Best Board Games to Buy in January 2026
HUES and CUES - Vibrant Color Guessing Board Game for 3-10 Players Ages 8+, Connect Clues and Guess from 480 Color Squares
- CHALLENGE FRIENDS WITH 480 COLORS FOR ENDLESS GAMEPLAY FUN!
- ENJOYABLE FOR ALL AGES-PERFECT FOR FAMILY NIGHTS AND PARTIES!
- UNIQUE EXPERIENCE EACH ROUND KEEPS THE EXCITEMENT FRESH!
USAOPOLY BLANK SLATE, Where Great Minds Think Alike, Fun Family-Friendly Board Game, Word Association Party Game, Easy to Learn, Fun to Play Family Game Night, 3-8 Players, Ages 8+
- EXCITING GROUP PLAY: PERFECT FOR FAMILY FUN AND GATHERINGS!
- EASY TO LEARN: JUMP IN AND START MATCHING IN MINUTES!
- VERSATILE GAMEPLAY: GREAT FOR 3-8 PLAYERS, AGES 8 AND UP!
12-Inch Traditional Wooden Go Game Set with Pull-Out Storage Drawers – Classic Weiqi Board Game with Black and White Stones – Premium Wood Go Board for Beginners, Adults, and Professional Players
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PREMIUM CRAFTSMANSHIP ENSURES A DURABLE, AUTHENTIC GO EXPERIENCE.
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BUILT-IN DRAWERS KEEP YOUR GO STONES ORGANIZED AND SECURE.
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ELEGANT DESIGN MAKES IT A STYLISH GIFT FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS.
CATAN Board Game (6th Edition) Trade, Build & Settle in The Classic Strategy Game for Family, Kids & Adults, Ages 10+, 3-4 Players, 60-90 Min Playtime
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ENDLESS REPLAYABILITY: MODULAR BOARD ENSURES UNIQUE GAMEPLAY EVERY TIME.
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STRATEGIC COMPETITION: ENGAGE IN THRILLING RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AGAINST OPPONENTS.
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FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN: PERFECT FOR 3-4 PLAYERS, IDEAL FOR GAME NIGHTS TOGETHER.
Sorry! Board Game for Kids Ages 6 and Up; Classic Hasbro Board Game; Each Player Gets 4 Pawns; Family Game
- RACE TO HOME AND UNLEASH SWEET REVENGE FOR ENDLESS FUN!
- CLASSIC GAMEPLAY THAT SPARKS NOSTALGIA FOR ALL AGES!
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GAME NIGHTS AND ENTERTAINING GIFT OPTIONS!
Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom of Sweet Adventures Board Game for Kids, Ages 3 & Up (Amazon Exclusive)
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CLASSIC GAME: INTRODUCE KIDS TO CANDY LAND'S SWEET ADVENTURES!
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EASY PLAY: NO READING REQUIRED, PERFECT FOR AGES 3 AND UP!
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COLORFUL FUN: ENGAGING ILLUSTRATIONS AND SURPRISES IN EVERY TURN!
The Uzzle 3.0 Board Game, Family Board Games for Children & Adults, Block Puzzle Games for Ages 4+
- IMPROVE COGNITIVE SKILLS! PERFECT FOR KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE.
- FAST-PACED FUN! LEARN IN 5 MINUTES, PLAY WITH UP TO 4 PLAYERS.
- IDEAL GIFT! GREAT FOR ANY OCCASION-FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
Codenames is a popular word game that involves two teams competing to identify their agents among a grid of words. The game is played with a minimum of four players and a maximum of eight players. Each team appoints a spymaster who gives one-word clues to help their team identify the words that correspond to their agents. The spymaster needs to be strategic in their clues to avoid leading their team to the opposing team's agents or the assassin. The first team to identify all their agents wins the game. Codenames is a game of deduction, teamwork, and communication that can provide hours of fun for players of all ages.
How to avoid giving away clues in Codenames?
- Avoid making any facial expressions or gestures that could give away information about the cards on the board.
- Use neutral language when giving clues, and try not to emphasize any particular words that could be related to the cards.
- Be aware of the other team's possible interpretations of the clue, and try to avoid giving a clue that could be interpreted in multiple ways.
- Avoid using specific names or references that could give away information about the cards, stick to more general concepts or associations.
- Consider giving clues that are more abstract or metaphorical, rather than direct and specific.
- Practice being mindful of your body language and tone of voice to ensure you are not inadvertently giving away clues.
- Communicate clearly and calmly with your team to avoid slipping up and giving away unintended hints.
What is the ideal playing environment for Codenames?
The ideal playing environment for Codenames is a well-lit, quiet room where all players can easily see and reach the game board and cards. It is best to play at a table where everyone can comfortably sit and have a clear view of the board without any obstructions. Additionally, having enough space for players to move around and communicate with their teammates without disturbing others is important. It is also helpful to have minimal distractions and background noise to enhance the focus and enjoyment of the game.
What is the ideal number of players for Codenames?
The ideal number of players for Codenames is 4-8 players. However, the game can accommodate 2-12 players by adjusting the teams and number of clue-givers if necessary.
What are the different rules for the spymaster in Codenames?
- The spymaster cannot give any verbal clues or signals to their teammates. They can only give a single word as a clue to connect multiple words on the board.
- The clue given by the spymaster must be a single word that is related to the meaning of the words they want their teammates to guess.
- The spymaster must also provide a number with their clue, indicating how many words on the board are related to that clue.
- The spymaster must avoid providing clues that could lead their teammates to guess words that are related to the opposing team or the assassin word.
- The spymaster can only sit back and watch as their teammates discuss and guess the words based on their clues.
- The spymaster should try to think of creative and strategic clues that will lead their teammates to guess multiple words in a single turn.
How to create a grid for Codenames?
To create a grid for the game Codenames, follow these steps:
- Start with a rectangular grid of 5x5 squares, creating a total of 25 squares.
- Label each square with a word or picture that corresponds to one of the game’s cards (they can be random words or pictures, just make sure they are not included in the game’s original set of cards).
- Divide the grid into two teams: red and blue. Assign one team to the rows and the other team to the columns.
- Choose one player from each team to be their Spymaster. The Spymaster will give clues to their team to help them guess which words or pictures on the grid correspond to their team’s cards.
- Place a card with the grid layout on the table for reference, so players can keep track of which words or pictures have been guessed.
- Play the game following the regular rules of Codenames, where the Spymasters give one-word clues and a number to their teammates to guess the correct words or pictures on the grid.
- Continue playing until one team has correctly identified all of their team’s words or pictures, or until one of the teams mistakenly identifies the assassin word or picture, which results in an instant loss.
By following these steps, you can create a grid for Codenames and enjoy playing the game with your friends and family.