{"id":6787,"date":"2020-12-29T17:11:41","date_gmt":"2020-12-29T17:11:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/?p=6787"},"modified":"2020-12-29T17:11:41","modified_gmt":"2020-12-29T17:11:41","slug":"the-best-strategy-board-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/the-best-strategy-board-games\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Strategy Board Games"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"p1\">Catan<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Catan-Studios-cantan2017\/dp\/B00U26V4VQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Catan-Studios-cantan2017\/dp\/B00U26V4VQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/5176KwJoTNL.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Catan-Studios-cantan2017\/dp\/B00U26V4VQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Settle the Frontier<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">Klaus Teber\u2019s Catan is one of the most popular and renowned strategy games in history for its timeless gameplay and design.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Overall<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Catan-Studios-cantan2017\/dp\/B00U26V4VQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p class=\"p1\">When most people think \u201cstrategy board games,\u201d Catan is one of the first ones mentioned, and for good reason. Since the mid-\u201990s, people from all over the world have reveled in the crop-sharing, road-building world of Catan. Catan requires three to four players to compete in a strategic race to section off the most terrains and crops using buildings and roads. As you collect crops and dominate terrains, you gain victory points. Ten of these victory points grant you ultimate victory and bragging rights.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">We are huge fans of this game, and its devoted cult following will relentlessly assert its unquestioned status as the best strategy game ever made, but we would be remiss not to mention that it is divisive.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Considered among strategy game fans as one of the best strategy games in history<\/li>\n<li>Ensures long gameplay that you can make a whole night out of<\/li>\n<li>Intimate fun for three or four players, Catan can be expanded to accommodate up to six players with a separate extension set<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">A divisive game that won&#8217;t be a hit among the uncompetitive folks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">Mastermind<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mastermind-Game-Strategy-Codemaker-Codebreaker\/dp\/B00000DMBF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mastermind-Game-Strategy-Codemaker-Codebreaker\/dp\/B00000DMBF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/41O64QxYxDL.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mastermind-Game-Strategy-Codemaker-Codebreaker\/dp\/B00000DMBF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Crack the Code<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">In Pressman\u2019s classic strategy game Mastermind, two players assume the roles of code maker and codebreaker, trying to outwit each other using logic, deduction, and the odd bit of luck. <\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Codebreaking Game<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Mastermind-Game-Strategy-Codemaker-Codebreaker\/dp\/B00000DMBF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019ve ever watched shows like 24 and wished you could break codes like Jack Bauer, Mastermind is the strategy board game for you. Mastermind requires two players: one as a code maker and one as a codebreaker. The code maker uses four pegs of different colors to create a four-peg code that the codebreaker has ten chances to break before the game is over. The codebreaker is given clues each round through smaller pegs that correlate to how close they are getting to the correct code. It\u2019s a romp of a time and a great way to spend an afternoon with a friend or family member using logic and deductive reasoning to outwit one another. For math nerds and logic-lovers, you can\u2019t go wrong with Mastermind.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">A highly cerebral game that will sharpen logic and reasoning skills<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Rounds that last a relatively short time<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Perfect for math people<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">The two-player limit means this is not a great pick for parties or even small gatherings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">Battleship<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hasbro-A3264-Battleship-Game\/dp\/B00C0ULS3G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hasbro-A3264-Battleship-Game\/dp\/B00C0ULS3G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51Hwhs3IVML.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hasbro-A3264-Battleship-Game\/dp\/B00C0ULS3G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Let the Battle Begin<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">Hasbro\u2019s Battleship is sure to instill nostalgia in veterans and intrigue in newbies with its engaging gameplay.\r\n<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Classic<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hasbro-A3264-Battleship-Game\/dp\/B00C0ULS3G\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p class=\"p1\">You sunk my Battleship! Us older folks fondly remember that kitschy catchphrase from those classic \u201890s Battleship commercials. Short and sweet, it perfectly explains the objective of the strategy board game Battleship: sink your opponent\u2019s ships. Players choose where they place their fleet of ships on a numbered and lettered grid, and call out coordinates where they want their bombs to land. If their ship gets bombarded enough times, it sinks. When all of their ships sink, they lose. It&#8217;s a simple premise with the potential for countless hours of entertainment and competition. There is a two-player limit, but Battleship is conducive to team play, so the whole family can get in on the action.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">Quick to learn and set up<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">There\u2019s an added nostalgia factor for older players<\/li>\n<li>High-quality foldable game boards and pieces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">For fans of games that take more skill to win, this one might be a bit too luck-oriented<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">Munchkin<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Steve-Jackson-Games-SJG-1483\/dp\/B004U7JJWE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Steve-Jackson-Games-SJG-1483\/dp\/B004U7JJWE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/61Lq+HY87LL.