How to Choose Games to Play at a Party

Whether it's a board game,card game or video game, playing together at a party is a great way to socialize and pass the time. But party games can either be unifiers or dividers, so choosing the right one requires a little thought and consideration.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the size of your guest list. Team-based games, such as Pictionary, and games that are well-known or easy to learn work best for large groups. Card games and video games are better for small gatherings.

2. Consider what kinds of personalities are at work. High-energy games, such as Taboo, can get out of hand with extremely competitive guests, but work well for a more laid-back crowd. Trivial Pursuit, while not as exciting, is a good idea for guests who are liable to complain about the rules or other players, because it's hard to argue with facts.

3. Assess the overall mood of the party. If this is a gathering for people to meet and make new friends, choose a game that allows guests to work together, such as 20 Questions or the electronic game, Catch Phrase. For a get-together of couples, the need to relieve social anxiety probably isn't as high, so feel free to try a video game such as Mario Party or something more involved, such as Poker.

4. Suggest one particular game for your guests, but be prepared to offer alternatives.

Tips & Warnings

• Be flexible. No one likes being forced to play a game, so be willing to stop playing or change games when your guests grow tired.
• Bend the rules. If people don't like the way you're used to playing, put it to a vote.
• Avoid games that completely eliminate players, such as Monopoly.