Whether you’re a board game fanatic, a casual player, or just someone looking for a fun way to spend time with friends and family, you’ve come to the right place. Game nights are our absolute favorite way to bring people together.
In this blog, we're sharing everything you need to host the ultimate game night, such as picking the perfect games, setting the vibe with snacks, and choosing the right theme. From quick party games to brain-burning strategy challenges to classic pub favorites, we've got you covered. Ready to spin? Let’s get started!
- Dexterity/Skill Games
- Pub/classic Games
- Deception Games
- Having a Successful Adult Game Night
- More Game Night Fun with The Carrom Company!
Dexterity/Skill Games
1. Carrom
Carrom is a traditional strike-and-pocket game played on a square wooden board. Players use a shooting ring to put other rings or discs into corner pockets, aiming to clear their pieces before their opponent does. The game combines elements of pool and shuffleboard, requiring both skill and strategy. Carrom is a social game that’s easy to learn but offers plenty of depth for competitive play.
Carrom for Large Groups
For larger groups, organize a team-based tournament with doubles matches. Use our tournament brackets to track progress, with teams advancing through rounds. Alternatively, set up multiple Carrom boards and run a round-robin tournament, where players rotate between boards and compete against different opponents.
2. Crokinole
Crokinole is a classic dexterity game where players flick discs or rings across a circular board, aiming to land them in scoring zones while knocking opponents’ discs out of play. The game requires a mix of precision, strategy, and finesse, making it a favorite for players of all ages. Crokinole is easy to learn but offers endless opportunities for skillful play. Our Carrom boards are dual-sided, offering Crokinole on one side.
Crokinole for Large Groups
To include more players, organize a team tournament with doubles matches. Use your brackets to track progress, with teams advancing through rounds. Alternatively, set up multiple boards and run a multi-board tournament, where players rotate between boards and compete in quick matches.
3. Nok Hockey
Nok Hockey is a fast-paced tabletop version of hockey where players use small sticks to shoot a puck into the opponent’s goal. The game is played on a wooden board with raised edges, keeping the action contained and intense. It’s a test of precision, speed, and reflexes, making it a favorite for competitive play. Nok Hockey is easy to learn but offers plenty of depth for skilled players to master.
Nok Hockey for Large Groups
For larger groups, set up a single-elimination tournament. We offer brackets on our website to accommodate up to 16 teams. Players can compete in one-on-one matches, with winners advancing to the next round. Alternatively, create teams of two for doubles play, adding a cooperative element to the game.
4. Tabletop Billiards
Tabletop Billiards is a miniaturized version of pool, played on a carrom board with rings. Players take turns shooting rings into pockets, aiming to score points or clear the table. The game requires precision, strategy, and a steady hand, making it a fun challenge for players of all ages. It’s a great way to bring the excitement of billiards to a smaller space.
Tabletop Billiards for Large Groups
To accommodate more players, organize a single-elimination tournament using our brackets. Players can take turns in matches, with winners advancing to the next round. Alternatively, set up multiple tables and run a multi-table tournament, where players rotate between tables after each game.
Pub/classic games
5. Shut the Box
Shut the Box is a classic pub game that combines luck and strategy. Players roll dice and flip down numbered tiles based on the roll, aiming to "shut" all the tiles. The game can be played solo or competitively, with players taking turns to see who can shut the box with the lowest score. It’s a simple yet addictive game that’s perfect for casual play.
Shut the Box for Large Groups
For larger groups, organize a round-robin tournament. Players can take turns rolling the dice, and the player with the lowest score at the end of each round advances. Alternatively, set up multiple Shut the Box sets and run a multi-table tournament, where players rotate between tables after each game.
6. Skittles
Skittles is a traditional game similar to bowling, where players roll or throw a ball to knock down wooden pins. The game is often played in pubs and social gatherings, offering a mix of skill and luck. Skittles is easy to learn and provides plenty of opportunities for friendly competition.
The rules for Skittles can accommodate any number of players since each participant takes turns knocking down pins. You can also set up a team-based tournament with doubles or triples matches. Use your brackets to track progress, with teams advancing through rounds. Alternatively, set up multiple Skittles lanes and run a multi-lane tournament, where players rotate between lanes and compete in quick matches.
7. Ship, Captain, Crew
Ship, Captain, Crew is a fast-paced dice game that’s perfect for casual play and quick rounds. The game is played with five dice, and the goal is to roll specific combinations in a specific order: first a 6 (the Ship), then a 5 (the Captain), and finally a 4 (the Crew). Once a player has rolled these three numbers, they use the remaining two dice to calculate their score (the sum of the two dice). The player with the highest score wins the round. Ship, Captain, Crew is easy to learn, highly addictive, and great for players of all ages.
Ship, Captain, Crew for Large Groups
Use tournament brackets to organize a single-elimination tournament so players can compete in head-to-head matches, with winners advancing to the next round. Alternatively, you can split players into teams and have teammates take turns rolling the dice. The team with the highest combined score wins the round. Finally, if you have enough dice, run multiple games at once. Players can rotate between tables, and the overall winner can be determined by the highest score across all games.
Deception games
8. Mafia
Mafia is a classic social deduction game where players are secretly assigned roles as either townspeople or mafia members. The townspeople try to identify and eliminate the mafia, while the mafia secretly "eliminate" townspeople each night. The game is played in alternating day and night phases, with players using discussion, accusations, and voting to uncover the truth. Mafia is a game of bluffing, deduction, and dramatic reveals, making it a hit for large groups. You can set up Mafia for free online.
