As we head into November and the lull before the festive season kicks in, why not gather around a table and unplug. With wet weekends and dark weekday evenings drawing in, why not switch off your screens and spark some friendly competition? Wainwright’s Yard can help with your choices.

If you love a treasure hunt, pop into the Lions Charity Bookshop. While their miscellaneous table
relies on luck, we recently uncovered Camp N’ Run by Longalive Games! This rare, compact two-player game for ages 7+ was a seasonal VIP gift at Homair holiday villages. Its French tagline says it all: “Plus tu ruses, plus tu ris” (the more you trick, the more you laugh).

They also have some great puzzles – not quite a board game but something to gather around and do together.

Looking to introduce the family to the ultimate game of strategy?

Armstrong Ward has three fantastic ways to learn chess. For the youngest grandmasters (ages 6+), Mon premier jeu d’échecs by Vilac features beautiful wooden pieces illustrated by Ingela P. Arrhenius.

Alternatively, Djeco’s Echecs Chess offers a vibrant, artistic alternative to the traditional stark black-and-white board. If you are gaming on the go, grab their compact metal tins filled with magnetic classics like Tic-Tac-Toe, Chess, and Snakes & Ladders.

Prefer to let someone else make the drinks while you play?

Head over to Elsewhere Bar. Mark has a dedicated games section packed with favourites like Scrabble, Dominoes, and Uno.

It is the ideal spot to enjoy a bite to eat, sip a warm drink or a seasonal cocktail, and challenge your friends to a match.

Rain or shine, your next tabletop adventure is waiting right here in the Yard.