problem with playing board games with my parents is that short games that are meant to be quick end up taking waaaay longer than it should. My dad especially loves to take forever in his turn and keep questioning the rules.

[@boardgamebar]

In surprised you chose Long Shot or Ready Set Bet ..?

[@ArthWoW]

Good suggestions all! In fact, these games sounds like a near-perfect game night for me with my gamer friends! Too often we relegate these gems to family or "casual" gamer environments only. If games like these were the totality of my table time, I'd be a happy gamer!

[@RedBairnMedia]

I'd throw in another Roll(ish) and Write in the form of "Welcome to..." Any game where everyone is always playing and there's a relatively low point of entry get's a big tick in the box from me.

[@tomlikeabomb6706]

Welcome to the moon is quite good.

[@tomlikeabomb6706]

Welcome to the moon is quite good.

[@shutupandsitdown]

Absolutely! We had that one in our guide last year.

[@RedBairnMedia]

@@shutupandsitdownwait. What year is this? 🤔

[@ShundoRaud]

Folks, Smug Owls is a blast to play with family, as well

[@AzeAlter]

YES

[@BoardGames3000]

Matt I love you! You are so ridiculous with everything. Also great suggestions.

[@gottimw]

Last week I made my family play Carcassonne, my parent almost instantly fell in love with it.

[@EngMadison]

I'm so excited for Wandering Towers to come to the US! I'm planning on having the following on hand: Scout Codenames Ghost Blitz Flick em up Bohnanza

[@wanplaypause]

Thanks for bringing Wandering Towers to my attention. Now if I can only find it in my local FGS or Amazon 😅

[@singingselves7036]

any games to play around the Christmas table, that takes up to 20 minutes before the pudding??

[@ohno144]

Decrypto is so great but it is an absolute bugger to explain and teach

[@hickknight]

I want wandering towers. That immediately got me to want to buy it.

[@BraidenWatling]

Great list! Some would say Just One is there favourite game of ALL TIME.

[@dangerousbeans2907]

Matt, I love you most. 😊👍🏼

[@B0n3sj0n3s]

I think I have the missing copy of Decrpyto.......

[@HarryNohara]

God damnit, now I need to buy about 5 more games.

[@ColossalDave]

Camel Up went down well with my fam this year

[@Niveama468]

Absolutely need to check That's Not a Hat! my fav new game this year.

[@shutupandsitdown]

It shares a lot of DNA with Cockroach Poker, but replaces card counting with visual memory - we're working on some coverage of it right now! Probably just for our TikTok though, because it would be near impossible to do a 10 minute video on, haha.

[@Niveama468]

@@shutupandsitdown Oh yes it takes the bluffing from I want you to think this is something it's not and changes it to I want you to believe I still have any idea what this card is.

[@HairyStuntWaffle]

commenting because things love comments. also when's cool ghosts coming back?

[@BeerMatt96]

Good calls there! Presumably you'll have Emily doing a "Best Xmas Solo Games" video next week?

[@drstclair]

It's an obvious pick for me. Can't Stop A hidden gem pick i have is Sheepland.

[@shutupandsitdown]

Can't Stop is a great classic push-your-luck, for sure. There's a much smaller roll 'n' write version but it didn't quite scratch the same itch for us. We'll have to check out Sheepland!

[@drstclair]

@@shutupandsitdown yeah, the roll and write version isn't the same.

[@RulebooksForYou]

Played all these, and can confirm it's a good list.

[@adam4n1um]

Just One is even more fun when it's competitive, in teams! Basically, each team takes turns with clues, and during the cancelling-out round, the opposing team tries to cancel out the other team's clues. It's waaay better

[@spencerruston406]

As long as my nan whos most complex game she played is Mind then I'm buying it in a heartbeat.

[@quinthalus]

Matt’s new house makes an appearance

[@ocularorb4021]

"im somebody else now" Jesus christ its that john company freak

[@wemf2]

I must say that I was hoping for different game suggestions than ones that are very common and have been around for ages.

[@shutupandsitdown]

That video's coming next week!

[@caesarsihombing2822]

Reccomendation from me: 1. Ready Set Bet 2. Detective Club 3. Zoo Vadis

[@2dTones]

Yesss Ready Set Bet sorely needed a mention

[@sielaff2112]

I absolutely love Decrypto but I have never seen a party game that's more difficult to explain. You really have to just jump right in and explain as you go because otherwise you sound like a maniac. Wits and Wagers is probably my least favorite board game ever, though, simply because in the past it's basically seemed like "Guess a Random Number: The Game". I'd throw Pit out as a "raucous" suggestion. That's a game that gets everyone on their feet and shouting, which the neighbors love!

[@fishizer]

If you think Quacks is great, just get the upgraded plastic chits. Takes it to another level.

[@xChikyx]

In codenames I once said "Nicaragua 4" and my team got them all!!! the enemy team couldn't believe it ahhahah

[@ControlLingOo]

My first recommendation would be "Mysterium - Park". Amazing game for coming together. Always fun and a game you always want to play another roung of

[@mikemaddox9166]

An even simpler and quicker version of the "use picture cards as clues for other picture cards" is Similo. Fantastic art, snappy 5 minute rounds, and everyone gets a chance to be the clue-giver! Start with one of the Animal decks, and/or Fables.

[@outkastagc]

I don't have your copy of Decrypto.

[@turdle2080]

i have decided. Matt prefers So Clover to Just One.

[@adamwasp2717]

I honestly gave up on playing with any family that’s older than me. They said Nana had too many rules. Thankfully my younger siblings are more receptive to this stuff

[@LuvzToLol21]

I tried to play Wingspan with my dad once *once...*

[@TabletopTurtle]

Nonsense! No party games! We're going to bust out Voidfall and Twilight Imperium when the family comes over! Sorry Grandpa, but if you can't handle a forty page rulebook of information than you're not getting a second helping of stuffing!

[@THESP-rz3hg]

Dad, as you've always told me- you can't go home again

[@DaBigBase]

Quacks is easily my most successful game, everyone enjoys it and there's a high potential they'll get their own copy

[@andyraff4465]

You can get into trouble for taking someone elderly through a maze. Don't ask me how I know.

[@SWAT6809]

Ill bring Furnace this Christmas, but I also get to play with 2 nerds at my age. (who actually want to play games and learn rules)

[@shutupandsitdown]

Oooo... jealous!

[@Squatch_needs_no_heroes]

Something fresh and new like Bohnanza. I bought Quacks cos Matt and I didn’t buy the expansion cos Matt.

[@nazokashii]

This was really fun :D so many great games :) thank you for sharing

[@wedgeex]

A shocking lack of Gimme That! but otherwise what a great list.

[@willwarren]

Protip. Get codenames duet and play it with teams

[@nickjolliff1663]

Hollywood 1947 is coming with us to Thanksgiving and Christmas (US)

[@harris2181]

Matt, I have your copy of Decrypto....AND YOU'RE NOT GETTING IT BACK. Great suggestion though.

[@NeonGodzilla87]

Calling out my dad like that was very rude, Matthew.

[@JustACuteFox]

Of course Matt can't get Aladdin from "Disney" and "carpet".

[@FireflyPDP]

Long Shot sounds very similar to Divinity Derby, and everyone I've shown Divinity Derby to has loved it. Thanks for the suggestions! I have most of these games already, but I'll have to consider picking up Wandering Towers and Cockroach Poker