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Gather Around the Table
From family game nights to strategy showdowns and everything in between, this is your home for board games. Discover game guides, recommendations, how-to-play tips, strategy, reviews, party ideas, and inspiration for your next night around the table. Whether you’re looking for a game everyone can enjoy or your next favorite obsession, we’re here to help you find it.
How to Play Chinese Mahjong: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
Ever wondered what those beautiful Mahjong tiles are all about? Maybe you have seen four people sitting around a table, clicking tiles together, drawing, discarding, and somehow knowing exactly what they are doing. It can look complicated. It isn't as complicated as it looks. Chinese Mahjong is a tile game for four players. At its heart, it is a little like Rummy with tiles, mixed with the luck of a card game and the strategy of a puzzle. You draw tiles. You discard tiles. Yo
James Barron
Sep 159 min read
How to Play American Mahjong: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
Curious about American Mahjong but not sure where to begin? You are not alone. The first time you see a Mahjong table, it can look complicated. There are beautiful tiles, racks, a wall of tiles, a card full of numbers and symbols, and a whole lot of words you may have never heard before. But the game is much easier to understand once you see how the pieces fit together. Think of American Mahjong as a little like Rummy played with beautiful tiles instead of cards. You collect
James Barron
Sep 158 min read
A Most Agreeable Evening: Falling in Love with Dux Somnium Games
There are games which arrive on the table with the subtlety of a cannonball. They demand your attention. They announce their rules. They produce cards, tokens, dice, boards, and occasionally the uncomfortable realization that you have been reading the rulebook for twenty minutes while everyone else has eaten the snacks. And then there are Dux Somnium games. These are games that seem to have been invited to dinner. They arrive beautifully dressed. They pour the tea. They make
James Barron
Sep 104 min read
The 5 Most Popular Games for Teens at Monkey Llama Games
Teenagers can be a tough crowd. They're too old for "kid games," too young for many adult game nights, and finding something that gets everyone off their phones can sometimes feel impossible. The good news? Every week at Monkey Llama Games, we see teens laughing, competing, and making memories around the table. These are the games they come back for again and again. Better yet, they're games that parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends genuinely enjoy playing too. If you
James Barron
Jul 53 min read
The Top 5 Most Popular Games on MonkeyLlamaGames.com
When people shop at Monkey Llama Games, they're not just looking for something to do. They're looking for a way to connect. A reason to gather around a table. A chance to unplug, laugh, create, compete, or simply spend meaningful time together. We thought it would be fun to pull back the curtain and share the five most popular games on MonkeyLlamaGames.com. These are the titles our customers keep coming back for, recommending to friends, and helping us reorder faster than we
James Barron
Jun 244 min read
Fresh Air, Fresh Starts… and Fresh Games 🌸
The days are getting longer, the sun feels a little warmer, and suddenly everything just feels lighter. Spring has a way of inviting us to slow down, gather together, and enjoy the moment—and what better way to do that than around a table with a beautiful, relaxing game? Whether you’re looking for something peaceful, nature-inspired, or just a cozy way to spend an afternoon, these spring-themed games at Monkey Llama Games are the perfect fit. 🌷 Games That Capture the Spirit
James Barron
Mar 202 min read
Who Can You Trust at the Table? 👀
You’re sitting across from your friends. Someone is lying. Someone is panicking. Someone is way too calm. And somehow… you’re supposed to figure out who the traitor is before it’s too late. Welcome to the world of social deduction games—where reading people matters more than reading rules. What Is a Social Deduction Game? Social deduction games are all about hidden roles, bluffing, and player interaction. Instead of competing through strategy alone, players must rely on intui
James Barron
Mar 202 min read
Best 2-Player Games to Play at Monkey Llama Games
Looking for a great two-player game night in Portland? Whether you're on a date night, hanging out with a friend, or challenging your favorite rival, the Monkey Llama Games Game Library has some fantastic games designed specifically for two players. Here are some of our favorite 2-player games you can play right in the store. 🏴☠️ Sail If you like teamwork and a little chaos, Sail is an incredible cooperative adventure. Players work together as pirate crewmates trying to nav
James Barron
Mar 132 min read
Top Five by Category at Monkey Llama Games
TCG • War Games • Family Game Night At Monkey Llama Games we see what people are actually excited to play. Every week players open packs, paint miniatures, and gather around tables with family and friends. So we’ve put together a Top Five by Category based on what customers are loving right now in the store. Whether you’re building your first deck, assembling an army, or planning a family game night, these are some fantastic places to start. Top 5 Trading Card Game Picks Trad
James Barron
Mar 133 min read
🎲 Top 5 Most Popular Games at Monkey Llama Games (Plus Bonus Picks for RPG Fans!)
If you’re looking for your next great game night obsession, look no further than Monkey Llama Games! Whether you love colorful strategy, epic fantasy battles, or social deduction with a twist, there’s something here for every type of gamer. Let’s dive into the top five favorites that keep players coming back again and again. 🥇 1. Hues and Cues Bright. Clever. Ridiculously fun. Hues and Cues is the perfect blend of artistic intuition and social fun. Players work together to d
James Barron
Jan 43 min read
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