Board games are more than just a pastime—they’re a gateway to strategy, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated hobbyist building an ever-growing collection, books can enrich your love for board games by offering insights into their history, design, and cultural impact, or by immersing you in stories where games take center stage.
As a board game enthusiast, I’ve curated a list of five fantastic books—mostly non-fiction but with a touch of fiction—that will delight anyone passionate about rolling dice, moving meeples, or outwitting opponents. These picks cater to hobbyists looking to deepen their knowledge, refine their play, or enjoy a compelling tale tied to the world of games.
1. It’s All a Game: The History of Board Games from Monopoly to Settlers of Catan by Tristan Donovan (Non-Fiction)
Dive into the fascinating evolution of board games with It’s All a Game by Tristan Donovan. This engaging book traces the history of tabletop gaming, from ancient games like Senet to modern classics like Catan.
Donovan explores how board games reflect culture, economics, and human ingenuity, with fun anecdotes about the creation of iconic titles like Monopoly and Risk.
For hobbyists, this book is a treasure trove of trivia and context that makes every game night feel like a journey through time. It’s perfect for those who want to understand the roots of their favorite hobby.
2. The Board Game Designer’s Guide to Creating Games by Joe Slack (Non-Fiction)
Ever dreamed of designing your own board game? The Board Game Designer’s Guide to Creating Games by Joe Slack is a practical, step-by-step manual for turning your ideas into playable prototypes. Slack, an experienced designer, covers everything from brainstorming mechanics to playtesting and pitching to publishers.
Even if you’re not ready to create the next Ticket to Ride, this book offers hobbyists a behind-the-scenes look at game design, deepening your appreciation for the craft behind your favorite titles. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about what makes a board game tick.
3. Eurogames: The Design, Culture and Play of Modern European Board Games by Stewart Woods (Non-Fiction)
For fans of strategy-heavy, low-luck games like Carcassonne or Puerto Rico, Eurogames by Stewart Woods is an essential read. This book explores the rise of European-style board games, known for their elegant mechanics and emphasis on player interaction.
Woods delves into the design principles, cultural impact, and community surrounding these games, offering insights that will enhance your understanding of the genre. Hobbyists who love dissecting game mechanics or debating strategy will find this book both informative and thought-provoking.
4. The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks (Fiction)
For a thrilling fictional dive into the world of games, The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks is a sci-fi masterpiece. Set in the utopian Culture universe, the novel follows Jernau Gurgeh, a master game player recruited to compete in a high-stakes, galaxy-spanning tournament where the outcome could reshape empires.
The intricate game descriptions and Gurgeh’s strategic brilliance will captivate board game fans, even if the games are futuristic. This book is a gripping pick for hobbyists who enjoy stories that celebrate the art of outsmarting opponents.
5. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Fiction)
While not exclusively about board games, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss features a richly detailed fantasy world where strategic games like Tak (inspired by real-world board games) play a role in the story. The protagonist, Kvothe, is a brilliant tactician, and the novel’s vivid storytelling and clever dialogue will resonate with hobbyists who love immersive narratives.
Fans of the book can even play Tak in real life, as Rothfuss collaborated on a physical version. This epic fantasy is a delightful read for gamers who want a touch of strategy in their fiction.
Why These Books?
This lineup offers something for every board game enthusiast, whether you’re eager to learn about the hobby’s history, explore game design, or lose yourself in stories where strategy and competition shine.
The non-fiction titles—It’s All a Game, The Board Game Designer’s Guide to Creating Games, and Eurogames—provide knowledge and inspiration to enhance your appreciation of the tabletop world. Meanwhile, the fiction picks—The Player of Games and The Name of the Wind—bring the thrill of games to life in imaginative settings, perfect for unwinding after a game night.
Next time you’re setting up a board or shuffling cards, consider picking up one of these books to fuel your passion for the hobby. Have a favorite board game book or want more recommendations? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what’s on your shelf!
Happy gaming and happy reading!
Note: This blog post was written on April 20, 2025, with recommendations tailored for board game hobbyists. If you’d like more resources or have specific questions about board games, let me know!
