Let us decode a commonly used piece of board game jargon for you. Party Games; what are they?
The Board Game Dictionary
If you’re a serious board gamer you probably don’t even notice how much board game jargon you know. But for those of us who haven’t delved deep into the hobby here are a few terms which may need some explaining:
- CCG- an acronym for Collectible Card Game. If you have an 8 year old boy in your life you may be unwillingly be sucked into buying a hundred packs of trading cards for one of these.
- Dexterity game- a game which involves physical skill, like placing a block on a wobbly Jenga tower.
- Eurogame- a game with moderately complex rules which relies more on strategy and planning than random luck.
- Gamer’s Game- an incredibly complex game which usually takes a long time to play and involves a fair amount of maths. Newbies; don’t jump straight into these, your brain will explode.
- Gateway Game- a relatively simple to learn game which will get you hooked on board games. The opposite of a Gamer’s Game.
So What is a Party Game?
At Two Faced we’re not totally in love with the term Party Game because of the confusion it causes. What do we mean when we say a game is a ‘party game?’ Is it just for children? Can we only play in a big group? Do we have to save it for special occasions?
No to all the above. In modern day board game terms Party Games are games that encourage social interaction. They are generally quick to play and have simple rules. They can accommodate large groups of people if needed, but can be played in smaller groups too. They don’t necessarily have anything to do with parties!
Awesome Board Game Influencer Dani Standring recently summed it neatly in this reel as “games that incite fun memorable social interactions”.
Our Favourite Party Games
There are many party games which can be played DIY, with household equipment or nothing at all. Check out our social media accounts in November 2024 for examples of these.
However, if you like the game set-up professionally designed and perfected for you, we’ve listed some of our current favourite party games which are available to buy.
How Am I Weird
In a similar vein to Cards Against Humanity, but just…nicer! You are trying to find the weirdest, funniest answer to a question. A great way of getting to know the inner workings of your weird friends’ minds.
Bumfuzzle
A funny word game that should be oh so simple, but will have you blurting out all kinds of randomness. Based on a psychological phenomenon called the Stroop effect where people find it harder to read the name of a colour when it’s printed in a different colour. A great leveller where even the smartest player will find themselves totally bumfuzzled.
Rapidough
From the inventors of the classic ‘Articulate’. Shape some dough so that your team can guess what it is. If you fail, or take too long, you lose a bit of dough, making the game increasingly tricky. Another game which levels the playing field. Children with nimble fingers can quickly catch up with adults who might naturally outwit them in a strategy game.
Throw Throw Burrito
A fast-paced card collecting game where players throw pleasingly squishy burritos at each other. Though it feels like there are a lot of rules when you first start, they quickly sink-in and the game descends into delightful chaos.
Two Faced
(well of course😊)
Party Board Games
We hope we’ve given you a flavour of what to expect from party game. If there’s one thing to take away it’s this; party games are fun!