1. Play Something New
This will depend on the play style of your group. If someone is always bringing new games to the group, you may have all the game variety you think you need. Keep in mind, though, there are other ways to break out of a rut.
If someone brings a new deckbuilder every week, you might be playing new games, but they can still start to feel the same. Maybe swap out the cards for dice. There are a ton of different games out there, so take advantage of that fact.
2. Bring in New People
Bringing new people into a well-established group can be tricky. You may be a tight-knit group of friends who isn’t quite sure about bringing in an outsider. The key thing is, a new addition to the group doesn’t have to be an “outsider.”
If someone in your group has a partner who is interested in trying out a few board games, they might be a perfect addition to your group. Adding a new member also means you might be able to tackle games with higher minimum player counts. That said, you don’t want to overwhelm anyone, which is where the next idea comes in handy.
3. Add Palate Cleanser Games
Groups tend to organize around big games. This could beMagic: The GatheringorDungeons and Dragons, or it could be whatever the latest hot releases are. It could even just be marathon sessions ofRisk. These all share something in common: they’re long and arduous.
If you’re looking to spice things up, try adding in shorter games before you leap back into your main game. If you’re already planning on playing a few games in a given evening, these shorter games can instead act as palate cleansers. These can be especially handy for someone who is coming off a big loss before jumping into another round or a different game.
4. Revisit the Classics
Most of us who are into board games owe our love of the hobby to classic games. That said, we have a tendency to look at these as “old” and not as worth our time as the newest games. This is a mistake, as just because a game is old doesn’t mean it still isn’t great. Just look how many people still play Chess or Go.
Of course, you’re not limited to those games. If you want to haul outMonopoly, there is still plenty to be had jacking up the rent on your friends. Hey, maybe you even want to pull outMouse Trap. It’s your game night, play what you want.
Related:How to win at Monopoly: Tips for victory
5. Don’t Forget the Snacks
Snacks can go a long way toward making the difference between an okay game night and a great one. After a long night of feeling like the dice have it out for you every single time, the right food or beverage can be just the thing to help you shake it off.
Of course, you don’t want your friends getting Cheeto dust all over your precious cards, and you don’t want to do the same to anyone else either. Fortunately for you, we’ve already rounded up somegreat snacks that will keep your fingers cleanduring a gaming session. Just make sure you don’t spill your drink!