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Steve-Jackson-Games-SJG-1483\/dp\/B004U7JJWE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Get Medieval With Munchkin<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">Munchkin is an intricate, hilarious, and eminently addicting strategy game set in a magical medieval world where dragons fight for bragging rights.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Role Playing Game<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Steve-Jackson-Games-SJG-1483\/dp\/B004U7JJWE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p class=\"p1\">Calling all Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Harry Potter fans: this is the strategy board game you\u2019ve been waiting for. Munchkin is a board game that has it all: unique gameplay, an artistic design, a sense of humor, and ample opportunity for alliance-building and back-stabbing. Players can become mages, orcs, elves, thieves, and more in this wacky and witty strategy game. Full disclosure, there are many rules and ins and outs to know in the world of Munchkin, but the general premise is this: players race to equip their characters with armor, spells, and treasure to slay various monsters (and their friends). Munchkin is the newest game on our list, but it\u2019s undoubtedly one of our favorites.<\/p>\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Inexpensive board game with endless hours of potential fun<\/li>\n<li>Engaging and rewarding<\/li>\n<li>A great option for fans of magical settings<\/li>\n<li>The cards are written with wit and humor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The gameplay and rule booklet is pretty long, so you&#8217;ll have to do your homework<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">Sequence<\/h2>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Jax-8002-Sequence-Game\/dp\/B00000IVAK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><div class=\"amazon-card\"><div class=\"product-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Jax-8002-Sequence-Game\/dp\/B00000IVAK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img title='' alt='' src='https:\/\/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com\/images\/I\/514wVI3gkgL.jpg' \/><\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details\"><h3 class=\"product-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Jax-8002-Sequence-Game\/dp\/B00000IVAK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">The Chips Are Down<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"product-summary\">Sequence is the card-flipping, chip-zipping classic from Jax games that pits you against your friends in a race to claim the coveted five-in-a-row sequence.<\/div><\/div><div class='product-award'><div>Best Card Game<\/div><\/div><p class=\"find-in-btn-wrap\"><a class=\"find-in-btn btn-amazon product-amazon\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Jax-8002-Sequence-Game\/dp\/B00000IVAK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Find on Amazon<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/a>\n<p class=\"p1\">Since the early \u201880s, Sequence has garnered a massive fanbase that can\u2019t get enough of this hyper-entertaining strategy board game. Sequence uses a game board covered in a grid of playing cards of various suits. Players are given a hand of cards and a color of chips. The player lays down a card from their hand to place a chip down on that card\u2019s corresponding space on the board. When a player has placed five chips down in a row (in any direction), they win. Sequence is beloved for its simple yet enrapturing gameplay and highly addictive nature. Very rarely do Sequence sessions end before two hours; people just can\u2019t get enough. For those looking for an easy-to-learn game that will produce countless hours of strategic fun, look no further.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Pros:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">A highly addicting game that will ensure hours of fun<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">Strategic and cerebral without being too complicated<\/li>\n<li class=\"p1\">A beloved classic for decades<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\">Cons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"p1\">The simple premise might bore some after a while<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>How long have strategy board games been popular?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The earliest-known strategy board game was carbon-dated back to 3500 BC in Ancient Egypt. The game was called Senet, and while rules varied depending on time period and geography, most scholars agree that the original game was a bit like an ancient rendering of chess. It was a game of strategy, positioning, and (of course) a little bit of luck. Since then, every subsequent civilization has added to this rich gaming tradition with countless new games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong>Are the strategy board games on this list good for kids?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">It depends on the game. Games like Catan, Mastermind, and Munchkin are complicated and might bore some kids. Sequence and Battleship, however, are timeless classics that people of all ages have enjoyed for decades. Everyone is different, so if your kids are good with rules and don\u2019t get frustrated easily, all of the games on this list are suitable for them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Catan When most people think \u201cstrategy board games,\u201d Catan is one of the first ones mentioned, and for good reason. Since the mid-\u201990s, people from all over the world have reveled in the crop-sharing, road-building world of Catan. Catan requires three to four players to compete in a strategic race to section off the most [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6787"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6787"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6787\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7219,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6787\/revisions\/7219"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6787"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6787"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gamerevolution.engagingreview.com\/reviews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}