Ciriello
Admit it, we all spend too much time looking at some kind of monitor — phone, TV, computer or tablet.
It’s time to give your eyes and your brain a break, and board games are the perfect break from technology. Benefits of board games are face-to-face interactions, strategic thinking, problem solving, and bonding with family and friends. If you pick the right game, you can exercise your brain, have a few laughs and engage in a little friendly competition all at the same time.
My family, made up of parents and adult children, try to have a weekly game night. These games can get very competitive, but all in good fun. Whether it’s sending someone to jail, stealing all the resources or sarcastically saying, “Sorry” as we send someone back to start, we definitely have a good time together. As my “kids” turn into real adults, I treasure these evenings together. I love that my kids want to spend time with me and each other. Gathering around the game board gives us a chance to get to know each other outside of the typical parent/child relationships.
We have our favorite games that we play over and over, but since discovering the board game collection at the Greenwood Public Library, we’ve enjoyed trying new games. We’ve discovered that Mom doesn’t like cooperative games, and son No.2 is not great at reading and sharing instructions. I like to win, he likes to skip over the parts he thinks are unnecessary. Both of those facts have now been added to the list of running family jokes.
Here are a few of our recommendations, all borrowed from the library:
In Mysterium (ages 10+), a ghost and psychics work together to solve the mystery of the ghost’s death. The “ghost” can only communicate with images. The “psychics” have to try to figure out the messages. Once we figured out how to play, this one was fun. We all loved the artwork and trying to understand how everyone interprets the images differently.
Sushi Boat (ages 8+) is beautiful and fun. This game includes a sushi conveyor belt and wasabi challenges. There is some strategy involved, so choose wisely and pay attention. The key is to collect a variety of sushi. This one was a hit, but next time we play, we’re getting real sushi to go with it.
Trophies (ages 8+) gives Apples to Apples vibes with one judge deciding the winning card and awarding a miniature trophy. This one is great for larger groups of various ages. It can also lead to friendly debates over who gives the best answer.
If you think you know American history, try Timeline (ages 8+). It’s a simple premise — line up events based on the year they occurred. Sure, Barbie hit the toy stores before “Star Wars” hit the theaters, but when on that timeline was the first Starbucks opened? You might want to study if you’re very competitive.
In Oh Gnome You Don’t, you and your fellow gnomes are working in the jewel mines, shopping in the market, and playing tricks on each other. The goal is to have the most jewels at the end of the game. Hilarity ensues when jewels fall out of pockets or are stolen by other gnomes. Not much need for strategy, the joy comes from shouting the title. Oh Gnome You Don’t is rated 13+ for gnome-on-gnome violence.
For the times you want a quieter game, I suggest Patchwork (ages 8+). It’s a two-player game that will appeal to anyone who loves Tetris-style puzzles. The goal is to fit randomly shaped pieces onto your board to create a patchwork quilt, preferably with no holes.
To check out these and other board games, visit GPL’s Special Collections area located on the second floor. Be sure to stop at the Help Desk to look for staff picks and to tell us which are your family’s favorites.
Donna Ciriello is an adult services librarian at Greenwood Public Library. GPL staff members share in writing this twice monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
