Looking to add some spark to your festive season? Forget about chestnuts roasting on an open fire—let’s talk about the fiery competition, laughter that feels like a belly full of eggnog, and the sheer thrill of family and friends battling it out over a board game. Get ready to ditch the silent nights because these games are about to jingle your bells—your holiday season is about to become the most epic, laughter-filled, and unforgettable celebration yet!
During the pandemic, I discovered so many board games which brought much joy during a crazy time. Alright, here we go – here are my top 10 board games as of 2023!
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1. Scotland Yard
Players: 3-6 | Time: 45 mins
Imagine being a detective chasing down a sneaky villain across the bustling streets of London! In Scotland Yard, players work together to hunt down the elusive Mr. or Ms. X. It’s a cat-and-mouse game where strategy and cunning moves are your trusty companions. Will you outsmart the wily Mr. or Ms. X or will the villain vanish into the London fog?

2. Chameleon
Players: 3-8 | Time: 15 mins
Blend in like a chameleon or stick out like a sore thumb! In this social deduction game, everyone gets a secret word except the sneaky chameleon. Players take turns giving one-word clues related to the secret word while the chameleon tries to guess it without revealing their identity. It’s a game of wits, bluffing, and maybe a little camouflage!

3. Coup
Players: 2-6 | Time: 15 mins
Welcome to the world of politics and deception! In Coup, you’ll bluff, scheme, and manipulate your way to power. With secret roles and a touch of treachery, you’ll attempt to eliminate other players using a variety of sneaky tactics. But beware, because in this game, even the most trustworthy face might be hiding a devious plan!
See Coup on Amazon

4. Rapidough
Players: 4+ | Time: 45 mins
Get ready for a sculpting showdown! In Rapidough, teams compete in a frantic sculpting contest, racing against the clock to mold various objects from clay. Quick thinking, creativity, and a touch of artistic genius will help your team guess the sculptures before the other teams. Just remember, it’s not about the perfection of your creation but the speed of your hands!
5. Pandemic
Players: 2-4 | Time: 45 mins
The world is in peril, and it’s up to you and your team to save humanity from deadly diseases! Pandemic pits players against the outbreak, requiring cooperation and strategic planning to contain infections and discover cures. Can you work together to save the world before it’s too late?
6. Ransom Notes
Players: 2-4 | Time: 20-30 mins
Become a cunning kidnapper or a heroic negotiator in this thrilling word game! Ransom Notes challenges players to form words using cut-out letters to create ransom demands or negotiation offers. It’s a race against time to construct your message and outwit your opponents in this high-stakes wordplay showdown.
7. Monopoly Cheaters edition
Players: 2-6 | Time: Varies
Welcome to Monopoly, but with a twist—you’re encouraged to cheat! It’s a cutthroat world where sneaky tactics and deception reign supreme. Can you swindle your way to victory without getting caught by the vigilant eyes of your fellow players? Keep your poker face on and bend the rules to your advantage!
See Monopoly Cheaters edition on Amazon
8. Risk
Players: 2-6 | Time: 2-3 hrs
Strategic conquest awaits in the world of Risk! Lead your armies, forge alliances, and conquer territories in this epic battle for global domination. Will you expand your empire or fall to the might of your opponents? It’s a game of diplomacy, calculated risks, and world domination aspirations!
See Risk on Amazon
9. Sequence
Players: 2-12 | Time: 30 mins
Combine strategy and luck in Sequence, where players aim to create sequences of five chips on the board while blocking opponents along the way. With a blend of cards and game board tactics, it’s a battle of wit and skill. Form your sequences wisely to claim victory and shout “Sequence!” before your rivals do!
10. Codenames
Players: 2-8+ | Time: 15 mins
Welcome to the world of spies and secret agents! In Codenames, players become spymasters, giving one-word clues to help their teammates identify secret agents in the field. But be careful, as one wrong guess could lead you straight into the enemy’s hands! It’s a game of deduction and wordplay where every clue counts in this covert operation.
Top 10 boardgames:
- Scotland Yard
- Chameleon
- Coup
- Rapid dough
- Pandemic
- Ransom notes
- Monopoly cheat
- Risk
- Sequence
- Codenames
Hope you enjoy and keep it chill! 😉