The category of racing games covers a fairly wide spectrum, certainly much more than games about automobile racing (of which there are many, with several being excellent). Rather than focus on fast cars, this list includes just one automobile-themed game and others that are, at the root, racing games -- the goal is to cross the finish line first.
1. Formula De
For 2 to 10 players, ages 10 and up. Designed by Laurent Lavaur and Eric Randall. Published by Asmodee Editions.Perhaps the most popular auto racing game available today, Formula De uses a creative method of gear changing -- what gear you're in determines how big the die you roll is. Navigating turns can be tricky, and you need to watch your tires. With dozens of tracks available, this is a must-have for fans of Formula One racing.
2. Ave Caesar
For 2 to 6 players, ages 12 and up. Designed by Wolfgang Riedesser, published by Asmodee Editions.Players trying to be the first to complete three laps around a track in ancient Rome. Each player has an identical deck of cards, drawing three to start the game. It then becomes a simple process of playing a card, moving your chariot forward that number of spaces, and drawing a replacement card. But with a track full of players trying to block your way on the narrow track, that's easier said than done. And if you fail to pay tribute to Caesar along the way, you cannot win the race. Ave Caesar, a personal favorite, is deceptively simple.
3. Hare and Tortoise
For 2 to 6 players, ages 8 and up. Designed by David Parlett, published by Rio Grande Games.Will you sprint or take it slow and steady? In this award-winning board game, a mixture of the two may be the best strategy. Moving forward gets you to the finish line, but moving backward earns you the points you need to move forward. As in any good race, a bit of luck will also help.
4. PitchCar
For 2 to 8 players, ages 6 and up. Designed by Jean du Poel, published by Ferti.PitchCar is packed with finger-flicking fun. After assembling the wooden track (which can be put together in many different ways), players take turns flicking wooden discs around the track. If your disc flies off the track, you essentially lose your turn. The winner is the first to cross the finish line after a set number of laps. It's rare that I've played a game of PitchCar without a great deal of laughter.
5. The a-MAZE-ing Labyrinth
For 1 to 4 players, ages 8 and up. Designed by Max J. Kobbert, published by Ravensburger.A delightful combination of race and maze, players of The a-MAZE-ing Labyrinth must navigate a constantly shifting maze to pick up treasures and return to their starting point. For younger players, a Labyrinth Junior game is available.
6. Backgammon
For 2 players, ages 8 and up. Public domain.Backgammon is the race game you might not even realize is a race game: The goal is to get all of your pieces off the board before your opponent does the same. A terrific mix of luck and skill, tactics and strategy, Backgammon is a classic game for a reason -- it's fun.
7. Cartagena
For 2 to 5 players, ages 8 and up. Designed by Leo Colovini, published by Winning Moves and Rio Grande Games.Inspired by a (fictional?) 1672 escape of pirates from the fortress of Cartagena, this game challenges players to move through a narrow tunnel and escape on a boat. The movement is similar (but not identical) to Hare and Tortoise -- you have to move forward to win, but you have to move backward to earn the cards that can move you forward. Quick, light and good for 2 to 5 players.
