Board game night

What it is

A relaxed games night set up like a board game café. Several tables each have a game, guests move between them, and points go on a leaderboard. Easy to host and great for mixing friend groups.

Plan ahead

• One week before: pick 4-6 games for different group sizes and lengths: a quick party game, a strategy game, a cooperative game, a word game.
• The day before: read the rules for each and put a quick-start card on each table.

Game menu ideas

• Quick party games (any size): word-guessing and drawing games.
• Strategy (3-4 players, 45-60 min): trading and building games.
• Cooperative (2-5): players team up against the game.
• Big group finale: a social deduction game where players find the traitor.

Leaderboard

3 points for a win, 1 for taking part. A small trophy for the top scorer.

Food and drink

• Snacks that won’t mess up cards: popcorn, pretzels, sliders, cookies
• Drinks with lids or on a side table
• A “café menu” chalkboard

Tips

• Have a “game host” at each table who knows the rules.
• Keep at least one game simple enough to learn in two minutes.