For those who like to spend our holidays gaming with friends and family, here is a quick guide to table top games. And let us not forget that much needed background music.

DC Comics DeckBuilding Game: I am a huge Marvel fan but the DC DeckBuilding game plays so well. This game is quick to learn and builds math skills.

Carcassonne: This game is great for all ages. I have played with my in-laws and my 8-year-old niece and nephews. No two games of Carcassonne are ever the same. It is a quick and easy game to play.

Settlers of Catan: Much like Carcassone, no two of these games are alike. Settlers of Catan is a game that forces you to trade and interact with the other players. I have played this with my niece and nephews many times. There is a Settlers of Catan Junior version also for the younger folks.

Magic The Gathering: MTG is my favorite game of all time. This game has been out for over 20 years and it just keeps growing. A lot of people are put off by MTG because of all the rules and phases of the games but I have a solution for that. There are two different MTG based video games that walk you through the game. The first of these would be “Duels of the Planeswalkers”. This game does a great job of walking you through the game and teaching you the different phases. A lot of people start playing MTG with Duels. The second video game is called “Magic Duels” and it is a smart phone app. It too also walks you through the phases of the games slowly. If you want your kids to read more, MTG is the game for them.

Album pairings brought to you by Luke Buckman

DC Comics DeckBuilding Game: Kiss-Destroyer

Carcassonne: Fairport Convention-Liege & Leaf

Settlers of Catan: Justin Timberlake-Futuresex Lovesounds

Magic the Gathering : Parquet Courts- Sunbathing Animal