Wirecutter

This empire-building game is easy to learn and quick to play, but it still involves a fair amount of tactical decision-making, with opportunities for deceit or betrayal.

This simple-to-learn game challenges players to build the best train routes across North America, and it’s fun to play again and again.

TechGearLab

For a strategic game that is still fairly simple and quite replayable, check out Ticket to Ride. This travel-based game has players collecting cards to build and connect railroads between major North American cities. Players can take multiple different strategies to build longer railroads and connect the cities on destination cards while blocking other players' railroads. We particularly appreciate that while this game takes a lot of strategy, it isn't overly complicated.
One potential drawback of this game is that it can last a long time, but if your evening is completely free, that might not be a major issue. It also takes a little time to understand the rules and gameplay, but once you figure it out, it is pretty clear-cut. Finally, game setup can take a little bit of time due to the several hundred pieces involved, and you'll need to be careful not to lose any of the train pieces since that could affect gameplay. Despite these minor setbacks, Ticket to Ride is a great game that will keep the game-lovers in your circle entertained each time you play.

For a strategic game that is still fairly simple and quite replayable, check out Ticket to Ride. This travel-based game has players collecting cards to build and connect railroads between major North American cities. Players can take multiple different strategies to build longer railroads and connect the cities on destination cards while blocking other players' railroads. We particularly appreciate that while this game takes a lot of strategy, it isn't overly complicated.
If you don't like long games, this one might not be for you, as it can stretch on for a while. However, if your evening is completely free, that might not be a major issue. It also takes a little time to understand the rules and gameplay, but once you figure it out, it is pretty straightforward. Finally, there are several hundred pieces involved, so there is some game setup involved. You'll need to be careful not to lose any of the train pieces since that could affect gameplay. Despite these caveats, Ticket to Ride is a great game that will keep the game-lovers in your circle entertained each time you play.

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