Erik Arneson of Cornwall, Pennsylvania, USA, Board/Card Games Guide for About.com: "These five games are presented in alphabetical order and with the disclaimer that the list changes from time to time as I find new long-term favorites."
1. I'm the Boss
Image courtesy of Face 2 Face Games
A great game of wheeling and dealing. As players move around the board, they try to put together deals -- but need help from their opponents to do so. Opponents not being included in the deal can send would-be deal-makers out of town, or even take over control of the deal by playing an "I'm the Boss" card. Terrific fun, as long as it's not taken too seriously.
2. Scrabble
Image courtesy of Hasbro
Scrabble comes along because I need a word game and so that we don't degenerate into a pack of grunting thugs.
3. Settlers of Catan
Image courtesy of Mayfair Games
A tremendous game that deserves all the accolades that it has received. A wonderful balance of skill and luck, with negotiation also playing an important role. Brilliant.
4. Time's Up!
R&R Games
Players compete over three rounds of increasing difficulty to identify the same set of celebrities in Time's Up!, my favorite party game. It's not as easy as it sounds, and it's hilarious. Time's Up! won a Mensa Best Mind Games Award in 2000.
