Board Games to Leave Up
Where do your board games spend most of their time?
Your answer is probably: “on a game shelf” or “in the closet”.
Most board games are found resting on game shelves and in closets. That’s where they go to sleep off the exertion from being played.
And that’s okay.
It’s best to keep most games stored away in their boxes. As much as they love to be played, at the end of the day, they like to keep their own little family (components) safely tucked in.
But that doesn’t mean EVERY game needs to be put away at the end of play.
There are a lot of great board games that are very well suited to leave out on the table: ready for a pick-up game or two.
Board Game Pick-up Matches
Guys love pick-up games. You’ll often here guys talk about their pick-up game of basketball or soccer. They’re just itching for a chance to play. Whether it be with friends or strangers, they’re always ready to play a fun game.
Why not with board games too?
Why not leave some games readily accessible on the table for play at a moment’s notice?
So what makes a great Pick-up Board Game?
- 2-Player Games: The board games best suited for pick-up play are typically 2-player board games. That’s because it’s much easier to grab one other person on-the-fly to play than grabbing 3, or 4, or more.
- Visually Engaging: Another element in a good pick-up game is something that draws people in. Playing pieces or boards that attract attention are great to leave set up. They also make great conversation starters.
- Simple Rules: The most played pick-up board games will be among players who already know the game rules. The next best thing is a game where the rules can be explained under a minute or two.
- Short Play Time: The last element we’ll mention is also key. Pick-up games are not meant to last long. They should be quick to start and relative quick to play – making it easy to play multiple times if extra time allows.
With all that in mind, here’s a number of board games that are great to leave out on a table or desk.
- Fastrack – this game screams “play me” when people see it out on the table.
- Eternas – simple game of 4 in a row, but with large chunky pieces that attract attention.
- Dotzee – large, colorful dice that are very fun to fiddle with.
- Quarto – great wooden game where your opponent picks which pieces you’ll play.
- Gobblet – another 4-in-a-row game but where your pieces nest over others.
- Hive – a favorite 2-player abstract with extremely durable pieces and thoughtful play.
- City Square Off – place your tetris-like pieces more efficiently than your opponent to win.
- Chess – a nice chess set left out is always a good thing.
- Spot It – more fun with multiple players, but such a quick and fun pick-up game to play.
- Cathedral – place your building pieces more efficiently than your opponent.
- Quadefy – another abstract game with chunky wooden pieces to make fit.
- Yamslam – a Yahtzee derivative that generates more direct competition.
- Can’t Stop – more dice rolling, but it’s all press-your-luck. Who can resist?
- Qwirkle – chunky blocks with colorful shapes just waiting to be played.
- Blokus – best with 4, but great with 2 as well. This colorful shape-placing game is a staple.
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark 2nd Edition – okay so this breaks all the guidelines we posted above, but Descent is perpetually set up at our house. The boys love it and are always ready for a quest.
What board games do you leave set up for play at a moment’s notice?
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We do this too!
While this is great during the busy days before Christmas, it is a classy idea to be used year round.
And, completing a game at each session is only optional. Waiting, planning and strategizing the next move while away from the game can be part of the fun.
You’re right Yvonne – it is great to do all year.
Don’t forget that they can be a decoration. We left out Dungeon Roll before Halloween time as a decoration because the box looks like a spooky treasure chest.
Aaron – using games or game components as decorations is a great idea.
Interesting idea, but as the appeal of these games is primarily visual, I think you missed out by having a written list without pictures!
Toby – most in the list link directly to our video and written reviews of the games, so you can check out pictures of each game in our review of it. A few on the list aren’t ones we’ve reviewed yet however. And two of those, Eternas & Quadefy, do have pictures in the post.