101 Board Games to Try Before You Die (Of Boredom): A Definitive List of the Best Board Games Ever Made

by Jarrod Carmichael

Move Over, Monopoly!

Find your new favorite board game with this incredible curated guide featuring the best releases from the 21st century. Whether you want to dive into board games as a new hobby, explore screen-free fun with friends, or simply host an unforgettable game night, this resource will help you discover what you’ve been missing in the world of contemporary board games.

Jarrod Carmichael, creator of 3 Minute Board Games, has crafted this book so you can find the perfect game for any occasion or play style. Flip through categories such as family-friendly, storytelling, high- conflict, and more, so you can easily pick a great new game at a glance. Plus, he highlights the best features of each game in easy-to-understand terms, describing not just how it’s played, but why you’ll love playing it. And with quick callouts about play time, player count, and game complexity, it’s easy to find just what you’re looking for.

With this must-have collection of games that don’t miss, you’ll never be b̶o̶a̶r̶d̶ bored again.

Genres: Gaming, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2025

Reviews

[kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

iloevbaordagme 🫶

[Ruben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jarrod Carmichael is a wargamer and Kickstarter fanatic. While he pitches a book like a hot tub- warming you up to more complicated and involved games- I think it gets far too hot too fast. Too much of the book is dedicated to games that are inaccessible, whether due to complexity, time, or price. I got upset when the first game in the “Your Favorite Show is Now a Game” section was Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game. This game is out of print (therefore driving up the price to $100+) and takes 4 hours to play. Not to be outdone, the most complicated game he recommends has a 12 hour play time and a $380 price tag.

Even though my taste doesn’t align with the author’s, I found 10 games I look forward to trying

[Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Such a fun and surprisingly addictive read! 🎲 This isn’t just a checklist of games—it’s a mix of history, humor, and genuine love for the hobby. The author balances classics everyone knows with hidden gems I’d never even heard of, and the commentary is witty without being snobby.

I especially loved how accessible it felt. Whether you’re a casual game night player or a hardcore strategist, there’s something here to spark your interest (and probably expand your wishlist 🙃). It made me nostalgic for the games I grew up with while also inspiring me to try completely new ones.

A perfect blend of entertaining writing and practical recommendations. If you love board games—or want to love them more—this book is a total win.

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was mildly curious, wondering what might be out there, satisfied my curiousity. I had only heard of two of the games.

I realized after skimming the book that I am not really that interested. I will stick with the usual, or one of many card games.

But helpful if you really want to go beyond the usual board games.

[Chris Aylott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure who this is for, but we might have a sold a few copies of a book like this back in my bookstore/game store days. As a person who spends way too much time thinking about games, it's an entertaining flip-through that shows off the diversity of the last twenty years.

[Greg Hovanesian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great to a lot of different board games.

[Shyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun list.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but I was hoping for other board games/card games to be listed. It also needed more detailed pictures of items for each game.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the kind of book this is and what it sets out to do, it’s pretty much perfect.

[Rudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for someone new to the hobby

Helps understand what to look for in a
game. Great overview of the hobby. Well written and illustrated. Highly recommended.