Today I’m sharing the best games to play when you’re short on time. As a Mum, there are always moments when I need to distract the kids (or myself) from boredom, so I’ve built up a catalogue of quick-turnaround games over the years. 

So when you’re looking for a quick dose of fun, but are short on time, these games are sure to hit the spot:

1. Blackjack

Blackjack, or 21 as it’s often known, is a card game that’s equally at home in a casual setting with friends, or in the glitzy atmosphere of a casino.

The point of the game is to get to a total as close to 21 as you can…without going any higher. Full of fast flowing action, but the element of luck and strategy within the game make this good for a short but sweet sharp gaming session. This is especially one I highly recommend you play with friends.

2. Snap

Snap is a quick fire card game, designed to test reflexes and elementary observations. An easy but highly entertaining classic to play during short pauses as a quick time passer. I cannot stress how much I recommend this game as one of the best games to play with kids ages 8+.

3. Noughts and Crosses

The timeless two player game that has always driven us to have fun against friends and competitors, Noughts and Crosses also known as Tic Tac Toe.

Played on a 3×3 grid, each player takes turns marking spaces with their designated symbol, (which are usually Xs and Os), to get three of their symbol in a row. They can do this either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

The game is quick to set up and play, making it a perfect choice for passing the time or settling quick disputes. This is the game my friends and I used to play in school, when we should have been listening to the teacher, and I’m pretty good at it! I recommend noughts and crosses as one of the best games to play with young kids who need to practise focusing. 

4. Sudoku

Sudoku has taken the world by storm in recent years, thanks to its addictive gameplay and logic-boosting potential.

Sudoku puzzles are a perfect choice for a quick mental workout, as if you run out of time, you can pick up where you left off, later. I highly recommend Sudoku as one of the best games to play by yourself when you need to wake up your brain. 

5. Patience

Patience, (more commonly known as Solitaire), is a popular, single-player card game. It can be played by people of all ages, and requires patience (hence the name), plus strategic thinking, to uncover and complete the round. 

If you’re of a certain age, you probably played this on your Windows PC, back in the pre-internet days… Or was that just me? I recommend this as one of the best games to play when you need to be distracted for 10-15 minutes.

6. Dominoes

Dominoes is a tile-based game which is played around the world. This is a game that can be played quickly with simple rules, making it suitable for casual gaming sessions. I spent HOURS playing Dominoes with my Dad and sister as a child. My daughter was a pro before she started primary school too. I recommend this as one of the best games to play with younger children, to help them learn to count and match. 

7. Hangman

Hangman is a classic word-guessing-game, which requires a piece of paper, a pen, and at least two players. One player thinks of a word and writes a series of dashes on paper, (one to represent each letter of the word). The other player guesses letters one at a time, with each correct guess revealing the letter’s position in the word. 

For each incorrect guess, a part of a stick figure (the “hangman”) is drawn. The game continues until the word is guessed correctly or the hangman figure is completed. It’s a straightforward yet entertaining game, which challenges players’ vocabulary and deduction skills. I highly recommend Hangman as one of the best games to play with kids who are learning to spell. 

8. Go Fish

Go Fish is an engaging card game, which is perfect for players of all ages. The game involves asking opponents for cards, to complete sets of four matching cards – one of each suit. If the asked player has the requested card, they must hand it over; if not, the asking player draws a card from the deck. The objective is to collect the most sets of four by the end of the game.

Go Fish is easy to learn and quick to play, making it a great choice for short gaming sessions or family gatherings. This works best with more than 2 players, so I recommend this as one of the best games to play with larger groups of 3 or more. 

9. Dot-to-Dot Square Game

The Dot-to-Dot Square Game is a strategic drawing game where players take turns connecting dots to complete squares. You start by drawing a “board” of 5 dots along one line, then repeat this on the 4 lines below, so you have 25 dots altogether. You then take it in turns to draw one line between two neighbouring dots. 

When a player completes a square by drawing the fourth side, they earn a point and get another turn. (We always put our initials inside the completed box, to keep track of who owns it). The game continues until all dots are connected, and the player with the most squares wins.

I spent many rainy days playing the Dot to Dot Square Game with my sister. It’s oddly addictive. It’s a simple yet competitive game that requires spatial awareness and planning, making it enjoyable for players of all ages. 

10. Rock, Paper, Scissors

Rock, Paper, Scissors is a quick-decision-making game, which is perfect for settling disputes, or passing the time. Players simultaneously form one of three shapes… Rock (a clenched fist), Paper (an open hand), or Scissors (a fist with the index and middle fingers extended), and then compare their choices. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock. 

The game is played in short rounds, making it great for quick entertainment, or deciding who gets to do the rubbish job nobody wants to take on. My sister and I used to do rock, paper, scissors to see who was washing the dishes after our Mum cooked a Sunday Roast, back when we were kids! 

Final Thoughts on the Best Games to Play When You’re Short on Time

All ten of these games offer a diverse range of experiences, from strategic thinking and logical puzzles to quick reflexes and competitive challenges. So, grab a deck of cards, some paper and pens, or a set of dominoes, and enjoy a quick gaming break whenever you need it!

Finally, let me know in the comments if you have any other suggestions for the best games to play when you’re short of time.