Joybuy Insights

Choosing board games: how to find a game that’s right for your group

A box with an attractive image is no guarantee of a successful games night. When choosing board games, many buyers focus mainly on the theme or a brand’s popularity. Practical considerations can then be overlooked: is the number of players right for your household, are the rules available in Dutch, and does a game last no longer than the group would like?

By comparing options carefully, you can avoid the most common mistakes when buying board games, card games and family games.

Common pitfalls when choosing board games

1. The number of players doesn’t match your regular group

A game for 2 to 4 players isn’t suitable for a family of six without additional adjustments. Conversely, a game for 2 to 8 players can be awkward when you usually play as a pair. Always check the minimum and maximum number of players.

Also consider the format of the game. Some games work better with more participants, while strategy games for 2 players are often easier to manage.

2. The playing time is underestimated

A stated playing time of 20 minutes doesn’t always mean the entire evening will be over within 20 minutes. Explaining the rules, setting up and tidying away all take additional time. For a short activity, card games lasting 15 to 30 minutes are practical. For a regular games night, a longer board game may be exactly what you want.

3. An expansion turns out not to be a complete game

Monopoly Go to Jail, Monopoly Free Parking and Monopoly Buy Everything are expansions. They require the classic Monopoly game, which is sold separately. So check the product title and contents before ordering. Buying an expansion without the base game can quickly lead to extra costs and disappointment.

Language also deserves attention. Rummikub and 5 Alive specify Dutch game and instruction language. According to the product information, Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West has English instructions.

Important specifications to check

Players, age and small parts

Don’t just look at the age on the box; check the safety warnings too. Many board games contain small parts and are therefore not suitable for children under 3 years old. Rummikub has a recommended age of 7 and over; 5 Alive is intended for players aged 8 and over, while Blokus lists an age of 3 and over in the product details.

An age recommendation doesn’t tell you exactly how difficult a game is. Also check whether younger players may need help with reading, counting or following several steps.

Playing time and game type

Distinguish between:

  • Card games: usually compact and quick to set up.
  • Board games: often include more components, but are suitable for a longer games night.
  • Family games: generally accessible to players of different ages.
  • Strategy games: more often require planning and forward thinking.
  • Travel games: focus mainly on size, weight and components that won’t easily get lost.

For example, according to the product specifications, 5 Alive takes around 20 minutes to play and is suitable for 2 to 6 players. Rummikub is intended for 2 to 4 players and has a stated playing time of around 60 minutes. This makes it easy to see which game suits a quick round and which is better for a longer evening.

Contents, size and storage

Check the number of components and the packaging. Rummikub contains 106 tiles and 4 racks. Mexican Train Dominoes contains 91 dominoes and weighs approximately 1.56 kg according to the product details. That’s suitable for playing at home, but less practical if you regularly take the game with you.

Compact games are more convenient when you’re on the move. The Pocket Edition of The Floor Is Lava has packaging measuring approximately 16.6 × 9 × 2.8 cm and weighs around 170 grams. After use, store cards and playing pieces somewhere dry, preferably in the original packaging. This helps prevent loss, warping and damage.

Recommendations by player type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Hasbro 5 Alive Card Game

Hasbro 5 Alive Card Game

Why it suits this profile: An accessible card game for 2 to 6 players, with a playing time of around 20 minutes. It’s ideal for families and beginners who want to play short rounds.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The player range and playing time are clearly stated. The set is complete and requires no assembly or batteries.

Main benefit & advantages

2–6 players, around 20 minutes, Dutch language and compact packaging.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Mattel Games Blokus Game

Mattel Games Blokus Game

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a playing time of around 30 minutes. The rules are limited, while players still have plenty of spatial decisions to make.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The key details are clear: 21 pieces per player, no batteries and a fixed playing-time indication.

Main benefit & advantages

2–4 players, around 30 minutes and a plastic playing set requiring no assembly.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent players
Goliath Rummikub The Original Classic Game

Goliath Rummikub The Original Classic Game

Why it suits this profile: A game for 2 to 4 players with 106 tiles, 4 racks and a stated playing time of around 60 minutes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The box lists the contents, Dutch game language and number of players. This makes it clear in advance what you’ll receive.

Main benefit & advantages

106 tiles, 4 racks, 2–4 players and no batteries required.

Suitable for: Fans of longer games nights
Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride Legacy Legends of the West

Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West

Why it suits this profile: A strategy game for 2 to 5 players with a stated playing time of around 90 minutes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The information clearly states the English language, number of players and weight of approximately 4.2 kg. This lets you assess the space and language requirements in advance.

Main benefit & advantages

2–5 players, around 90 minutes and a strategy board game requiring no batteries.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about board games

Which board games are suitable for 2 to 6 players?

First, check the player range on the product page. According to the product specifications, 5 Alive is suitable for 2 to 6 players. Some Monopoly expansions are also intended for 2 to 6 players, but you’ll need the classic base game for them.

How long do board games and card games last?

Lifespan mainly depends on use and storage. Store games somewhere dry, away from direct sunlight and in the original box. You can clean cards with a dry cloth; don’t use water unless the product information expressly allows it. After every games night, check that all the components are still present.

How much does a games night with board games cost?

After purchase, there are usually no ongoing costs: the games mentioned work without batteries. The total cost depends on the purchase price, any expansions and the number of games you buy. So don’t compare the price alone; also consider the number of players, contents, playing time and whether the product is complete.