The best combinatorial games 🧮 2023

Looking for a really good game where there is no chance? Then we have just the thing: A list of the 30 best combinatorial games 🧮.

What does "combinatorial" mean in games?

Combinatorial is a term from mathematics. Combinatorial games have finite or countably infinite discrete structures. I.e. in combinatorial games you can predict all possible moves - in contrast to games of chance.

Definition of combinatorial games

Almost all combinatorial dice, card & board games meet the following definition:

• no hidden information
• no randomness during gameplay (random setup (e.g. TZAAR, Fischer Schach 960) is allowed)
• typically two players or teams (or one player/team against one computer)
  • but rarely more teams are possible (e.g. Blokus)
• finite number of rounds
• players/teams act alternately (i.e. do not move simultaneously, not in real time)
• no memory needed
• draw possible - but usually there is a winner
• theme allowed, but not mandatory

Combinatorial does not necessarily mean "abstract

Often the two categories "abstract games" and "combinatorial games" are mixed together. However, abstract refers only to the subject of the game. Abstract games do not require a story or scenario in which the game "takes place." In combinatorial games, a theme is not required (e.g. Blokus, Shōbu), but possible (e.g. Santorini, [Patchwork])(/patchwork)).

List of the best combinatorial games 2023 🧮