Everyone has time to play a board game, not every board game though.
Many games take an hour or more, but there’s a handful of options for those who are short on either time or interest. For those with what some might consider an excess of time and interest, there’s options for you too.
For those with short attention game spans: Eight games you can play in 15 minutes or less
Candyland. Even if you get lost in Lollipop Woods for a turn, chances are you’ll be able to make your way through the Gumdrop Mountains, past the Peanut Brittle House and all the way to Candy Castle in short order.
Operation. Got a charlie horse? Butterflies in the stomach? With a steady hand, the entire Operation procedure can be completed in about 10 minutes.
Jenga. Unless you’re a master or have a big mental game going on, it usually doesn’t take much time before for the wooden blocks come crashing down.
Connect 4. This simple tic-tac-toe-type game shouldn’t take long, unless you’re making it more complicated than it needs to be.
Exploding Kittens. Sure, finishing an entire game of Exploding Kittens will take longer, but one round usually can be completed in 15 minutes. Unlike most games, this one has simple rules and allows players to move in and out of games, which leaves room for varying game times and attention spans.
Codenames. This social word game, the original and its variations, depends on good clues and good guesses and can be played in 15 minutes or continued longer, if wanted.
Monopoly Deal. This version of Monopoly lets you finish a game in 15 minutes. Does it lead to fewer overturned game boards? Yes, because there isn’t one, the entire game happens with cards you hold in your hands.
Hedbanz. Before 15 minutes is up, you’ll be able to get through a few rounds by using yes or no questions to guess the object on the card that you’re wearing on your head. Don’t worry, you’ll only look a little bit ridiculous.
For those who consider themselves masters of board game: Five games that will take you eight hours or more
Europe Engulfed. This game simulates the European theater in World War II, from September 1939 to December 1945. It’ll take 12 hours to play, so you’ll need at least a couple meals and some bathroom breaks.
The Longest Day. This game depicts the Normandy Invasion. It has 1,600 game pieces and takes two hours to set up. You’ll want to bring a sleeping bag for this one -- it’ll take you 90 hours to play.
World in Flames. This award-winning game is also based on World War II -- all of it. Might as well bring your whole bed. This one will take you 100 hours to play.
