Honest guides for beginners

Your first board game night, without picking the wrong game

I am Board Game Newbie. I play board games with total beginners in mind, then tell you plainly which ones are worth buying.

See the 10 games to start with

📷 FOTO: Photo of a game night at home

The 10 games to start with

These are the games I recommend first to anyone getting into the hobby, each with a full beginner guide.

📷 FOTO: Photo of Azul

Azul

Players
2-4

Play time
30-45 min

Complexity
Easy

Best for
Visual thinkers

📷 FOTO: Photo of Carcassonne

Carcassonne

Players
2-5

Play time
35-45 min

Complexity
Easy

Best for
Couples and families

📷 FOTO: Photo of Catan

Catan

Players
3-4

Play time
60-90 min

Complexity
Medium

Best for
A first strategy game

📷 FOTO: Photo of Codenames

Codenames

Players
4-8

Play time
15-20 min

Complexity
Easy

Best for
Larger groups

📷 FOTO: Photo of Dixit

Dixit

Players
3-6

Play time
30 min

Complexity
Easy

Best for
Creative nights

📷 FOTO: Photo of Munchkin

Munchkin

Players
3-6

Play time
60-90 min

Complexity
Easy

Best for
Humor and rivalry

📷 FOTO: Photo of Santorini

Santorini

Players
2-4

Play time
20-30 min

Complexity
Medium

Best for
Quick duels

📷 FOTO: Photo of Splendor

Splendor

Players
2-4

Play time
30 min

Complexity
Easy

Best for
Calm strategy

📷 FOTO: Photo of Sushi Go Party!

Sushi Go Party!

Players
2-8

Play time
20 min

Complexity
Easy

Best for
Families with kids

📷 FOTO: Photo of Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride

Players
2-5

Play time
45-60 min

Complexity
Medium

Best for
Family game night

Who I am

Hi, I write Board Game Newbie

I started playing board games a few years ago, and I bought the wrong game more than once.

Now I play each game several times before I recommend it. I write the guide I wish I had read when I started.

More about me →

📷 FOTO: Author photo

Recently at the table

Photos and notes from real play sessions go here as soon as they are ready.

📷 FOTO: Play photo coming soon

Ticket to Ride

Coming soon

Play notes coming soon.

📷 FOTO: Play photo coming soon

Codenames

Coming soon

Play notes coming soon.

📷 FOTO: Play photo coming soon

Azul

Coming soon

Play notes coming soon.