GamewrightSushi Go!

When we want something cheap, tiny and instantly fun, Sushi Go! is our answer. Everyone holds a hand of adorable sushi cards, keeps one, and passes the rest along, repeating until the cards run out - then you score and deal again over three quick rounds. The combos (collect sets of sashimi, grab the most maki rolls, hoard pudding for an end-game bonus) are easy to grasp yet reward a little cheeky card-counting. A full game runs about fifteen minutes and the box fits in a coat pocket, which makes it superb for cafes, trains and holidays. It is the lowest-commitment game on this list and, pound for pound, one of the best-value. If you want it to stretch to bigger groups, the larger Sushi Go Party! box seats up to eight and adds swappable menus.