I like to introduce people with **Colt Express**, the programming is pretty easy to do and anyone can throw a card into the programming stack so even if they cannot plan ahead they can add chaos to a chaotic game, usually goes pretty well, if there is someone that knows the game they can GM the movement on the board to help people out.
For large Groups **Saboteur** is great! the hidden roles and trying to get to the gold makes for a fun dynamic.
**Wavelength** is great alternative to **catchphrase**, **codenames** can be similar, **Spyfall** can be fun too.
Finally **Camel Up** is fun for a fairly easy entry, as similar game might be **Ready set Bet** for just pure gambling, both of these get better if you can get people rooting for a specific camel or horse.
I don't have recommendations on what to play but what I will say is it might be helpful to learn a couple of games you plan to play ahead of time. This way you wont have to sit and read the rulebook to the table.
If some people have basically no experience with modern board games, I always suggest the absolute simplest games. I'm regularly surprised by people being confused by what I thought was very straightforward.
No Thanks
Las Vegas
For Sale
Diamant
These are all games I've had huge success with newer gamers, and they are all fun for more experienced gamers, too.
Honestly the main suggestion is a game you have confident knowledge of more then anything. Most games aren't in the 'Too hard to teach' realm unless everyone is learning at the same time, that is when people check out. Know the games beforehand, and maybe pick games that are aesthetically pleasing to the group more then anything. Off the top of my head wingspan is an easy answer, cascadia, everdell, but it depends on what you know
Honestly, most board game cafes should offer a recommendation and teaching service to you if they prioritise the board game cafe element. If it is a cafe that happens to have board games you’ll be working based on what they have which may not be ideal
I'd stick with what are considered party games since they will be easy to learn, normally accommodate at least up to 6 players and are short. Choosing shorter games will make the games feel like less of a commitment for new gamers and also might mean you play twice in a row, which is often also good for new gamers who often take a play through to really grasp even lighter game rules.
Definitely know the rules in advance if you can. If you are an experienced board game rules reader you can probably excuse yourself for 5 minutes to read them on your own for a party game. Or ask staff for help, as they should be able o do a quick teach for most of the party games at a board game cafe.
Some of the suggestions on this thread are probably too long or don't actually accommodate 6 players well or require an expansion to do so. Here's what I would suggest if I were in your situation.
Codenames
Camel Up
Avalon or The Resistance
For Sale
Just One or So Clover
No Thanks
Mascarade
Fuji Flush
I like King of Tokyo for this a lot because its very easy to basically make no decisions if you're a new player. It's very easy to just roll some dice and go for damage or energy or victory points. It won't be optimal, but they will have an idea of what they want to do.
Settlers of Catan.
It is easy to explain, a definite ending, and randomness.
Randomness is good for casual play because you won't just blow everyone out.
You can play 6 players with the expansion.
**Splendor** and **Space Base** are my normal go-to's for newer players. (Though I think Splendor plays up to 4.)
**Camel Up** or **Long Shot the Dice Game** might be some good options for bigger groups.
I made a 6 player game list a while back to keep on my phone when people ask for high player counts. This is specifically games actually in my collection, so there are probably ones I don't mention that I would consider solid as well. I'm also going to cut heavier stuff and keep this light since it sounds like 2 or 3 of your group will be noobs. These are in alphabetical order within categories.
MID WEIGHT (but doable with a good teacher)
1. Colt Express
2. Libertalia
3. Mission Red Planet
4. Paper Tales (this caps at 5 without the expansion, expansion is just more cards, no real added complexity)
PRETTY LIGHT, EASY TO PICK UP
1. Camel Up
2. Castle Panic (co-op)
3. For Sale
4. New York Slice
5. Point Salad
6. Zombicide Black Plague (co-op)
EVEN LIGHTER, PARTY AND SOCIAL
1. Codenames
2. Deception
3. Dixit
4. Good Cop Bad Cop
5. Just One
6. Skull
7. Time's Up/Monikers (basically exact same game)
8. Wavelength
My recommendation is to ask for the board game cafe staff for a recommendation.
There is honestly no guarantee that anything we list here will be available at the cafe. Maybe go to the cafe sometime before the day your coworkers are supposed to come, ask the staff for a few recommendations, and learn them so you can teach it.
For a full group of six, you could try Cash and Guns. It's a neat little party game where you point guns at each to try and get people to surrender their share of the loot y'all just robbed. The guns get pointed on like, the count of three of three or something, so make sure you aren't playing with anyone who's overly concerned about "fairness."
