Buying board games: How to find the right game for families, adults and children

Board games are an easy way to spend time together without screens. Even so, choosing the right one is not always straightforward: a game may appear suitable for the whole family on the packaging, but in practice only work well for a particular age group or number of players.

Three common buying mistakes are particularly likely to lead to the wrong choice:

• The age recommendation is overlooked: “Aged 8+” does not automatically mean that younger children can join in without difficulty. Rules, reading ability and concentration spans can vary considerably.
• The number of players is only considered superficially: A game for two to ten people is not necessarily suitable for a large party. With some card games, the waiting time increases with every additional player.
• Additional requirements are ignored: Some games need batteries, a smartphone, an app or a specific streaming account. This can make it harder to organise an impromptu games night.

If you want to buy board games, you should therefore look beyond the theme and design. Above all, compare the recommended age, group size, playing time and game mechanics.

These buying criteria are crucial when choosing board games

1. Age recommendation and safety information

The “aged 8+” recommendation is a useful guide to the rules and content. However, it does not replace checking the safety information. Small parts may present a choking hazard. Particular care is needed with games for children under three; some products are expressly unsuitable for this age group.

If you are choosing games for a family with children, you should also check:

• Is the game available in German?
• Can children understand the cards and tasks independently?
• Is an adult needed to explain the rules or supervise play?
• Does the game contain small playing pieces, dice or counters?

For children’s games and board games aged 8+, the actual complexity often has a greater impact on enjoyment than the design on the packaging.

2. Number of players, playing time and group size

Family games for two to four people usually work well around the kitchen table. Party games, on the other hand, often need at least four players so that teams can be formed. For example, Piatnik Activity Original is listed for 3 to 16 people aged 12+. This makes it better suited to larger groups than a classic two-player game.

Also check whether everyone plays at the same time or takes turns. In Ligretto and certain dice games, several people remain active, while tactical board games can involve longer waiting times.

3. Game mechanics and technical requirements

Card games, board games and dice games suit different playing preferences:

• Card games: compact, easy to store and usually quick to explain.
• Board games: often provide a visible playing area and longer rounds.
• Dice games: combine chance with decision-making and usually require very little set-up.
• Party games: often rely on communication, creativity or quick reactions.

You should also check what is included. Hitster games need a smartphone, the relevant app and a connection to Spotify to play the music. Looping Louie requires batteries, which are not included according to the product information. Details like these matter when you are planning an impromptu games night.

Our selection by user profile

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners

UNO Card Game

Why this product suits this profile: This card game is designed for 2 to 10 people aged 7+ and is ideal for families, teenagers and quick games between other activities.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The number of players, age recommendation and contents, including 112 cards, are clearly stated. No batteries or app are required.

Key benefit & strengths

A compact format, simple colour and number-based rules, plus action cards such as Skip, Reverse and Draw Two.

Ideal for: Buyers with high quality expectations

Schmidt Spiele 75051 Family Games Tippi Toppi

Why this product suits this profile: This cooperative card game for ages 8+ is all about making decisions together and requires no electronic accessories.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Tasks are solved together, so no one has to wait a long time for their turn. The compact box measures 12,1 × 9,4 × 2,5 cm.

Key benefit & strengths

Four colours and values from 1 to 7 form the basis of the game. It encourages communication within the group without requiring access to an app.

Ideal for: Special uses & frequent players

Schmidt “Noch Mal!” Game 49327

Why this product suits this profile: This dice game is suitable for ages 8+, can be played by at least two people and also offers a solo variant.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Everyone chooses from the same dice roll, keeping the whole group active at the same time. No batteries are required.

Key benefit & strengths

Six dice, simultaneous play and a stated player count of two or more make for quick rounds with minimal set-up.

Ideal for: Large groups and games nights

Piatnik 6028 – Activity Original

Why this product suits this profile: For family celebrations, birthdays and party games with larger groups, the stated player count of 3 to 16 people is particularly relevant.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The three types of play – drawing, acting and explaining – are clearly distinguished. The age recommendation of 12+ should be checked before buying.

Key benefit & strengths

According to the product information, the set contains 2.640 terms and enough content for large groups. The rules encourage communication and creative clues.

Practical checklist before buying

Before ordering board games, these questions can help:

1. How many people usually play?
2. Does the age recommendation suit the youngest participant?
3. Should the game be calm, tactical, fast-paced or communication-focused?
4. How much set-up and explanation time is acceptable?
5. Are batteries, a smartphone, an app or the internet required?
6. Is the game suitable as a gift if you know the recipient’s interests?

For families, games with a flexible player count can be a sensible choice. Adults and teenagers, on the other hand, may prefer party games, music games or more challenging board games. If you regularly host a games night, combine different mechanics: a short card game to get started, a dice game for two people and a party game for larger groups.

FAQs about board games

Which board games are suitable for the whole family?

Games with easy-to-understand rules, a moderate playing time and an age recommendation suited to the youngest player are good choices. UNO for ages 7+ and Tippi Toppi for ages 8+ are examples of compact family games. With younger children, parents should also check for small parts and consider the reading ability required.

How many board games should you buy for a games night?

That depends on the group size and how long you plan to play. Two or three different games are often enough: a quick card game, a game for the whole group and an alternative with different mechanics. This makes it easy to adapt the evening to the players’ energy levels, ages and available time.

How long do board games and card games last?

Their lifespan depends mainly on the materials, storage and frequency of use. Cards should be kept dry and protected from direct sunlight. Boxes containing small parts should be closed securely after every game. For electronic games, removing the batteries during extended periods of non-use helps preserve the components for longer.