In a technology-crazed world, we often towards movie marathons or Wii games for entertainment at social gatherings. However, sitting down to play a board game with friends might be more intense than you once thought. Cold shoulders may be evident afterward, but that’s the price we play to win. With the right crew and perfect games, your next game night will be the most fun you’ve had in ages.

1. Ticket To Ride

This game is incredibly fun for the patient strategist. Your friends and family may hate you when you win at the end, but your pride won’t go away for a long while. Highly recommend.

2. Five Crowns

Imagine a glorified, cutthroat round of cards with five suits. Each round gets crazier as your hand increases and your opponents are determined to beat you.

3. Apples to Apples

If you have a quirky sense of humor and stellar vocabulary, this game is a must-have. It’s definitely lighthearted and full of laughs, so you are less likely to form enemies by the end of the night.

4. Taboo

Nothing makes game night more stressful than timed improvisation. You really have to bond with your teammates to guess the most words in the right amount of time—filled with anxiety and fun.

5. Telestrations

Who doesn’t love Telephone? This time, though, each player switches off between drawing a word and naming a picture. The end results are hilarious, especially for those of us who aren’t artists.

6. Clue

There are two types of people: those with strategy and those who are good actors. Here is the game that roots family members against each other and inspires magnificent Halloween costumes.

7. Uno

This game is a classic for people of all ages because it’s simple yet addictive. Before you know it, you’ve spent countless rounds perfecting your shuffle and winning rounds.

8. Card Games

A good ole deck of cards is the key to hours of fun. From Old Maid to Spoons to Egyptian Rat Slap to Hearts, you’re bound to have an intense night of laughs with the endless possibilities.

Rather than turn on the TV at your next family night or hang out with friends, get out a board game. You’ll be surprised how much fun can come from a deck of cards and an intense game night.