12 Board Games Perfect for Date Night
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Matthew and I love game night. It is one of the easiest and most fun date nights you can have at home. That’s why we reached out to some of our friends around the internet to ask what their favorite board games are to play on a date. The best part? None of them had overlapping answers. It goes to show how many great options there are for games to play. So grab some take out, settle on your couch and get playing!
(After the overwhelming response we got to this post, we made a master list of 50 Best Date Night Board Games. Don’t miss out on your next favorite board game!)
Here’s what Amberly at A Prioritized Marriage had to say:
Play Nine
“This card game is also known as Golf. We love it because we can play just the two of us or with more couples if we're on a group date. The game is strategic but relies on a bit of luck as well. Although it's important to be aware of what's going on around you in order to play, you can carry on a good conversation easily while playing, making this the perfect game for date night!”
Telestrations
“This game is more fun in a group, and it is a hoot. Every time I have played, I end up with tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard. If you've never played, you're missing out.”
Pass the Pigs
“Or ‘Pig Out’. Another low-key game that can be a lot of fun! We love playing this one with a group or on our own. We can even take this one in my purse to play while we wait for our food to arrive at a restaurant.”
A Prioritized Marriage
Amberly has a degree in Family Studies and a passion for strong marriages. She is on a mission to inspire couples to make their marriage a priority every day, throughout every stage in life! Your relationship doesn't reach perfection the moment you say 'I do'. If you want a strong marriage, you have to continue to work on it. You can find her at aprioritizedmarriage.com
(Don’t have time for a full game night? This game is perfect for a quick 15 minute mini date.)
Rene and Spencer from Table 42 play games almost every night, but these are the ones they think are best for a date:
Jaipur
“If you have played any card games you will have no trouble picking up on Jaipur. Jaipur is a simple card game where you collect suits of cards (known as goods) and turn them in for points. Cards in your hand can be exchanged with a ‘market’ of cards in the middle of the table that you and your partner can both draw from. This game is great because it provides a bit of energetic back and forth without creating excessive confrontation. It plays very quick and it’s wonderful for beginners wanting to try a date night game.”
Patchwork
“Patchwork uses the mechanics of the video game Tetris and incorporates them in a board game. You and your partner choose pieces to fit into a personal grid board. Patchwork is colorful and the theme of creating a patchwork quilt is unique and satisfying. Patchwork is simple to play but will keep you coming back as no two games will ever be the same. It takes about an hour to play and is a great choice for any date night.”
Fog of Love
“Fog of Love takes a bit more of a time investment from the couple who chooses to play it on a date night. However, it will create lasting memories and great conversation long after the game is complete. Fog of Love is a romantic comedy in a box. Each player creates their own character and starts a relationship with their partner’s character. Their goal is to satisfy their ‘needs’ while also helping your partner satisfy theirs. The scenarios presented can be quite comical and will have you laughing together. For couples who are willing to put in a little extra effort Fog of Love is a true ‘date night’ game.”
See How It’s Played
Table 42
Rene and Spencer have been married for 12 years. They started board gaming together many years ago and love the hobby. They try to play games every night after they put their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Lily, to sleep. They enjoy all types of games and sharing their love for those games with their Instagram followers at instagram.com/table__42/
Janelle and Brad from January Date Nights suggest these games:
Hive
Hive
“We love playing HIVE because it involves strategy but each game is so different because of the variety of pieces. Each piece has an insect with a unique move. It does take some time to think about each move but that is part of a strategy game. It's an easy game to take with you anywhere.”
Onitama
“We had so much fun playing Onitama on a recent date night, and it's not a game we would have naturally picked out. It's simple, yet strategic. The turns don't take very long because your options are limited but this also makes the game go by quickly. The best part about this game is both of us were able to win a few times. (Usually one of us loses way more than the other).”
See How It’s Played
MONOPOLY DEAL
“Monopoly Deal is our favorite game and one we play most often. It's based on the original board game but the games are over in 15 minutes or less. Woo hoo! We love this version because it always feels like you are just one or two turns away from winning. So, even if you don't win you feel good about how you played the game.”
January Date Nights
January Date Nights is a challenge to encourage couples to go on more date nights. The original challenge happens in January as part of a New Year's Resolution to go on one date a week in the month of January. January Date Nights exists to share date night ideas throughout the year. You can find them at januarydatenights.com
(CLUE for two? Check out our CLUE date night, including dinner, the game, and the movie!)
Last but not least, here are a few games that Matthew and I here at Make a Date of It always return to for date night:
Guillotine
“Guillotine has a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it you won’t look back. It is irreverent and punny with a ton of replay value. This is one of the few games Matthew and I get competitive with because there are offensive and defensive cards, but it is all in good fun.”
Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
“If you are a fan of long and challenging games, you will love this one. You and your partner take on the role of detectives and follow leads to try to solve different cases. Each case takes a few hours, so it is perfect for an entire date night. Just order some take out and start hunting for that murderer.”
Forbidden Island
“If you have never tried a collaborative game where every player is on the same team, you should start with Forbidden Island. You and your teammate try to capture the island’s treasures before it sinks into the ocean. It’s fun, challenging, and perfect for couples who tend to get too competitive.”
See How It’s Played
Make a Date of It
We are two goofy adventurers from Vail, Colorado who come up with creative date, travel, and gift ideas out of the things you already love so you can have more fun and stress less. Follow us @makeadateofit and sign up for our newsletter below.
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