The Secrets of Making Group Game Sessions Less Stressful

Guest blog post by member Kathleen Burnett

Games are great for when groups get together, right? I mean, who doesn’t have fond memories of gathering around the table to play a beloved game together…only to end up arguing over the rules. But it doesn’t have to be like that.

In my day job with Anywhere League, I use my years of experience bringing groups together in ways as diverse as camp counselor, political campaign field office manager, and staff culture committee member. I’m able to increase employee happiness by giving remote colleagues a chance to spend time each week socializing and getting to know one another.

But games are so much more to me than what I do for work. It’s also very much what I do for fun. My husband and I have been organizing regular games afternoons pretty much since we moved in together, and I was playing assorted games with my family long before that. I love how the best games are the ones that give people plenty of time to talk together and enjoy each other’s company.

So what should you reach for when you’re looking for something to play as a group after dinner? Here’s some things to keep in mind:

Keep it Simple

This is probably the most important part of choosing a game to play. The easier the rules are to understand, the sooner you can get to actually enjoying the game. I understand that simple is a relative term, but here it’s best to aim for the least common denominator, so make sure it’s understandable to the kids who are playing or the person who can’t tell the difference between the dice and the game pieces apart. Make it something that everyone can get involved in.

Keep it Short

You may be hoping to spend a whole evening playing games, but shorter options are easier for everyone involved. Not everyone has an hour to sit and participate in a game. It’s better to find something that lasts no more than 30 minutes, or has multiple rounds that gives people a chance to get up and refill their drinks, check on the kids, or whatever else they need to do.

Be Careful Trying New Games

There’s no denying that games make for great presents, but you might want to resist the impulse to unwrap it immediately and start playing. It’s easier to teach a group of people a new game if at least two people participating already know the rules. If you do feel like you just have to give it a try, check out some of the gameplay demo videos on YouTube. And be nice when sharing the rules and simply read them out loud for everyone, instead of thinking you can read them and provide a summary.

Get Some Professional Help

Sometimes at department stores, and especially around the holidays, there are lots of games for sale of varying quality. If you’re serious about getting something people will enjoy, take the effort to stop by your local game store so you can be certain of finding something people will love. Be sure you have an idea about things like the age ranges and game experience levels of the group you’re trying to buy for. And when all else fails…

The Classics Are Classics for a Reason

Not Monopoly. Monopoly is a terrible game for the groups because it’s long, most people play their own variation of the official rules, and it only works for a limited number of people. But there are plenty of other amazing classic games out there that will provide lots of fun. Card games, party games, and even charades can get everyone in on the action.

So the next time you’re getting a large group together, I’d encourage you to put your phones away and reach for some analog fun. These experiences can provide some of the most memorable moments that will be treasured for years to come or make strangers feel like old friends. And feel free to reach out if you’re not sure where to start. Very few things make me happier than knowing people are having a great time playing a game together!

Kathleen Burnett is the founder of Anywhere League, a six-week long trivia tournament to help remote teams learn about the world and each other. Her favorite party game is Bring Your Own Book, but as a Midwesterner she’s also always happy for a round of Euchre.