These board games will test your strategic thinking to the limit.

However, you’ve got the option to think of this strategy like shooting the moon in Hearts.

you’ve got the option to also prioritize doing this if you’re trying to sabotage another player.

A table is set with the board games Cloudspire, Guards of Atlantis II, and Skytear

The game basically tells you this is your primary strategy.

However, toward the beginning, you might want to play more conservatively.

While a lot of these can help, verticals are undoubtedly the best, though hard to get.

Collage image of three board games - Coup, Deception, Salem - with blue and red lightning background

MOBA thrills, without the screen!

So, if you could swing it, seize the opportunity.

Sure, one or two tiles in your floor line isn’t the end of the world.

Collage image of three board games in front of watercolor background

Slow and steady is the name of the game.

Play defensively and avoid taking offers that’ll instantly fill up your floor line.

This earns you a whopping ten points, which can definitely make or break your victory.

The cover box art for Azul.

However, this isn’t always worth it.

These board games will have you questioning your friends.

This is mainly because there’s so much luck of the draw involved with Azul.

Collage image featuring three board games - Dune Imperium, Horrified, and Terraforming Mars

This is a classic chess skill that’s necessary to master, even in a game like Azul.

This is because you better be able to see what your options are going to be down the line.

Every time you or another player takes a factory offer, your options are getting more and more limited.

The object of the game rules inside the rulebook of Azul.

This keeps play moving as well, which is always helpful.

Who cares if you’replaying with family?

This is almost like counting cards in Blackjack.

The turn of play instructions for Azul.

This is great for two reasons.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, understanding your opponents' strategies will allow you to sabotage them.

Depending on how many players are gathered around your table, you might want to adjust your strategy.

The board in Azul.

The tiles of Azul in play.

The multi-colored tiles of Azul.

The tiles in Azul on the board.

The box and board of Azul.

The Factory Offer board tiles in Azul.

The setup for a round of Azul with multiple colored tiles on factory offerings and in the center of the table.

The instructions for landing tiles in the center of the table on Azul.

Azul board game box

Tabletop