The best games where you can take notes with pencil and paper 2024

Looking for a really good game where you can take notes with paper and pen? Then we have just the thing for you: The list with the best paper & pen games 2024.

What are paper & pen games?

The games in this list use paper and pen to mark and record answers or attributes. These notes are used to calculate points and determine the winner.

A game that merely keeps score on a piece of paper is not part of this paper-and-pen mechanism.

Examples of games where you can record notes with paper and pencil:

A good example of a paper & pencil game is Telestrations or the many Roll/Flip & Write Games.

list of the best paper & pen games 2024

This list was last updated on November 20, 2024. We compared 2551 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Just One

    All details for the board game Just One and similar games

    Just One is a cooperative party game that combines elements of mystery and creativity. Players work together to guess as many words as possible, using unique clues provided by their teammates.

    Nominated for 15 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Just One
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Just One

    • YouTube Review for the game "Just One" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  2. Telestrations

    All details for the board game Telestrations and similar games

    Telestrations is a light-hearted and entertaining party game that blends drawing and word-guessing in a hilarious and often unpredictable way. The game is based on the classic concept of "telephone" but adds a visual twist.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 7.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2013

    More details for Telestrations
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Telestrations

    • YouTube Review for the game "Telestrations" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  3. Silver & Gold

    All details for the board game Silver & Gold and similar games

    Silver & Gold is a board game that offers players the thrill of discovering distant islands filled with golden treasures.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Silver & Gold
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Trails of Tucana

    All details for the board game Trails of Tucana and similar games

    In Trails of Tucana, players embark on an adventure to connect the mystical island's villages and landmarks through an intricate network of trails. This flip-and-write game, designed by the creators of Avenue and Doodle City, offers a unique challenge with each playthrough thanks to randomized village setups. Players draw trails on their maps, aiming to link together sights and harbors for points, while navigating the island's diverse terrains. Strategic planning and adaptability are key, as the terrain card distribution influences potential pathways and scoring opportunities.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.

    More details for Trails of Tucana
    • 1 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  5. Cartographers

    All details for the board game Cartographers and similar games

    Cartographers: A Roll Player Tale transports players to a realm where they take on the roles of mapmakers, tasked by Queen Gimnax to chart the northern territories for the Kingdom of Nalos. This game combines elements of strategy and creativity, challenging players to create the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing maps.

    Nominated for 10 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2020

    More details for Cartographers
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. That's Pretty Clever!

    All details for the board game That's Pretty Clever! and similar games

    That's Pretty Clever is a strategic dice game where players must make thoughtful choices to optimize their score. The game's title, Ganz schön clever in German, aptly describes the need for cleverness and tactical thinking.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for That's Pretty Clever!
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Welcome To...

    All details for the board game Welcome To... and similar games

    Welcome To... is a unique, dice-less roll-and-write game where players take on the role of 1950s American architects, aiming to design and construct the most prosperous suburban neighborhood.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 2.

    More details for Welcome To...
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Welcome To...

    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. Next Station: London

    All details for the board game Next Station: London and similar games

    Next Station: London invites players to take on the role of project managers tasked with the ambitious job of redesigning London's iconic underground network. The game challenges players to strategically optimize connections, incorporate as many of the city's landmarks as possible, and efficiently use the tunnels under the Thames, all while adhering to the city's specific requirements.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2023

    More details for Next Station: London
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 25 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  9. Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition

    All details for the board game Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition and similar games

    Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition is a captivating multiplayer puzzle game that combines strategy and luck to create a unique gaming experience.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  10. Qwixx

    All details for the board game Qwixx and similar games

    Qwixx is a fast-paced and engaging dice game that involves all players actively, regardless of whose turn it is. It combines simple mechanics with a need for strategic decision-making, making it a fun and interactive game for all involved.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2013

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2013

    More details for Qwixx
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  11. Wits & Wagers

    All details for the board game Wits & Wagers and similar games

    Wits & Wagers is a unique and engaging party game that combines elements of trivia with betting and strategy. It stands out from traditional trivia games by allowing players to win not only by knowing the answers but also by smartly wagering on the guesses of others.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for Wits & Wagers
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  12. The Search for Planet X

    All details for the board game The Search for Planet X and similar games

    The Search for Planet X is a captivating board game that immerses players in the world of astronomy and scientific discovery. Aspiring astronomers use a combination of observation, deduction, and a companion app to unravel the mystery of a hidden planet in our solar system.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for The Search for Planet X
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 75 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  13. Telestrations After Dark

    All details for the board game Telestrations After Dark and similar games
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 17+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  14. Mutabo

    All details for the board game Mutabo and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 25 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  15. Super Mega Lucky Box

    All details for the board game Super Mega Lucky Box and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  16. Encore!

