Guest Author - Megan Romer
You don't have to have children to enjoy a family game night, couples can enjoy games on their own as well. Not all games are appropriate for two players, but many work quite well, including many of the "classics", such as chess, checkers, backgammon, mancala and Othello. The benefits of playing board games as a couple are similar to the benefits that family game nights can have on large families: encouraging conversation, mental stimulation, memory protection and so on. Check out these games which work particularly well for couples:
3 Stones - This board game, made with high-quality materials, is an abstract game that requires quite a bit of strategy and foresight. Couples who are bored with Othello should give it a try.
Da Vinci's Challenge - Another abstract game, Da Vinci's challenge takes a lot of strategic thinking to win. Try it if you like logic puzzles, like Sudoku... the planning out of moves uses the same part of your brain.
Scene It DVD Game - The Scene It line of DVD games are the rare sort of game that works well for both big groups and couples. We like to sit in bed and play this game instead of watching a television show.
Chaturanga - This game, the earliest form of chess, has been reproduced by a game company known for their high-quality board games which are both attractive and fun. This is a very intelligent game that can make a great compromise between a person who doesn't know how to play chess and a chess fiend.
Do You Sudoku? - People seem to be unable to get enough of Sudoku logic puzzles, but, unlike crossword puzzles, they're hard to work on as a couple. This game allows you to do sudokus competitively and make a game out of it. Fun!
Snatch - This word game is a great sometimes-alternative to Scrabble. Scrabble is often a low-interaction game because it requires so much thought and intensity, but Snatch is fast-paced, fun and funny.
Pick Two! - Pick Two! is another Scrabble-related game that allows players to play at the same time with a quick pace. Each player tries to make their own crossword puzzle faster than the other players can.
Gobblet - This is a sort of grown-up version of tic-tac-toe, where players compete to get three in a row. There's a major twist, though. This game's conveniently sturdy packaging and addictive qualities make it great for road trips and other travel.
Adult Games - There are lots of reasons to play board games, and board games are designed for almost every purpose nowadays. If you need a little bit of zest in your love life (or if you are always up for trying new things), check out some of these romantic games for couples.
These are just some basic suggestions; what are your favorite games to play as a couple? Tell us in the Board Games Forum!
