Don't get me wrong. I enjoy colonizing the new world, European imperialism, constructing medieval monuments, corporate takeovers, ancient Egypt, German politics, the Cold War, and Mediterranean civilizations just as much as the next gamer. Participating in a contest of wits with a group of adults can be very stimulating (and even enjoyable).

However, in certain situations, stuffy adult games and mature themes just won't cut it. In part, gaming is a form of escapism. I game to forget about that annoying coworker, the mortgage payment, tedious yardwork, looming deadlines, overdue credit card bills, and automobile maintenance. It is fun to discard the heavy mantle of adulthood and regress every now and then.

Think back to your childhood. Did you ever use the term suboptimal play, suffer from analysis paralysis, or debate the differences between strategy and tactics? No. Did you worry about seating order bias, prefer games with little downtime, or have a least-favorite mechanic? No.

Here on the geek, many of the most popular games are disguised as adult activities. Games are structured, processional, and analytical. As children, play was a lively, carefree activity that was largely experiential. As a kid, play was fun. Yes, play was rollicking, boisterous, jocular, carefree, uproarious fun. How often can you say that about your weekly session of Puerto Rico or Caylus?

This list is dedicated to dexterity games that have the ability to make even the most hardened, stoic adult gamers approach play with a child-like wonder and naivety. So,

Screw Colonizing the New World. I Want to Flick Something.