Stay in and get cosy: Level up your date night, one move at a time

If your usual weekend routine of streaming shows and takeaway pizza feels a bit too familiar, it might be time for a change of pace. Bring out those board games hiding in cupboards and give your evenings a fresh spark. Board games create a cosy screen free space where laughter flows easily, conversations come naturally and a little friendly mischief turns into something unexpectedly romantic. All you need is the right game and the right company to turn an ordinary night into a simple and joyful way to connect.

When date night meets dice and cardsThe magic of a board game date lies in how effortlessly it resets connection. “On stressful days, a simple game can help couples connect with each other. I feel refreshed without having to overthink on date time ideas,” says Shreya Khandelwal, QA engineer at a software company. For business analyst Ishan Lahiri, the thrill lies in seeing different sides of himself and of his partner emerge through play. “Bringing out our competitive streak is my favourite part,” he says. “It lets me tap into a playful side which rarely appears in my analytical job.” MES consultant Prankur Saha sums up the joy with ease. “Every game feels like rediscovering each other,” he says. “Sometimes we are rivals, sometimes a team, but always connected.”

‘Games help bring couples closer’
Board games at the end of a hectic work day can create a kind of intimacy regular evenings often miss. Explaining how it works, psychotherapist Dr Chandni Tugnait, psychotherapist and founder–director of Gateway of Healing says, “The atmosphere feels lighter, words come easily, and you notice traits in your partner that everyday life often hides”. Adding to it, Nasaf, CEO of Factor Notes says, “Board games and often make couples share tid bits from their life with each other that they may have been ignoring in their daily lives.” In fact, board games have helped soulmates find each other too! Zain Memon, creator of Shasn, a political strategy board game, recalls how a board game meet up helped two individuals fall in love. Even long-term couples find their spark again. “A scratch-card date game can reignite surprise and help partners reconnect through shared experiences,” say Pooja Bafna, founder of Sorted Together.

Let your mood decide the game:

• If you are feeling competitive: Jaipur – A fast-paced trading card game where you compete to become the Maharaja’s top trader.
• If you want to have a good laugh: Kingdomino (Domino-style tiles), Spill the Truth (A game of dare prompts), Wine & Whine (Storytelling game)
• If you wish to spark a conversation: Couple Reconnect (A prompt oriented game), Say It With Love (Question-answer oriented game)
• Arcade games: Battleship (Suspense and strategy oriented); Scythe (A strategic game)
• Puzzles: Codenames Duet (A word game); Patchwork (Two-player puzzle)

-Inputs from Nupur, partner at Gamerheads Kolkata, and Nasaf

Set the scene right
Ambience matters, even on a stay-at-home date. “A warm, inviting atmosphere makes a huge difference,” says Jenis Makwana, founder and design director, DezignCo. “Soft lighting, candles, diffusers — they instantly make the night feel intimate.”

Pair it up with yum snacks:

• Garlic bread
• Nachos and dips
• Mini sliders
• Taco cups
• Cheese and fruit charcuterie board
• Brownie squares
• Strawberries dipped in chocolate
• Hot chocolate

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here