Enchanted pen

Let me start with a controversial statement.

Most people don’t hate strategy games…
They just hate thinking too much.

And honestly? Fair.

Because somewhere along the way, board games got this reputation of being intense, complicated and requiring you to use 100% of your brain power on a weekend — which is already illegal.

I discovered this when I asked a few of my friends why they don’t like board games.

Their answers?

• “Too much thinking.”
• “Too much planning.”
• “Too much effort.”

And in my head, as a board game fan, I was slightly offended.

But also… I get it.

Not every game needs to feel like an exam.

So what if — instead of jumping into full-blown strategy — you start with light strategy? The kind where you still feel smart, but not stressed.

Think of it as a soft launch into your “I might actually be competitive” era.

So I convinced a few people to treat it like an experiment:
Just play one game. No pressure. No overthinking.

And who knows? Somewhere between “I don’t get this” and “WAIT I CAN WIN THIS,” something might click.

So here are 3 strategy games for people who think they hate strategy.

SILVER

This game is basically strategy… but disguised as chaos.

You’re trying to have the lowest score by the end of the round, but here’s the twist — you don’t fully know your own cards. Yes. You’re making decisions with incomplete information. Sounds stressful? It’s actually hilarious.

You’re guessing, swapping, spying on other players, and occasionally questioning your life choices.

It’s quick, unpredictable and just strategic enough to make you feel clever without frying your brain.

Perfect for people who say:
“I don’t like strategy” but secretly love a little mind game.

SHIFTING STONES

This one is a calm strategy.

No chaos. No panic. Just you, your brain, and a set of stones that you’re trying to align based on patterns and goals.

You’re constantly rearranging tiles, trying to match patterns and score points. It feels simple… until you realise you’re quietly planning three moves ahead.

It’s the kind of game where you don’t even realise you’re strategising — you just are.

Very satisfying. Very low stress. Slightly addictive.

SCHOTTEN TOTTEN

Okay this one?

This is where your competitive side will wake up.

It’s a two-player game where you’re battling to control stones (basically territory) by creating the best card combinations. Think of it like a mix between poker and strategy.

It starts off chill.

And then suddenly you’re like:
“No. I need this win.”

It’s simple to learn, quick to play, but has just enough depth to make you feel like a genius when your plan works.

Final Thoughts

Maybe the problem isn’t strategy games.

Maybe the problem is starting too heavy.

Not every game needs to feel like a mental marathon. Some can be light, fun, slightly competitive and still make you feel like you used your brain for something other than scrolling.

So if you think you hate strategy…

Maybe you just haven’t found the right one yet.

Now tell me — are you still avoiding strategy games… or are you low-key ready to prove yourself? 👀