The 10 Best Board and Card Games for College Students
At Blatt Billiards, we’re known for handcrafted pool tables, legacy-quality craftsmanship, and custom luxury game rooms—but we believe the best gathering spaces offer more than just billiards. The ideal game room invites guests of all ages to unplug, connect, and unwind. And for today’s college students (and the young at heart), the best board games and card games are as much a part of the party as the playlist. These games break the ice, spark competition, and turn a simple night in into a memorable experience. From laugh-out-loud party games to strategy-driven classics, these timeless picks are perfect for study breaks, late-night hangouts, or weekend get-togethers. What Are the Best Games for Students to Play? We’ve curated a list of ten fun board games and card games—some strategic, some hilarious, all worth having on hand. Whether you’re outfitting a campus apartment, luxury home lounge, or building the perfect multi-generational entertainment room, these games bring people together in all the right ways. So gather your guests around the board game table, set the scene, and explore these curated board and card games. They’re designed to elevate every gathering! 1. Cards Against Humanity Irreverent, outrageous, and endlessly replayable—this game is the go-to for college humor and large gatherings. Just be prepared to blush. Not for the faint of heart, but perfect for late-night laughs with friends. 2. Catan A modern classic that turns resource management into an addictive social strategy. Players compete to build settlements and roads across the island of Catan using wheat, wood, brick, and ore. Ideal for 3–4 players with a competitive edge and a taste for expansion. 3. Poker (Texas Hold’em) Still the gold standard for a night of competition. Low-stakes college games are part of the culture. Whether you’re playing for chips, bragging rights, or late-night pizza, it’s a timeless way to bring friends together around the table. 4. Sushi Go! A fast-paced card-drafting game with adorable artwork and strategic play. Pick and pass sushi cards to build combos and score points. It’s easy to learn and surprisingly deep for such a quick game. 5. 7 Wonders This card-drafting game is deceptively fast-paced and intellectually satisfying. Build a civilization, gather resources, and lead one of the ancient wonders of the world. Bonus: It’s visually stunning and perfect for 3–7 players. 6. Exploding Kittens Fast-paced, unpredictable, and laugh-out-loud funny. This quirky card game combines Russian Roulette with cats, explosions, and absurd strategy. Easy to learn and wildly popular. 7. What Do You Meme? Like Cards Against Humanity, but meme-themed. Players pair image cards with captions to create the funniest (and often outrageous) meme possible. Perfect for students who live on Instagram and TikTok. 8. Magic: The Gathering The king of trading card games. With decades of strategy behind it, MTG is ideal for serious gamers looking to duel with skill, lore, and well-balanced decks. Available in both tabletop and digital forms, this is a must-have for the competitive crowd. 9. Scrabble Where words become weapons and vocabularies are put to the test. A beautiful addition to any classic game room—especially when played on a rotating wood Scrabble board with engraved tiles. (We highly recommend upgrading your set if you’re building a sophisticated space.) 10. Throw Throw Burrito Part dodgeball, part card game. Yes, you actually throw squishy burritos at your friends. It’s physical, chaotic, and wildly entertaining. Best played in open spaces (not near any glass tables!). Honorable Mentions: Chess & Backgammon These two belong in every game room, no list needed. For those who appreciate strategy, elegance, and history, a handcrafted chess or backgammon set from our collection makes a statement of taste as much as gameplay. Elevate the Experience With Blatt Billiards While the games above are portable and fun, the true magic happens when you create an environment that invites people to stay, play, and connect. Whether you’re a college student furnishing your first apartment or a design aficionado building a luxury game room, consider blending modern favorites with timeless classics. At Blatt Billiards, we believe the best game nights are built around craftsmanship, comfort, and connection—and a game table where the best card and board games are played for a lifetime.
