There are a lot of games that are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse that can be busted out and played in 20 minutes or so. Games that are light on rules and aren’t so involved that your friends are disappointed if you have to stop playing midway through. Games you can play while waiting for dinner to arrive, or when you’re at the Secretary of State with a friend, or you’re in a meeting and are given one of those glorious 10-minute breaks.
If you’re looking for a place to start, here’s a list of four games that are small enough to tote around with you and fun enough that you actually want to.
BraveRats
Image Credit: Blue Orange Games
BraveRats is a two-player card game of warring Highlander rats (no, not that Highlander). On each turn, players simultaneously play a card from their hand. The highest card wins, but there’s a catch. Each card has a unique power that can do things such as ignore your opponent’s power, increase your strength in the next round, and so on.
With only eight cards to manage, you can play BraveRats while waiting in line with a friend. It’s quick, it’s tactical, and clean-up is easy. It’s the perfect little pocket game for two.
Slap .45
Image Credit: Gnarwhal Studios
Slap .45 is a dexterity-based wild west shootout game. The primary action that you will take in this game is, you guessed it, slapping. You’re not slapping your opponents, but you’re slapping the cards in front of you.
Each turn, a card gets flipped over. You must then react to that card by slapping the flipped card or slapping the cards in front of another player (their “hideout”). You may also use your other hand to quick-draw and shoot another player dead.
Up to seven shooters can play this tiny game, and it’s sure to cause a ruckus. Try playing it at a loud restaurant or on the floor while waiting for the next big convention to open.
Roll for It!
Image Credit: Calliope Games
Roll for It! is an extraordinarily simple dice-rolling game, but it’s also loads of fun and can get really intense really fast. Everyone gets their own set of six dice and takes turns rolling to match dice to cards. If you are the first to match all of the dice on the card, you score the points on the card.
The game is reminiscent of Yahtzee, which makes it a good game for new gamers. Bring it to your next big family get-together or try it over lunch with coworkers. The good times will roll.
If you want to see Roll for It! in action, check it out on TableTop.
Get Bit
Image Credit: Mayday Games
In Get Bit!, you are a robot lost at sea trying to out-swim your friends so you don’t get eaten by a shark. Each turn, everyone plays a card. When the cards are revealed, the higher numbers move to the front, followed by the lower numbers. If you tie another player, neither of you moves! The shark then eats a limb from the last robot in line and throws them to the front.
This game is great before or after dinner, but I prefer the live action version. Play in a long line with friends. When cards are revealed, reorder yourselves in line instead of your robot minis!
If you want to see Get Bit! in action, check it out on TableTop.
Which games do you like to break out while waiting in line or when you only have a couple of minutes to spare? Let us know in the comment section below.
Feature Image Credit: Gnarwhal Studios