Family Game Night Games to Play for Two or More

Card and Board Games Bring Families Closer and Get People Talking

Sep 6, 2009

Board and card games are inexpensive ways for families to learn to laugh with each other, talk and rediscover their own family's social network.

From an economic standpoint, playing card and board games is a cost-effective way to entertain a family and bring people together. Recreation is an important factor in a healthy mental outlook and socializing brings people emotionally closer. When economies are strong and technological advances abound, families can sometimes get lost in the fast-paced, high-tech world of computers, video games and text messaging. During economic downturns, society tends to slow down, spending less money and more time together. This is when card and board games have their chance to shine.

Recession Bonus for Families

When an economy is strong, personal spending increases and production of fun gadgets increases with companies competing for the expendable entertainment dollar. During a recession, families tend to look for inexpensive things to do to entertain themselves. In a February 18, 2009 article by ABC News titled, Americans Hunker Down in Recession, Roger Kersh from New York University stated, "In every economic downturn since the Great Depression, we see measurable increases in 'nesting' practices among Americans: eating at home more, buying more board games, renting more videos and so forth."

Families with small children especially enjoy playing games not only for their entertainment value, but also for their educational possibilities. Even board games that aren't categorized as educational teach children valuable skills. Most games have some form of reading and/or counting skills plus they teach children to interact with others, take turns and solve problems.

Board Games that Encourage Social Exploration

The Miami Herald's September 4, 2009 article entitled Miami Entrepreneur, Makes Right Moves in Board Game Industry touched on the fact that families play more games in a recession and discussed game inventor, Eric Poses, president of All Things Equal and inventor of the Loaded Questions game series. Loaded Questions is a board game that incorporates personal questions in the game play. This is the social model that Mr. Poses bases many of his games on–he says ``This game fosters the laughter,' Poses said. ``It makes it happen.'

Laughter is what it is all about. Playing games is a fun and inexpensive way for families to get to know each other and there is no better way to learn about people than asking questions. Loaded Questions asks players things like, "If you were invisible, where would you go?" or "If you could be a member of any TV-sitcom family, what would you choose?" This allows people to learn about each other in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. Other games that tend to promote social exploration are Personal Preference by Parker Brothers, Dirty Minds by TCF Games, Balderdash and Apples to Apples both by Mattel and Cranium by Hasbro, Incorporated.

Classic Board Games are Great for Kids

There are some games that have stood the test of time and are simply a joy to play. These classic board games include Monopoly in its vast array of versions, Clue, Sorry, Chinese Checkers, Chutes and Ladders, Life, Twister, Dominoes and Candy Land. All of these are great games and have entertained families for generations. Some newer games that could become classics include Trivial Pursuit, which has a large variety of versions, the card game Phase 10, Doodle Dice, Gambit, Jumble Word Spin Board Game and Qwirkle.

Card Games for Families

By far, one of the least expensive ways to play is by utilizing a deck of cards. A simple 52-card deck can easily become a multitude of games by simply dealing differently and following a varied set of rules. The game of Rummy in itself can be played with so many variations that a family could play a different one every night of the week. Some games can be bought with specialized cards that have been created much like a board game, but somewhat more interactive. These games include Mille Bornes, Disorder, Pacardy, Uno, and Picture This.

There are hundreds of games that can be played with two or more players, three or more, or in groups of eight or more. Families who are looking for some time together have a vast list to choose from and simply need to get together and play.

BNC101

The copyright of the article Family Game Night Games to Play for Two or More in Card/Board/Lawn Games is owned by Robin Montanye. Permission to republish Family Game Night Games to Play for Two or More in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.