Mikado - Board Games & Game Night Guides
Reviews and buying guides for board games, mahjong sets, chess sets, puzzles and party games.
American Mahjong vs Chinese Mahjong: Key Differences
Understand the core differences between American and Chinese Mahjong, from scoring with annual cards to unique rules like the Charleston and jokers.
Best 1000-Piece Puzzles for Adults and Families
Discover top-rated 1000-piece puzzles. Compare wooden and cardboard puzzles, from serene moonscapes to pop-culture themes for a challenging build.
Best Board Game Storage and Organization Ideas
Discover expert tips and storage solutions, from the IKEA Kallax to custom game inserts, to organize and protect your tabletop collection.
Best Board Games for Adults in 2026: Top Picks for Your Game Night
Discover the best board games for adults in 2026. From strategic favorites like Wingspan to party hits like Wavelength, find the perfect game for your group.
Best Board Games for Kids in 2026
Discover the best board games for kids in 2026. Our expert picks help build key skills through fun, engaging gameplay for toddlers to tweens.
Best Board Games for Large Groups
Discover the top board games for large groups, from murder mysteries to social deduction. Perfect for parties and game nights with 6+ players.
Best Board Games for Preschoolers in 2026
Discover the best board games for preschoolers that build key developmental skills through fun, age-appropriate play for the whole family.
Best Brain Teaser and 3D Puzzles of 2026
Discover the top-rated 3D brain teaser and logic puzzles for adults and kids. From TikTok-famous Kanoodle to elegant metal puzzles.
Best Card Games for Adults for Your Next Game Night
Discover the top-rated card games for adults, from the cosmic chaos of Star Fluxx to the strategic duels of Spellcaster. Perfect for parties and gatherings.
Best Chess Sets Under $100 for Beginners and Clubs
Find durable, tournament-style chess sets for under $100. Our guide covers plastic, vinyl, and silicone options perfect for beginners, clubs, and travel.
Best Cooperative Board Games for Team Game Nights
Discover the top team-based board games. From quick two-player games to complex strategy adventures, find the perfect cooperative game for your group.
Best Educational Games for Kids in 2026
Discover the top educational games for kids, from coding apps to reading adventures. Turn screen time into learning time with expert-approved picks.
Best Electronic and Smart Chessboards of 2026
Compare the best smart chessboards from Chessnut, Millennium, and more. Find the perfect electronic board for online play, AI training, and in-person games.
Best Family Board Games for Fun and Engagement in 2026
Discover expert-chosen family board games like Ticket to Ride and Catan that are easy to learn and fun for all ages. Find the perfect game for your next family night.
Best Gateway Board Games for New Players in 2026
Discover the top-rated beginner board games that are easy to learn, affordable, and perfect for introducing friends and family to the hobby.
Best Jigsaw Puzzles for Adults in 2026
Discover the top-rated jigsaw puzzles for adults, from Ravensburger's quality to Magic Puzzle's surprises. Find the perfect 1000-piece or wooden puzzle.
Best Mahjong Apps to Practice and Play Online
Discover the best apps to play American, Riichi, and Chinese Mahjong online. Play solo or with friends using the official 2026 NMJL card.
Best Mahjong Mats, Racks & Accessories of 2026
Upgrade your game nights. Find the best mahjong mats for noise reduction, durable acrylic racks with pushers, and complete accessory sets for American Mahjong.
Best Mahjong Sets for Beginners (American Mahjong)
Discover the best American Mahjong sets for beginners. Our guide covers key features, tile counts, and what to look for in your first set.
Best Offline Word Games to Play Without WiFi
Discover top-rated offline word games for iOS and Android. Play card puzzles, crosswords, and more anywhere with no internet connection.
Best Party Card Games for Families and Mixed Groups
Discover the best party card games for all ages, from family favorites like UNO and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza to adult hits like Cards Against Humanity.
Best Party Games for an Unforgettable Game Night
Find the best party games for adults and teens. From cooperative ranking games to hilarious card games, liven up your next gathering.
Best Puzzle Mats, Boards and Accessories for 2026
Discover the best puzzle tables, roll-up mats, and organizing accessories to save space and protect your jigsaw puzzles. Top picks for every puzzler.
Best Solo Board Games of 2026
Discover the top solo board games for 2026, from strategic epics like Spirit Island to quick puzzles like Under Falling Skies. Find your perfect solo adventure.
Best Strategy Board Games for Beginners in 2026
Discover the best strategy board games for beginners, from tile-laying classics to modern favorites. Easy to learn, hard to master, perfect for game night.
Best Travel Chess Sets: Magnetic & Folding Picks for 2026
Our guide to the best magnetic and folding travel chess sets covers top picks from premium wooden to budget-friendly options, with key buying tips.
Best Two-Player Card Games for 2026
Discover the best two-player card games, from classic trick-taking games like Sixty-Six to modern deck-builders like Slay the Spire.
Best Wooden Chess Sets for Players and Collectors
Discover the best wooden chess sets, from tournament Stauntons to luxury heirlooms. A guide to materials, sizing, and craftsmanship.
Catan vs Ticket to Ride vs Carcassonne: Which to Buy First?
Comparing Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Carcassonne. Our guide helps you decide which classic board game is the best first purchase for your game nights.
Classic Card Games Everyone Should Know
Explore essential classic card games from Poker to Whist. Learn the basic rules, history, and why these timeless games are still beloved today.
Game Night Snacks and Setup Ideas for a Perfect Evening
Learn how to create the perfect game night atmosphere with themed snacks, smart setup tips, and music playlists for an unforgettable evening.
How to Do a Jigsaw Puzzle Faster: Pro Tips & Strategies
Learn expert strategies to solve jigsaw puzzles faster, from sorting techniques to speed-puzzling methods used by champions. Boost your puzzling speed today.
How to Host a Game Night: A Complete Guide for Success
Learn how to host the perfect game night with expert tips on groups, games, and snacks. Get advice on rules, venues, and keeping the fun going.
How to Play American Mahjong: A Beginner's Guide
Learn the rules of American Mahjong, from the Charleston to using jokers. This beginner's guide covers setup, gameplay, and winning strategies.
How to Start a Mahjong Club With Friends
Learn the steps to create your own mahjong club, from finding players to choosing a ruleset. Build community and combat loneliness through this social game.
How to Teach a Board Game to New Players
Follow these expert-approved tips to confidently teach any board game, from setup to first turn, ensuring a fun and smooth game night for everyone.
Mikado (Pick-Up Sticks): Rules, History and Best Sets
Learn how to play Mikado, the classic skill game. Covers official rules, scoring, history of pick-up sticks, and how to choose a set for your family.
The Best Board Games for Two Players to Play in 2026
Discover top-rated two-player board games, from strategic showdowns to cooperative adventures. Perfect for date night or a competitive duel.
Tournament Chess Set Guide: Sizes and Standards
Learn the official USCF and FIDE standards for tournament chess sets, including board square sizes, king height, and the crucial 75-80% spacing rule.
What Is the National Mah Jongg League Card?
Learn about the official National Mah Jongg League card, its annual updates, and how it's essential for playing American Mah Jongg.