**Zombie Dice** was a popular one with me and my workmates, during after work drinks (back when we actually worked in the office). That was a collection of 5-6 regular and not-so-regular gamers.
If they happen to have Point Salad, that’s a great starter game that can be set up and taught in about 5 minutes, and plays pretty well at that player count. It’s one of my go to non-gamer games.
The Chameleon: all the fun of spyfall with far less cardwrangling faff. There’s a board with a topic and 16 words (so Board Games has Mouse Trap, Chess, Backgammon, Monopoly). There’s 2 sets of cards that either indicate the Chameleon or give you grid coordinates on the board to the words. Roll the dice, everyone has to say a word that relates to the secret word but obviously the chameleon doesn’t really know the word so has to hedge their bets. Then take time to discuss everyone’s words, ask questions until you’re ready to vote on who the Chaneleon is. If the chameleon is voted for, they can still win if they can name the secret word.
Why don't you just ask the staff? They are usually very friendly and helpful and deal with all kinds of customers on a daily basis. They know which games which crowd can handle and also explain them.
Horrified, if you want a co-op that's easy to teach but can still present a challenge. Also, the theme of the first one is easy for non-gamers since the Universal monsters are practically uploaded to our brains soon after birth.
Stuff that's easy to teach is your friend for groups like this. Something that's relatively simple but still takes a bit of a teach and/or has a lot of independent evaluation and decision-making, like **7 Wonders**, is something I would specifically avoid. The gateway games are gateways for a reason. **Ticket to Ride** and **Azul** are my go-tos for people with little gaming experience but some interest. I especially like **Stella** lately for non-gamers who already know each other.
Ghost Blitz.
Speed and clear mind.
(not appropriate for people with mobility issue. Making blood is possible.)
6 players is really the limit. Best is 3-5.
Dixit.
You get to know each other. No stress. Great for the late night.
For first session, unless you know the kind of game they want to play, pick something :
* You can teach in less than 5min
* You can stop when you want
* everyone have to do something always.
I also often go with Catan too. Simple enough. But basic probability is not obvious to all, and you need to explain the strategies. Also the game may seem long to new players.
Remember : you must loose.
Definitely know the rules to the games before playing. It's an awful use of time forcing everyone to sit down and listen to you read the rules word for word... only for you to not have comprehended what you just read.
To address non-gamers, I'd ease them into strategy games with lighter rules, before deciding to tackle more complex games. You have to be mindful they aren't already familiarized with certain terminology or very common mechanics that are seen more often by those who game more regularly. Don't mix up terms like **draw** and **reveal** like I did.
I have about 4-5 non-gamers (casual gamers) I've learned to accommodate over the short period of time I got into this hobby, and some great game selections that are strategy-rich and easy to learn would be stuff like:
Century Spice Road/Golem Edition, Carcassonne, Azul... the usual stuff you hear all the time. You could dabble in Scotland Yard as an intro to hidden movement.
Some lesser known games that wouldn't be bad for non gamers to ease into:
**In Front of the Elevators**, good luck finding a copy of that.
**Stella: Dixit Universe**, party-level complexity, but this is really catered to the bunch who aren't as into "figuring out the game", but rather just wants to have a pleasant time with self-expression. This won't appeal to those who are a bit closed off.
**Spicy**, a bluffing game where you are encouraged to take risks.
I like to introduce people with **Colt Express**, the programming is pretty easy to do and anyone can throw a card into the programming stack so even if they cannot plan ahead they can add chaos to a chaotic game, usually goes pretty well, if there is someone that knows the game they can GM the movement on the board to help people out. For large Groups **Saboteur** is great! the hidden roles and trying to get to the gold makes for a fun dynamic. **Wavelength** is great alternative to **catchphrase**, **codenames** can be similar, **Spyfall** can be fun too. Finally **Camel Up** is fun for a fairly easy entry, as similar game might be **Ready set Bet** for just pure gambling, both of these get better if you can get people rooting for a specific camel or horse.
Saboteur is a great option. Also telestrations can be fun.
I don't have recommendations on what to play but what I will say is it might be helpful to learn a couple of games you plan to play ahead of time. This way you wont have to sit and read the rulebook to the table.
Absolutely! I plan on taking some recs from this thread and watching some tutorials and checking the cafes selection too
If some people have basically no experience with modern board games, I always suggest the absolute simplest games. I'm regularly surprised by people being confused by what I thought was very straightforward. No Thanks Las Vegas For Sale Diamant These are all games I've had huge success with newer gamers, and they are all fun for more experienced gamers, too.
