During the holiday season, I often find myself reminiscing about comfortable family evenings filled with good food and laughter, albeit occasionally interrupted by pointless arguments over innocent queries about Trivial Pursuit. After reviewing board games for several years, it dawned on me that our issues stemmed not from our intellect or social dynamics, but rather the choice of games we played.

The key to maintaining harmony on board game nights is to select games that minimize conflict. While some players thrive on competition, many prefer cooperation instead of direct clashes. Co-op games can foster unity while dodging take-that tactics that often lead to retaliation between players.

Highlights of Black Friday Deals on Minimal Conflict Board Games:

• Everdell: Price: $60 (Save $15)
• Forest Shuffle: Price: $22 (Save $7.50)
• Wyrmspan: Price: $55 (Save $10)

Cooperative games, like Mysterium and Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective, often bring players together to solve mysteries, providing a great alternative to competitive games. This Black Friday, consider these options to ensure your family gatherings are as cheerful as they can be.