If you’re someone who likes being over-prepared and you’re worried about what will happen if only a few people show up at your party, have a board or card game on hand.
My name is Nick Gray, and I'm the best-selling author of the party handbook The 2-Hour Cocktail Party. I've hosted hundreds of parties all over the world, and been featured in the WSJ, The New York Times, and New York Magazine.
The Best Board and Card Games for Small Parties
Here are games that work well:
- Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza: 3-8 players
- SET: 2-6 players, all ages
- Off Topic: 2-8 players
- MONOPOLY Deal Card Game
- Timeline (out of stock as of 2021-12-15)
A Note from The Author (Nick Gray)
You're doing it! This will be fun.
My big goal in writing this book and these articles is to get 500 people to host their own party and tell me about it.
You can see my current list and count at www.party.pro/hosts/
Send me an email or text me with your party date.
Email to nick@nickgraynews.com or text me at +1-917-635-9967
I reply to every message, usually quick. And I'll give you a few bonus tips and tricks or answer any questions.
Send me a note now. Email to nick@nickgraynews.com or text me at +1-917-635-9967
More ideas? Email me your suggestions.
The only two games that I have are SET and Timeline. I've only used them once.
You shouldn’t need any of these party games when you host an event like the one I describe here and in my handbook. My parties are more about new connections where everyone is always standing up and in conversation. These games are just an emergency backup in case you have tons of no-shows or late arrivals.
Want the full hosting playbook?
Grab the free 2-page party checklist.
The Nudge Party Game Hall of Fame
See the list of games you can do that involve drinking and games that don't involve drinking here.
Icebreaker Cards
I wrote an article about some of the best icebreaker card decks. Read about my favorites here:
