Have you ever wondered what it is about board games that pulls us in—again and again?
Is it the thrill of strategy? The rush of deception? The joy of shared laughter when someone totally blunders a move? For me, it’s all of those… and a bit more. And that’s really at the heart of why I love board games—they’re endlessly replayable, but also deeply personal.
Board games aren’t just a hobby. They’re a thread running through my relationships, my mindset, and even how I see the world.
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It All Started With Sorry!
My first memories of board games go as far back as the 90’s. My siblings and I didn’t have a formal introduction to games—we just somehow found ourselves playing Cluedo, Sorry!, MAD, and Monopoly at home, often with cousins or neighborhood friends. Sorry! in particular was a favorite. Something about the light strategy mixed with competitive spite felt just right.
Cluedo, though, gave us our first taste of deduction—and a glimpse into how easily a physical card can become a giveaway. We had this one Mr. Green card that was so worn out at the edges, you could instantly tell if someone had it in their hand. No need to deduce—just squint from across the table, and mystery solved.
I loved how games brought people together. I didn’t realize it then, but that social connection would become the biggest reason why I love board games today.
Enter: Mars & Pars
Fast forward to 2014-ish, and UNO had become a family staple during gatherings with my cousins and siblings. Over time, we started calling ourselves Mars & Pars—short for mga Mare’t Pare, since we were all godparents to similar godchildren. Our game nights evolved into more than just bonding—they became tradition.
We expanded to bluffing and social deduction games like The Resistance: Avalon, Secret Hitler, Cash & Guns, Spyfall, and One Night Ultimate Werewolf. Sometimes we’d gather just to play. Other times, it was the excuse we needed to catch up with each other’s lives. And every session had a signature: suspicion, accusations, laughter, and a whole lot of fun.
Building My Own Collection
Around this time, my wife and I began curating our own game shelf. One of the first games we bought was Quartz, a push-your-luck game that was perfect for introducing to friends and family. We also picked up our own copy of Avalon—and from there, the collection grew steadily.
We introduced games to her family, too—titles like Sushi Go, Quartz, and of course, Avalon.
The Chuffies and Strategic Play
With my siblings—whom we fondly call ourselves The Chuffies—game nights leaned more toward engine-building and strategy. I’d often bring over new games for us to try: Sheriff of Nottingham, Coup, Ticket to Ride: Europe, Century Spice Road, and Wingspan, to name a few. We also enjoyed co-op titles like Pandemic Iberia, where we had to work together, race against time, and learn to coordinate like a true team, though there were only a few times we actually beat the game.
Board Games at Work? Absolutely.
Even at work, I couldn’t help but bring the magic in. During my time at Emapta, I introduced Coup, along with its expansion Coup: Reformation, and One Night Ultimate Alien during lunch breaks because it was fast, portable, and always delivered laughs. The first group I played with became known as the Coup Pals. As more colleagues joined in, we became Coup Pals and Pals—also known as UBE, more on that probably in a different story.
Occasionally, I’d bring heavier titles like Sheriff of Nottingham, Century Spice Road, or even Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate. And while rules sometimes needed simplifying, the joy of watching coworkers strategize, bluff, and engage made the effort worthwhile.
Shifting to Solo and Two-Player Games
Things changed when two of my siblings moved to Canada and another to Singapore. Work-from-home setups made it harder to gather in person. So I began looking into games that could be played solo or with just two players—games I could enjoy with my wife or, potentially, on my own (though I haven’t gone full solo mode yet).
That’s when we started exploring titles like Azul, My Lil’ Everdell, PARKS, and Sagrada. These games hit that sweet spot—easy to set up, beautifully designed, and perfect for two players, but with just enough depth to keep us coming back for rematches.
That shift is probably why I have a bit of a backlog now—games with 1–2 player minimums waiting for their time to shine. But honestly? I don’t mind. I’ve grown to love these slower, more personal sessions. They remind me that board games don’t always have to be loud or chaotic—they can be quiet, thoughtful, and just as meaningful.
How Board Games Helped Me Lead Better
One of the things I’ve come to enjoy most is introducing board games to people. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, I love being the one to bring a new game to the table, explain the rules, and guide everyone through that first playthrough. It’s not just about teaching—it’s about creating a shared experience.
Leading game nights (even though they’re not always nights) taught me a lot: how to read the room, choose the right game for the right group, and get everyone engaged. I’ve learned to balance being a facilitator and a player, knowing when to step in and when to let others take the lead. Cooperative games like Codenames or Pandemic Iberia even sharpened how I collaborate and communicate in real time, under pressure.
In my own way, board games became a surprising space where I could lead thoughtfully, build trust, and connect more meaningfully.
Why I Love Board Games, In the End
When I reflect on it, the reason I love board games is simple: they help us connect. Not just in the literal sense of gathering around a table, but in the way we learn about each other.
- Who takes the lead?
- Who hangs back and observes?
- Who bluffs too well?
- Who’s always secretly the traitor?
- Who’s not so good at bluffing (especially when the wife’s in play)? That would be me.
- Who’s always the first target for competitive games within the Mars & Pars group? Again, me.
I’m naturally drawn to games with hidden roles, bluffing mechanics, or social deduction—probably why Coup, Avalon, and even digital games like Among Us have a place in my heart.
Beyond mechanics, though, board games teach patience. They teach adaptability. And for me, they reinforce that no matter how competitive or strategic the game is, it’s the laughter and memories I treasure most.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. These help support my board game habit (and this blog).
About Me
I’m JP B. Bantigue—a digital designer and strategist who just happens to be obsessed with cardboard tokens, betrayal mechanics, and the occasional underhanded coup. Board games aren’t just something I play—they’re how I build relationships, decompress, and explore new dynamics in every group I belong to.
