Reiner Knizia is one of today's most prolific designers of board games. He's designed games based on a variety of mechanics, and this list includes my picks for his best five games.
Players work together in this game, trying to destroy the Ring and eliminate its evil influence on the world. But, of course, Sauron is trying to corrupt the players as they work to complete their mission. The game includes several boards, and expansions are available.
Building chains of pastel camels may sound like an odd way to spend an evening, but Through the Desert makes it a lot of fun. Build the best camel caravans, and you'll outpace your opponents.
More complex than some games, Tigris and Euphrates often wins praise from those who play strategy games most regularly. Players must progress in four areas -- trading, farming, religion, government) -- but the winner is determined by comparing the number of points in each player's weakest category. Balance is the key.
A delightful auction game set in the world of Hollywood. In Traumfabrik (which translates to Dream Factory; the game also is available under the name Fabrik der Traume), players bid for actors, directors, and movie crews as they try to make the best films. Marilyn Monroe starring in North by Northwest? It could happen.
Almost purely a dicefest, Clash of the Gladiators offers players just enough choices to keep the game interesting. You begin by building a team of gladiators, then you fight the other gladiators and the wild animals. A nice twist is that when your gladiator team is eliminated, you get to control the animals -- so no one is out of the game until everyone's out.
