What are hand management games? The definition is tough to pin down, and this is what we could come up with: Hand management games are a special category of game that provides a unique gaming experience through a combination of strategy and tactics, as players manage and play a hand of cards effectively for the best possible results.
We know this definition is a bit generic. The most important thing to know about hand management is it is a fun and exciting game mechanic that is found in some of the most popular modern board games. Let’s explore what we consider to be the best hand management board games available today.
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The Best Hand Management Board Games
Terraforming Mars
Players take on the role of 25th century mega-corporations working together to terraform Mars, but competing to get the most victory points while doing so. The players use cards that represent projects for their corporations to research and build in order to make Mars more hospitable by increasing the global temperature, oxygen supply and oceans water levels. This game became an instant classic when it was released, and we’re sure you’ll understand why once you’ve played it.
Average Playtime: 120 minutes
Recommended Age: 12+
Number of Players: 1 – 5
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 3.26/5
Concordia
Concordia takes place 2000 years ago in and around the Mediterranean Sea. Players each control different Roman dynasties, as they expand their influence and trading networks from city to city, across all of the Roman Empire. Players use cards to move colonist, build trading posts, trade goods, and even copy other payers’ actions. It is a fast-paced and highly interactive game that rewards strategic play and flexible planning.
Average Playtime: 100 minutes
Recommended Age: 13+
Number of Players: 2-5
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.99/5
Race for the Galaxy 2nd Edition
Race for the Galaxy is a big game in a small box. How big? It’s a galactic civilisation building game, but it can be played in around 30 minutes. The cards in this hand management game have multiple uses – from representing planets and technology, to acting as currency to be spent and goods to be traded. Players must pay attention to what their opponents are doing to make the best strategy to ensure victory.
Average Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Recommended Age: 12+
Number of Players: 2 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.99/5
Wingspan
Wingspan is one of the most beautiful engine-building hand management board games. Players compete to discover the best birds and attract them to their wildlife preserves. There are over 170 birds, represented by cards, and each grants the player a unique special power to help grow the birds’ habitats – and to help the players get victory points. The player with the most points at the end of 4 rounds is the winner.
Average Playtime: 40-70 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Number of Players: 1-5
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.46/5
Buy the Wingspan Board Game
Ark Nova
This is the zoo building game that has been receiving a lot of buzz since its release. Players use cards to hire experts, attract sponsors, appeal to associations, and accommodate animals – all in an attempt to build the best modern zoo, and get the most victory points to win the game. Do you have what it takes to build your reputation as the best zoologist?
Average Playtime: 90 – 150 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 1 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 3.74/5
Pandemic
There’s a pandemic of four diseases around the world, and they are spreading. In this cooperative game, players act as specialists working together as a team to fight, treat and cure diseases in various major global cities before they get out of control. Each specialist has a unique ability that can be used to fight the diseases. Cooperation is the key to stopping the pandemic, and winning the game, before time runs out.
Average Playtime: 45 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 2 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.40/5
Brass Birmingham
Taking place during the industrial revolution in the English midlands between 1770 and 1870, Brass Birmingham is a hand management game of high stakes and high strategy. Players use cards and spend cash to develop their industrial network, first during the era of canals, and then in the era of railroads. The player who spent the least in the previous round goes first in the next, and whoever spent the most goes last. This, and many other clever mechanics make for thrilling game.
Average Playtime: 60 -120 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 2 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 3.89/5
We’ve Got Hand Management Board Games & More!
More Than Meeples is the place for easy and convenient board game shopping from your computer or mobile phone. Contact us if you have any questions about our games, or to find out if any games on this list are right for you? We love to talk board games, and our friendly staff will assist in recommending the perfect game for you or your gaming group.
