There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting down at the table, spreading out the Ticket to Ride board, and feeling that familiar mix of anticipation and excitement. It’s not just a game for me—it’s an experience and, honestly, one of my favorite ways to connect with my son, Thomas. But before I get to him, I should start with what first hooked me: the thrill of building and dominating a network of train routes.

From the moment the game begins, Ticket to Ride hits that perfect balance of strategy and simplicity. The rules are accessible, but the decisions are meaningful. Every turn brings a tension that feels almost elegant: collect more cards or claim a route before someone else snags it. Build that short connection now or gamble on drawing the color you need for claiming the longer—and far more lucrative—route later. And threading those choices together into a continuous train network that stretches from Coast to Coast? That’s the magic. I love the challenge of crafting a seamless route, not only for the satisfaction of seeing it take shape but for the sweet payoff of those extra points at the end. There’s nothing quite like it.

But as much as I enjoy the strategy, the real joy comes from who I play with. Nearly every game I’ve played in recent years has been against my son, Thomas. If you met him in any other setting, you’d notice right away that he’s kind, gracious, easygoing—the type of young man people naturally like. But once Ticket to Ride hits the table? He transforms. He becomes a trash-talking machine, cracking jokes, predicting his inevitable victory, and narrating your so-called “strategic mistakes” with the confidence of a seasoned sportscaster. And I absolutely love it.

There’s something special about seeing a different side of your child emerge in the space of play—competitive but still delightful, bold but still generous. Even when he’s in full competitive mode, it stays light, fun, and joyful. And every time we play, I feel like we carve out another little memory—another moment of shared laughter, another inside joke, another chance to simply enjoy each other’s company.

In the end, Ticket to Ride isn’t just a board game. It’s strategy, competition, connection, and story—all neatly packed into one colorful, compelling map. And for me, that’s what keeps me coming back.