Chic's Purchasing Games Rule #4: How's it play with 6 or more players?

How do you know if a game is good or not? Do you really want to own the game? Ask yourself the following question and do it before you have to learn the hard way like I did.

Rule #4: Can this game be played with 6 players?

If you like to play with couples it is nice to have some games that play well with 6 players. However, there are some exceptions to this rule (Ticket To Ride, Dice Town, Small World, etc.) Most of the super successful games (Catan, Carcasone, Alhambra, Dominion, etc.) have incorporated expansions that add additional players as well as new gaming components to the game. It's just hard to have a player sit out or a couple team up when the game only allows 2-5 players.

But, if there are only 2-5 players in your group... You've got nothing to fear! Just make sure that you find a good game and don't worry about adding the sixth player component. 

The next question you need to ask yourself is: Will the game be fun to play with 6 players? 


Sometimes adding that extra player creates a bunch of lag time between turns. This really depends on your group of gamers. If you love to chat it up between turns and aren't too worried about who's turn is next, then don't worry. If you play with a group that acts like they have ants in their pants while waiting for their next turn, then be cautious of adding that additional player. Games like Catan and Dominion are great with 6 players because the game mechanics allow you to participate in some way while it is another persons turn.