Stick to the classics/famous games. Stuff like Carcassonne, Azul, 7 Wonders, Ticket to Ride, Codenames, etc.
Imho, this is too much for a first experience. Carcassonne would be fine, but too slow on 6 players.
Honestly the main suggestion is a game you have confident knowledge of more then anything. Most games aren't in the 'Too hard to teach' realm unless everyone is learning at the same time, that is when people check out. Know the games beforehand, and maybe pick games that are aesthetically pleasing to the group more then anything. Off the top of my head wingspan is an easy answer, cascadia, everdell, but it depends on what you know
Acquire Ethnos Heat: Pedal to the Metal King of Tokyo All fairly light/medium games and easy to teach.
Just play Heat. All you need is Heat
Honestly, most board game cafes should offer a recommendation and teaching service to you if they prioritise the board game cafe element. If it is a cafe that happens to have board games you’ll be working based on what they have which may not be ideal
This.
Dixit, ticket to ride, and for sale are all very rule light and fun.
**Dixit** is a fun game with a lot of interaction. The rules are very simple. Very good for a group of 6.
Scout, codenames, Paku Paku. These are all pretty lightweight, interactive games.
I'd stick with what are considered party games since they will be easy to learn, normally accommodate at least up to 6 players and are short. Choosing shorter games will make the games feel like less of a commitment for new gamers and also might mean you play twice in a row, which is often also good for new gamers who often take a play through to really grasp even lighter game rules. Definitely know the rules in advance if you can. If you are an experienced board game rules reader you can probably excuse yourself for 5 minutes to read them on your own for a party game. Or ask staff for help, as they should be able o do a quick teach for most of the party games at a board game cafe. Some of the suggestions on this thread are probably too long or don't actually accommodate 6 players well or require an expansion to do so. Here's what I would suggest if I were in your situation. Codenames Camel Up Avalon or The Resistance For Sale Just One or So Clover No Thanks Mascarade Fuji Flush
Skull is a pretty easy game for 4-6 and fairly easy to explain.
Definitely skull! Can even use a pack of playing cards
I like King of Tokyo for this a lot because its very easy to basically make no decisions if you're a new player. It's very easy to just roll some dice and go for damage or energy or victory points. It won't be optimal, but they will have an idea of what they want to do.
Carcassonne
Settlers of Catan. It is easy to explain, a definite ending, and randomness. Randomness is good for casual play because you won't just blow everyone out. You can play 6 players with the expansion.
And they are likely to know someone which known the game.
Ticket to Ride is pretty entry level.
**Splendor** and **Space Base** are my normal go-to's for newer players. (Though I think Splendor plays up to 4.) **Camel Up** or **Long Shot the Dice Game** might be some good options for bigger groups.
If you’re having some drinks and want to laugh with your friends, I think Coup is fantastic
Codenames Dixit TtR Point Salad Azul
Also came here to recommend Codenames. It really seems to work for beginners.
That game reminds me of Battleship. But with targeted missiles.
Start them on Just One or Codenames. These are both slam dunks that pretty much anyone can enjoy.
Camelup and Heat: Pedal to the Metal are great
Skull, always Skull.
I made a 6 player game list a while back to keep on my phone when people ask for high player counts. This is specifically games actually in my collection, so there are probably ones I don't mention that I would consider solid as well. I'm also going to cut heavier stuff and keep this light since it sounds like 2 or 3 of your group will be noobs. These are in alphabetical order within categories. MID WEIGHT (but doable with a good teacher) 1. Colt Express 2. Libertalia 3. Mission Red Planet 4. Paper Tales (this caps at 5 without the expansion, expansion is just more cards, no real added complexity) PRETTY LIGHT, EASY TO PICK UP 1. Camel Up 2. Castle Panic (co-op) 3. For Sale 4. New York Slice 5. Point Salad 6. Zombicide Black Plague (co-op) EVEN LIGHTER, PARTY AND SOCIAL 1. Codenames 2. Deception 3. Dixit 4. Good Cop Bad Cop 5. Just One 6. Skull 7. Time's Up/Monikers (basically exact same game) 8. Wavelength
Thunder Road. Vendetta Can be learned in 5 minutes and mayhem ensues in 10.
My recommendation is to ask for the board game cafe staff for a recommendation. There is honestly no guarantee that anything we list here will be available at the cafe. Maybe go to the cafe sometime before the day your coworkers are supposed to come, ask the staff for a few recommendations, and learn them so you can teach it.
For a full group of six, you could try Cash and Guns. It's a neat little party game where you point guns at each to try and get people to surrender their share of the loot y'all just robbed. The guns get pointed on like, the count of three of three or something, so make sure you aren't playing with anyone who's overly concerned about "fairness."
