The present rainy spell has got us looking for fun things to do indoors, since we’re not particularly big fans of dancing in the rain (also it’s dangerous, please don’t do it). Despite the weather, we refuse to cancel plans with family or friends so a good solution is to stay indoors together and try to have fun. In come these card and board games that might or might not strengthen the bonds you already have. There will be plotting, scheming, and very possible backstabbing, but you’ll also be able to see who are truly loyal to each other. Without further ado, check out these card and board games to make or break friendships with!

Exploding Kittens

A staple for my family, Exploding Kittens was created by The Oatmeal. It takes two things we love – cats and stabbing each other in the back in a friendly manner and in a safe environment – and makes it a convenient, easily portable card game. There are three versions out now, starting with the original edition, a NSFW (not safe for work a.k.a. crude) version, and a party edition. Colourful, cute, and creative, Exploding Kittens is a family-friendly, easy to understand crowd pleaser.

Will you get the exploding kitten?: Exploding Kittens

Bears Vs Babies

From the creators of Exploding Kittens comes this family-friendly, highly strategic party game. It takes about 20 minutes for a game, and works for two to five players. Each set comes with 107 cards, a play mat, FAQ sheet, and a rule book all packed in a furry box. Build outrageous creations to defeat the babies and find out who your real friends are. We like how creative the combinations can get, but the game’s setup requires significant table or floor space.

Build tough bears: Bears Vs Babies

You’ve Got Crabs

The newest of The Oatmeal’s creations, You’ve Got Crabs sounds like a fairly simple game to play (based on their instructional video). Teams of two create a secret signal that’s integral to collecting crabs. When one member gets four crabs in his hand, he’d need to signal his partner who has to yell, “You’ve got crabs!” They will then gain a point. If any other team member catches the signal and yells it out first, the team loses a point.

Get crabby: You’ve Got Crabs

Saboteur

Designed by Frederic Moyersoen and published in 2004 by Z-Man Games, Saboteur is a mining-themed card game. It comes with 44 path cards, 27 action cards, 28 gold nugget cards, seven gold miners, and four saboteurs, and is family-friendly. There are two roles in this game. Players will play as a saboteur, or a miner. The miners’ job is to build paths to reach the gold nuggets, while the saboteurs’ is to prevent it.

Learn how to mine or sabotage here: Saboteur

Catan

Also known as The Settlers of Catan, this is a strategy-based board game where the objective is to conquer as much land and resources as possible. It’s a physical and simplified version of Sid Meier’s Civilization, if you know that one. Because strategising takes time, a game can take up to a few hours, depending on how you play it. Players will have to consider things like what resources to capitalise on, where to build settlements, and trade agreements with other players.

Conquer Catan here: Catan

Cards Against Humanity

Self-dubbed ‘A party game for horrible people.’, Cards Against Humanity is strictly not for children. In fact, the recommended player age is 17 years and over. It is a sort of connecting the story card game where players match their cards on hand with the drawn card to create the most hilarious combination. While it might seem as a competition to see who can be the most ridiculous, there is a bit of strategy involved. Players who understand and know what appeals to the other players, will score more.

Throw a party for horrible people: Cards Against Humanity

Munchkin

Munchkin is a medieval-themed card game where players battle monsters and collect as much treasure as possible. There are Class, Race, Monster, Cheat, Door, Treasure, Curse, and Equipment cards. The illustrations are adorable and family-friendly, and the recommended age to play this is 10 years and up. Players can help other players if there’s something in it for them, so some measure of teamwork can be used.

Try a demo here: Munchkin

Ticket to Ride

This one’s for those who’re interested in travel! Ticket to Ride was created in 2004 with a map covering only North America, but has since expanded to include other continents. Pictured above for instance, is the Asia version. Suitable for two to five players aged eight years and above, the objective is to connect your trains to as many destinations as possible. It’s a great way to learn some geography while strategising your next move.

Train tickets this way: Ticket to Ride