Gateway Game

A gateway game is an approachable, easy-to-teach board game that helps people transition from classic games (like Monopoly or Cluedo) into modern tabletop gaming.

It usually has simple rules, quick setup, and a short playtime, but still offers meaningful choices so new players feel smart and engaged—making it the perfect “first hobby game” to invite someone back to the table.

Here are 10 classic gateway games (easy to teach, fast to play, and a great bridge into modern board gaming):

    1. Cascadia
    2. Patchwork
    3. Forbidden Island
    4. Camel Up
    5. Just One
    6. Qwirkle
    7. Tsuro
    8.  Love Letter
    9. King of Tokyo
    10.  Sagrada
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