    All details for the board game Encore! and similar games

    Encore! (originally published as Noch mal!) is a dice-based board game that challenges players with strategic choices and a touch of luck. In this game, players use dice to determine the colors and the number of spaces they can mark off on their playing sheets.

    More details for Encore!
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Encore!

    • YouTube Review for the game "Encore!" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  17. Cartographers Heroes

    All details for the board game Cartographers Heroes and similar games

    Cartographers Heroes embarks players on a new voyage through the storied Western Lands, enhancing the acclaimed formula of its predecessor with fresh challenges and dynamic elements. As royal cartographers, players are tasked with mapping these perilous territories, their efforts now intertwined with the valorous acts of heroes who stand against the encroaching Dragul forces. This sequel not only retains the beloved core mechanics of drawing and mapping but enriches the experience with innovative map sheets, scoring cards, and explore cards, all while introducing ambush cards that bring unique abilities into play.

    More details for Cartographers Heroes
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  18. Telestrations: 6 Player Family Pack

    All details for the board game Telestrations: 6 Player Family Pack and similar games
    • 4 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  19. Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition

    All details for the board game Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition and similar games

    Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition is a dynamic and engaging multiplayer puzzle game where players aim to build the most efficient transportation network. The game revolves around connecting as many exits as possible on individual erasable boards using routes determined by dice rolls. Strategic planning is key, as players must balance the desire to expand their network with the risk of leaving routes incomplete.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  20. Welcome to the Moon

    All details for the board game Welcome to the Moon and similar games

    Welcome to the Moon is an innovative flip-and-write game that evolves the gameplay of its predecessors, Welcome To... and Welcome To New Las Vegas. It takes players on a space colonization adventure, combining familiar mechanisms with new twists and a campaign mode that spans eight unique adventure sheets.

    More details for Welcome to the Moon
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 25 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  21. Qwinto

    All details for the board game Qwinto and similar games

    Qwinto offers a refreshing twist on the roll-and-write genre, engaging players in a simultaneous play experience where quick thinking and strategic number placement are key to victory. In this game, players race to fill out their scoresheets with ascending numbers in three colorful rows, while navigating the constraints of overlapping columns and avoiding duplicates to maximize their scores.

    More details for Qwinto
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  22. Unanimo

    All details for the board game Unanimo and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Unanimo
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Unanimo

    • YouTube Review for the game "Unanimo" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  23. Mini-Mutabo

    All details for the board game Mini-Mutabo and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 25 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. Hive Mind

    All details for the board game Hive Mind and similar games
    • 3 - 12 Players
    • 30 - 90 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  25. Lost Cities: Roll & Write

    All details for the board game Lost Cities: Roll & Write and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  26. My City: Roll & Build

    All details for the board game My City: Roll & Build and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  27. Railroad Ink Challenge: Lush Green Edition

    All details for the board game Railroad Ink Challenge: Lush Green Edition and similar games

    Railroad Ink Challenge: Lush Green Edition enhances the well-loved roll-and-write gameplay of the original Railroad Ink series, introducing lush new strategies and player interactions. This version of the game is designed for 1 to 4 players and emphasizes not only route-building but also competitive objectives that encourage keeping an eye on opponents' progress.

    More details for Railroad Ink Challenge: Lush Green Edition
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  28. Calavera

    All details for the board game Calavera and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Calavera

    • YouTube Review for the game "Calavera" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  29. Twice as Clever!

    All details for the board game Twice as Clever! and similar games

    Twice as Clever! (original title: Doppelt so clever) is a dice-based strategy game that builds on the mechanics introduced in its predecessor, Ganz schön clever. This game offers new challenges and additional strategic layers, providing an engaging experience for both fans of the original game and newcomers.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Twice as Clever!
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  30. Second Chance

    All details for the board game Second Chance and similar games

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    More details for Second Chance
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 10 - 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Second Chance

    • YouTube Review for the game "Second Chance" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Second Chance" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English

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