9. Liar’s Dice
Liar’s Dice is a bluffing game where players roll dice hidden under cups and make bids about the total number of a specific face value across all players’ dice. Players can challenge bids if they think the previous player is lying. If the bid is proven false, the liar loses a die; if the bid is correct, the challenger loses a die. The last player with dice remaining wins. Liar’s Dice is a game of probability, bluffing, and reading your opponents.
Liar’s Dice for Large Groups
Liar’s Dice works well with 4-6 players, but for larger groups:
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Split players into smaller tables of 4-6 and run multiple games simultaneously. Use your tournament brackets to track winners from each table, who then advance to the next round.
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Alternatively, play in teams, where teammates collaborate on bids and challenges.
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For a faster-paced game, reduce the number of dice per player to 2 or 3.
10. Cheat
Cheat (also known as BS) is a card game where players take turns playing cards face-down and declaring what they’re playing (e.g., "two 7s"). Other players can call "Cheat!" if they suspect the declaration is false. If the accusation is correct, the cheater picks up the discard pile; if not, the accuser picks it up. The goal is to be the first to get rid of all your cards. Cheat is a game of bluffing, risk-taking, and calling out your friends’ lies.
Having a Successful Adult Game Night
Hosting a successful adult game night is all about creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves. Whether you’re playing classic games, strategy challenges, or high-energy party games, a little planning goes a long way. From choosing the right mix of games to setting up a comfortable space with great snacks and drinks, the goal is to keep things engaging and stress-free.
1. Create a guest list
Why it’s important: A well-curated guest list ensures enough participants for the games you have and should aim to bring in people who will enjoy playing games
Invite a mix of close friends, family, and acquaintances to keep things lively, but make sure it’s people who are interested in playing games. Consider the group size and the types of games you want to play (e.g., large groups for party games, smaller groups for strategy games).You can use online tools like Evite or Facebook Events to manage RSVPs and keep track of who’s coming. If you’re inviting new people, make sure to include a few familiar faces to help them feel comfortable.
2. Decide whether you want to focus on socializing or competitive play
Why it’s important: This sets the tone for the evening and helps you choose the right games.
If socializing is the goal for your evening, you don’t want overly competitive games to distract from chatting or ruin the mood. At the same time, if people are there to focus on the game, then too much socializing will frustrate players. Decide what you want to focus on first. If people are coming to socialize, choose light, easy-to-learn games like Mafia or Liar’s Dice. These games promote friendly competition and allow players to get to know each other. For competitive play, pick games with more strategy or skill, like Nok Hockey, Billiards, or Carrom, and consider using tournament brackets to track progress.
You can also mix both! Start with social games to break the ice, then move to competitive ones as the night progresses.
3. Consider creating a theme for the evening
Why it’s important: A theme adds excitement and makes your game night stand out.
It’s best to choose a theme based on the games (e.g., “Pub Night” for Skittles, Shut the Box, and Liar’s Dice). Match the decor, snacks, and drinks to the theme (e.g., pub snacks for Skittles or Shut the Box). If you’re playing a game like Mafia, you can encourage guests to dress up or bring themed items to enhance the experience.
Examples of themes:
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Casino Night: Play poker, Liar’s Dice, and other betting games.
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Retro Night: Bring out classic games like Chess, Checkers, and Parcheesi.
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Around the World: Feature games from different cultures, like Carrom (India), Go (China), and Crokinole (Canada).
4. Select the games beforehand
Why it’s important: Planning ahead ensures a smooth flow and avoids decision fatigue during the event.
To make your game night run smoothly, choose your games in advance and consider the interests and skill levels of your guests. For instance, a mix of light party games, strategic board games, and quick filler games ensures there’s something for everyone. Set up game stations around the room so guests can rotate and try different activities, and have printed rules or quick tutorials ready for games that might be new to some players. If you’re hosting a competitive night, use your website’s tournament brackets to keep track of progress and add structure to the evening. By selecting games beforehand, you’ll create a seamless experience that keeps everyone engaged.
5. Provide snacks & drinks
Why it’s important: Good food and drinks keep energy levels up and add to the fun.
No game night is complete without snacks and drinks! Opt for finger foods that are easy to eat while playing, like chips, pretzels, or mini sandwiches, and avoid messy options that could damage game components. Offer a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to suit all preferences, and consider tying the menu to your theme for an extra touch of fun—think tropical drinks for a pirate-themed night or pub snacks for a classic game night. If you want to take the pressure off hosting, make it a potluck and ask guests to bring their favorite snacks or drinks to share. A well-stocked snack table will keep everyone happy and energized throughout the night.
6. Try making it a recurring event
Why it’s important: Regular game nights build a sense of community and give everyone something to look forward to.
Turning your game night into a recurring event is a great way to promote participation. Let’s face it - people often flake. But if you choose a consistent schedule, like the first Friday of every month, guests can plan ahead and set their schedule around a more habitual meeting. Rotate hosting duties among friends to share the responsibility and keep things fresh. To add a competitive edge, keep a record of which games were played and who won, then create a leaderboard to track progress over time. After each event, ask for feedback to improve future gatherings, and consider creating a group chat or social media page to keep everyone connected and informed.
More Game Night Fun with The Carrom Company!
Ready to take your game night to the next level? Browse our website to discover timeless classics like Carrom and Nok Hockey! Our Carrom board can be played in over 85 different ways, providing endless possibilities for game night! Perfect for casual play or competitive tournaments, our high-quality boards and accessories will keep you entertained for hours. Visit our collection today and find the perfect addition to your game night lineup!
