Port Royal

You are a merchant in a Caribbean harbour racing to twelve influence points. Points come from the people you hire, and from expeditions completed by discarding the right combination of them. On your turn you flip cards from the deck into the harbour one at a time, stopping whenever you like. Ships give you coins, or you fight them off if your sailors carry enough swords. Flip a second ship of the same colour and your turn ends with nothing gained. Then you hire from the harbour, and everyone else may hire from what is left for a coin paid to you. A tight push-your-luck game with just a deck of cards, and one of our easier recommendations for people who want more decision than a filler but nothing to set up. Try it after Exploding Kittens has run its course and before you commit to Catan.