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I Made a Rubric for the Best Pub Table Games. Here's What Actually Passed.
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
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The Problem with Playing Games at a Bar
Pub tables are not designed for board games. They are small, sticky, wobbly, and presumably occupied by at least one drink that absolutely cannot be knocked over. Oh, and don't get me started on the lighting!
Despite the limitations, I see people playing games at pubs all the time. I am one of those people. But finding the right game for a sticky, crowded pub table with drinks in the way is harder than it sounds.
So I made a rubric.
The Rubric
Not all games are created equal when it comes to pub tables. Here is what I evaluated each game on, scored 1 to 4 (lower is better):
Table Size
How much surface area does the game actually need to play? A score of 1 means it fits in the space between two pint glasses. A score of 4 means it needs its own zip code.
Box Size
Can you fit it in a bag without looking like you are moving? Tuck boxes score a 1. Games that arrive in their own furniture score a 4.
Components
How many pieces are involved? Cards only is a 1. Anything with tokens, boards, and multiple decks starts climbing fast.
Difficulty
Can you explain it to a table of people who are already on their second drink? Easy to memorize is a 1. Needs a reference card is a 2. Complex is a 3 to 4.
Time
Under 10 minutes is a 1. Over 30 minutes and you are pushing it for a pub setting.
Readability
Can people read the cards in a dimly lit bar? No text at all is a 1. Wall of text is a 4.
Math Bonus
How complicated is the scoring? Simple points score low. Multipliers and multiple scoring tracks score high.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
Table Size (sq inches) | 10 | 11 - 34 | 55 max indv. space | LARGE |
Box Size | Tuck | Exploiding Kittens | Point Salad | Get of here! |
Components | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4+ |
Difficulty | Easy to memorize | needs reference | complex | The rule book is War & Peace |
Time | 10 & under | 10-20 | 20-30 | 30+ |
Readability | No text | Some text | Lots of text | MY EYES! |
Math Bonus | 1 set of pts | 2 sets of pts | Multipliers | Hire an accountant |
The target? Less than 10 points. The fewer the points, the better the pub game.
My Top 5 Game Recommendations
I put A LOT of game recommendations through the rubric and these are the ones that came out on top.
Ages: 9+ | Players: 2–5 | Play time: 20 minutes
Scout is a card game with one rule that changes everything: you cannot rearrange your cards. You play them in the order they were dealt, or flip your whole hand upside down to use the other set of numbers. It sounds simple. It is surprisingly not. Takes 20 minutes and fits in your pocket. My top pick and the game I bought.
Ages: 7+ | Players: 2–4 | Play time: 15 minutes
Build your neighborhood while setting your friends' buildings on fire or leaving poop on their doorsteps. The goal is simple: collect 10 points in buildings before anyone else. And even though the art is cute, the gameplay can be cut-throat.
Plus, if the creators behind the game (Alice & Jessica) are a true inspiration for indie publishers!
Ages: 8+ | Players: 2–6 | Play time: 30 minutes
A card game inspired by golf where players work through nine rounds trying to get the lowest score possible. You cannot see all your own cards, which creates a wonderful tension of memory and risk. Fast, portable, and endlessly replayable. A natural fit for a brewery setting, especially if your group likes a little friendly trash talk.
Ages: 8+ | Players: 4-8 | Play time: 15 minutes
The Great Dalmuti is a twist on the classic game that goes by many names: President, Scum, Asshole.
The aim of the game is to get rid of your cards first and climb the social hierarchy from lowly Peon to the Great Dalmuti. The roles shift every hand, so the person on top is never safe for long.
It plays with 4 to 8 people which makes it one of the best options for a larger pub group, and the rules click after one hand.
Ages: 10+ | Players: 1-4 | Play time: 20 minutes
A cooperative trick-taking game where players work together as Fellowship members rather than competing against each other. The limited communication rule means you cannot tell your partners what you are holding, which makes every round a fascinating puzzle of intuition and trust.
This one is for the table that wants something with a little more depth. The cooperative angle is genuinely refreshing in a pub setting where not everyone wants to crush their friends.
Quick Reference: The Best Games for the Pub
Games | Players | Time | Best For |
2-5 | 20mins | Strategic thinkers who want something pocket-sized | |
2-4 | 15mins | Groups who love a little friendly chaos | |
2-6 | 30mins | Golf fans and anyone who loves a slow burn | |
4-8 | 45mins | Larger groups who want something social | |
2-5 | 30-60mins | Groups who want to work together instead of compete |
Want the full list? I got you!
What's Next
I am awlays on the lookout for new games. My list is growing and I have a feeling there are a few gems I haven't tried yet. If you have a pub table game you swear by, drop it in the comments. I want to run it through the rubric.
And if you are looking for the best 2-player pub games specifically, that is its own post. Coming soon.
— Becky & the Bunnies
FAQs
What makes a game good for a pub table?
The short answer is small footprint, simple rules, short play time, and minimal text on the cards. A game that needs a board, tokens, and a rulebook is probably not going to survive a busy bar night. Anything that fits in a tuck box and can be explained in under two minutes is a strong starting point.
How did you score the games?
Each game was evaluated on seven criteria: table size, box size, components, difficulty, time, readability, and scoring complexity. Each category was scored 1 to 4, with lower being better. The target was a total score 10 or less. Games with large boards or 2-player only formats were automatically disqualified.
What is the single best game to bring to a bar?
Scout. It fits in your pocket, plays in 20 minutes, and works with 2 to 5 people. The rules take about 3 minutes to explain and the game immediately gets everyone at the table thinking. It has never failed me.
Are there good 2-player pub games?
Yes, and they deserve their own post. I bought Hive specifically for nights when it is just me and a friend. That roundup is coming soon.
Can you play these games with people who don't usually play board games?
All five of these were chosen partly with that in mind. Not So Neighborly and The Great Dalmuti are especially good for mixed groups since the rules are intuitive and the games are social enough that non-gamers stay engaged.
