Welcome to a special edition of The 201!

Our highly anticipated annual board game podcast episode just dropped, and in case you missed it, we’re sharing our Top 30 favorite board games right here. As always, we love combining fun and education—because building financial skills should never be boring!

Check out the list, discover some new favorites, and let the games begin.

Enjoy!
– Joe & Kevin

Top 30 Board Games About Money & Holiday Fun!

Quick heads-up, Stackers: Some links in this list are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. The best part? It doesn’t cost you anything extra! Thank you for supporting the show and helping us keep the fun (and education) going strong.

Flip 7
A quick-paced card game where players race to arrange their hands in numerical order. Flip 7 is perfect for anyone who loves a game that’s easy to learn but keeps everyone on their toes—ideal for family nights or casual get-togethers!
The Lord of The Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth Board Game
A two-player strategy game set in the world of Middle-earth, featuring key moments from the epic saga. Fans of Tolkien will love diving into this game, though it’s a bit of a commitment—just like Frodo’s journey!
Parks
A beautifully designed game where players collect memories and resources while visiting national parks. Parks is a visual treat and a relaxing yet strategic experience that brings a bit of the great outdoors to your game table.
5 Minute Marvel
A cooperative card game where players work together to defeat villains in under five minutes. This fast and frantic game is perfect for Marvel fans, though it can get a little chaotic—just like a superhero team-up!
Pass the Pigs
A dice-style game where players roll pig-shaped figurines to score points. It’s quirky, hilarious, and super portable—great for quick laughs, though maybe not for serious strategy seekers.
Codenames
A word-guessing game where teams try to identify secret agents using clever clues. Codenames is a must-have for party game lovers—it’s clever, endlessly replayable, and perfect for sparking laughter and debate.
Pandemic
A cooperative game where players work together to stop global outbreaks of disease. Pandemic challenges your strategic thinking and teamwork, making every victory feel truly earned—plus, it’s oddly satisfying to save the world!
Phase 10
A rummy-style card game where players complete ten unique phases to win. It’s a fun twist on classic card games, though it can feel long if you’re stuck on a phase while everyone else speeds ahead.
Ticket to Ride
A route-building game where players connect cities with train lines. Simple to learn but endlessly strategic, Ticket to Ride is the gateway game that turns casual players into board game enthusiasts.
Pit
A fast-paced trading game where players frantically compete to corner the market. Pit delivers big energy and big laughs, especially if your family loves a bit of competitive chaos.
Bananagrams Party Edition
A fast-paced word-building game with party-style twists to keep things unpredictable. Bananagrams Party Edition adds a delightful layer of chaos to the classic word game—perfect for groups who love creative competition!
The Crew - Quest for Planet Nine
A cooperative trick-taking card game where players complete space missions together. It’s a clever blend of teamwork and strategy that will challenge your communication skills in the best way possible.
Cinco Linko
A portable tile-laying game where players aim to link five tiles in a row. Cinco Linko is Connect Four’s cooler, more strategic sibling—it’s simple, addictive, and great on the go.
Time’s Up!
A party game where players describe, act out, or give one-word clues to guess famous names. It’s a laugh-out-loud hit for groups, with just the right amount of challenge to keep everyone engaged.
World Order
A strategy game where players build secret agendas to dominate the world. Deep State scratches the itch for political intrigue and long-term strategy—perfect for players who love to outmaneuver their rivals.
Acquire
A classic economic strategy game focused on building and investing in corporations. Acquire feels like Monopoly on steroids but smarter—it’s a timeless classic that rewards planning and bold moves.
For Sale
A quick card game about buying and selling real estate for the highest profit. For Sale is fast, fun, and offers a great mix of strategy and bluffing—perfect for warming up a game night.
Tokaido: Duo
A two-player game where players explore Japan’s beautiful sights, sounds, and culture. Tokaido: Duo is as peaceful as it is strategic—a delightful experience for couples or anyone who loves immersive games.
Juicy Fruits
A resource management game where players collect fruits to earn points. It’s sweet and satisfying with a surprising depth of strategy—Juicy Fruits is a feast for the brain and the eyes.
Eclipse: Second Dawn for The Galaxy
A sprawling space-themed game where players build civilizations, explore, and battle for supremacy. Eclipse is an epic, all-day affair that’s totally worth the investment if you love deep strategy and sci-fi adventures.
Axis & Allies
A World War II strategy game where players control global military operations. Axis & Allies delivers history and strategy in equal parts—it’s a classic that rewards patient tacticians.
Mr. President: The American Presidency 2001-2020
A solo game simulating the challenges of leading the United States during the modern era. It’s a thought-provoking and immersive experience that lets you walk a mile in a president’s shoes—perfect for history buffs.
Foundations of Metropolis A strategic city-building game where players work to create the most impressive metropolis, balancing resource management and development. The game emphasizes planning, economic growth, and competition as players construct their urban empires.
Le Havre
A resource management game where players build ships and buildings to grow their harbors. Le Havre offers deep strategy and satisfying long-term planning—it’s a must-play for fans of economic games.
Splendor
A card-drafting game where players collect gems and build their economic empires. Splendor is simple to learn but endlessly strategic—it’s a gem (pun intended) in any game collection.
Life
A classic board game where players navigate through life’s milestones to earn the most money. Life is nostalgic and lighthearted—a great pick for families looking to share laughs over the ups and downs of the board.
Cover Your Assets
A card game where players build and protect valuable assets from theft. It’s easy to learn, hilariously competitive, and great for bringing out everyone’s playful side.
Catan
A resource management and settlement-building game where players compete to dominate the island of Catan. Catan is a modern classic for good reason—it’s the perfect balance of strategy, negotiation, and fun.
Bohnanza
A quirky card game where players trade and plant beans for profit. It’s unique, lighthearted, and surprisingly strategic—a must-play for anyone who enjoys trading games.
Azul
A stunning tile-placement game where players draft colorful tiles to create beautiful mosaics while managing limited resources. Azul is as visually satisfying as it is strategic—perfect for gamers who appreciate a mix of planning and artistry.