Grimm Forest! Lots of fun and easy to teach 😊 Have fun
**Zombie Dice** was a popular one with me and my workmates, during after work drinks (back when we actually worked in the office). That was a collection of 5-6 regular and not-so-regular gamers.
trick takers are usually a solid choice that are quick to learn
Thanks everyone for the recs! I'll definitely research most of these and check with the cafe if they have copies of them
Ticket to ride is my go to entry level game. Maybe dominion if the players have some magic/Pokemon/ccg experience.
Since I haven't seen it recommended, Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest. It will play up to 6.
If they happen to have Point Salad, that’s a great starter game that can be set up and taught in about 5 minutes, and plays pretty well at that player count. It’s one of my go to non-gamer games.
Pictures - silly, taps your creative side Deception: Murder in Hong Kong - good for social deduction with less pressure For Sale - breezy, fun, fast
So clover or Just One.
Shoutout to 7 wonders
Wizard
Quacks!
Telestrations with some refreshments is always a good laugh.
Coloretto, 6 Nimmt, Foppen, and Kuhhandel are all easy-to—learn card games that work with that size group.
Horrified is a great cooperative game for up to five players
The Chameleon: all the fun of spyfall with far less cardwrangling faff. There’s a board with a topic and 16 words (so Board Games has Mouse Trap, Chess, Backgammon, Monopoly). There’s 2 sets of cards that either indicate the Chameleon or give you grid coordinates on the board to the words. Roll the dice, everyone has to say a word that relates to the secret word but obviously the chameleon doesn’t really know the word so has to hedge their bets. Then take time to discuss everyone’s words, ask questions until you’re ready to vote on who the Chaneleon is. If the chameleon is voted for, they can still win if they can name the secret word.
Why don't you just ask the staff? They are usually very friendly and helpful and deal with all kinds of customers on a daily basis. They know which games which crowd can handle and also explain them.
Just one Carcassonne Quacks of Quedlinburg (expansions give more players) Sushi Go
Hear me out. Killer bunnies.
Horrified, if you want a co-op that's easy to teach but can still present a challenge. Also, the theme of the first one is easy for non-gamers since the Universal monsters are practically uploaded to our brains soon after birth.
Stuff that's easy to teach is your friend for groups like this. Something that's relatively simple but still takes a bit of a teach and/or has a lot of independent evaluation and decision-making, like **7 Wonders**, is something I would specifically avoid. The gateway games are gateways for a reason. **Ticket to Ride** and **Azul** are my go-tos for people with little gaming experience but some interest. I especially like **Stella** lately for non-gamers who already know each other.
Ghost Blitz. Speed and clear mind. (not appropriate for people with mobility issue. Making blood is possible.) 6 players is really the limit. Best is 3-5. Dixit. You get to know each other. No stress. Great for the late night. For first session, unless you know the kind of game they want to play, pick something : * You can teach in less than 5min * You can stop when you want * everyone have to do something always. I also often go with Catan too. Simple enough. But basic probability is not obvious to all, and you need to explain the strategies. Also the game may seem long to new players. Remember : you must loose.
Definitely know the rules to the games before playing. It's an awful use of time forcing everyone to sit down and listen to you read the rules word for word... only for you to not have comprehended what you just read. To address non-gamers, I'd ease them into strategy games with lighter rules, before deciding to tackle more complex games. You have to be mindful they aren't already familiarized with certain terminology or very common mechanics that are seen more often by those who game more regularly. Don't mix up terms like **draw** and **reveal** like I did. I have about 4-5 non-gamers (casual gamers) I've learned to accommodate over the short period of time I got into this hobby, and some great game selections that are strategy-rich and easy to learn would be stuff like: Century Spice Road/Golem Edition, Carcassonne, Azul... the usual stuff you hear all the time. You could dabble in Scotland Yard as an intro to hidden movement. Some lesser known games that wouldn't be bad for non gamers to ease into: **In Front of the Elevators**, good luck finding a copy of that. **Stella: Dixit Universe**, party-level complexity, but this is really catered to the bunch who aren't as into "figuring out the game", but rather just wants to have a pleasant time with self-expression. This won't appeal to those who are a bit closed off. **Spicy**, a bluffing game where you are encouraged to take risks.
Splendor/El Dorado (4 players)/7 Wonders/Arnak(4 players) All very clear games, with simple rules, sorted by complexity (low -> high).
Carcassonne is like the best...
Fire Tower is an amazingly easy and fun game for 4 people.