7 Must-Have Games When Hosting a Game Night

Sometimes it’s hard to choose the right games to play for game night. The most important thing is to know is your guests and their capabilities. Some people thrive on intellectual games, while others prefer fast, loud, shout-out games. Choose wisely from this list of a few classics and then some.

1. Trivial Pursuit

Since its release in 1982 Trivial Pursuit has found its way into many homes around the globe. This is the type of game that requires a group with a broad knowledge of various subjects. The original game deals with geography, entertainment, history, arts and literature, science and nature and sports. It can take anywhere from thirty minutes to four hours to play, depending on the resilience and energy of the players. Trivial Pursuit has expanded into different editions specifying music, sports or even a genius edition. 2 to 6 players.

2. Twister

Twister is a fun, laugh-out-load game great for groups of uninhibited extrovert types. The simple concept of the game consists of spinning a dial that lands on a color, which then directs the player to twist their body around other players to get their hands, feet, knees, elbows or head to touch that color and to complete the move. A great way to laugh and compete all at once. 2 to 3 players. Great for kids.

3. Pictionary

Creative types, especially those good at drawing, thrive at this game. However, it is the people who can’t even draw a stick figure that make Pictionary hilarious. The object is to pick a card and choose one word out of five that corresponds to the square that the player’s marker is on. The player then draws a picture to describe the word in the hope that their teammate will guess the word and advance their marker. 4 or more players. Another great game for the little ones.

4. Scattergories

A letter is rolled and everyone follows a list of descriptions that the player has to identify only using the rolled letter. For example the letter rolled is “P”. One of the categories may say, “food you eat at the movies”. Popcorn would be acceptable, giving the player one point. Easy enough, right? But players are under the pressure of a timer. The person with the most points wins. 2 to 6 players.

5. Monopoly

A true classic, bringing real estate and cash to creative competition. 2 to 8 players (6 is ideal).

6. Taboo

This game uses cards with words that must be described without saying the actual word or a list of words that apply. For instance, if the word being described is “carrot” the describer may not be able to say, “garden”, “orange” or “Bugs Bunny”. 4 or more players.

7. True Colors

This game is not for sensitive types. Each player secretly votes on answers to questions relating to people playing the game. Find out what people think of you and let others know what you think of them all under the guise of secret ballots. This game is a real eye opener. 3 to 6 players (adults only).