Thanksgiving is the perfect time to bond with family—at least until dessert is over and someone brings up politics. A great way to avoid a full-blown argument over the dinner table? Games. A great way to accidentally cause one? The wrong games. Whether you want to keep the peace or embrace the chaos, here’s a guide to five family-friendly games to play after Thanksgiving dinner and five that are guaranteed to unleash all-out family feuds.

The Peacekeepers: Games That Keep It Chill

1. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)

Sure, Mario Kart can get competitive, but it’s the kind of lighthearted competition that’s more about laughing at your grandma driving off Rainbow Road than holding lifelong grudges. With easy-to-learn controls and a variety of tracks, it’s fun for everyone—whether you’re a gaming pro or someone who just figured out how to hold the controller. Just keep the blue shell diplomacy in check.

2. Just Dance (Multiple Platforms)

Want to burn off that third helping of stuffing? Just Dance is the answer. There’s no strategy or competition, just pure silliness as everyone tries to mimic dance moves. Watching Uncle Bob attempt a Beyoncé routine is worth the price of admission alone. Bonus: It’s hard to argue when you’re too busy trying not to trip over your own feet.

3. Jackbox Party Pack (Multiple Platforms)

Jackbox games are a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Whether it’s drawing ridiculous doodles in Drawful or answering hilariously inappropriate prompts in Quiplash, these games let everyone participate with nothing more than their phone. They’re perfect for family bonding—assuming no one’s ego is tied to their doodle of a turkey that looks like a mutant blob.

4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)

For a completely drama-free experience, boot up Animal Crossing and let everyone take turns visiting your idyllic island. There’s no competition, no winners, and absolutely no way to start a fight—unless someone accidentally chops down your favorite apple tree. It’s peaceful, calming, and the perfect palate cleanser after a stressful holiday meal.

5. Overcooked! All You Can Eat (Multiple Platforms)

Yes, Overcooked! involves a lot of shouting, but it’s the fun kind—the “Who forgot to cook the rice?!” kind, not the “You ruined Thanksgiving, Karen!” kind. In this cooperative cooking game, players work together to prepare meals under hilariously absurd conditions. It’s chaotic but ultimately rewarding, and no one will end up flipping the Monopoly board.

The Instigators: Games That WILL Start a Fight

1. Monopoly (Every Platform Ever)

Ah, Monopoly. The game that has ruined more family holidays than undercooked turkeys. No matter how good your intentions, Monopoly always descends into chaos. Maybe it’s the unfair distribution of wealth (hi, capitalism), or maybe it’s the inevitable argument over whether landing on Free Parking earns you cash. Either way, someone’s flipping the board, and it’s probably your cousin who just went bankrupt after landing on Boardwalk.

2. Uno (Card Game)

Uno seems innocent enough—until someone drops a Draw Four on Grandma. This game is a breeding ground for passive-aggressive revenge, with players gleefully stacking penalty cards like they’re building a Jenga tower of resentment. Pro tip: Don’t play with someone who takes the “no mercy” rule seriously.

3. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Nintendo Switch)

Super Smash Bros. is fun for about five minutes—until your little brother spams the same move over and over and suddenly, you’re contemplating throwing a controller at his head. This game turns even the most mild-mannered family member into a trash-talking, rage-fueled competitor. If you value family harmony, maybe skip this one.

4. Catan (Board Game)

If you thought Monopoly was bad, meet Catan. This “strategic” board game involves trading, alliances, and an unspoken rule that someone will hoard all the sheep just to spite you. It’s like Survivor but without the island. And much like Thanksgiving, it’s a breeding ground for grudges that’ll last until next year.

5. Mario Party (Nintendo Switch)

Mario Party markets itself as a “family game,” but it’s really a Trojan horse for sabotage and heartbreak. Just when you think you’re winning, someone steals your stars, and suddenly you’re plotting revenge like you’re in an episode of Succession. It’s chaos disguised as fun, and no one leaves the table unscathed.

How to Choose Wisely

When it comes to post-Thanksgiving gaming, the stakes are higher than that third slice of pie. Pick the wrong game, and your family bonding time could turn into a battle royale that leaves emotional scars deeper than any cranberry sauce stain.

If your goal is to keep things light and fun, stick to cooperative games like Overcooked! or dance-offs with Just Dance. These games prioritize humor and teamwork over competition, minimizing the chance of Uncle Jerry storming out mid-game.

If, on the other hand, you secretly enjoy stirring the pot (figuratively, not literally), lean into the chaos with Uno or Mario Party. Just be prepared for the consequences when Aunt Susan refuses to speak to you for a week after you stole her last star.

The Final Word

Thanksgiving is all about bringing people together—and occasionally driving them apart. Whether you choose a chill, family-friendly game or an all-out feud starter, the key is to embrace the spirit of the holiday: laughing, bonding, and accepting that someone’s probably going to take things too seriously.

So this year, after the plates are cleared and the pumpkin pie is gone, gather your family around for a few rounds of gaming. Just remember, if you’re breaking out Monopoly, you’d better hide the table-flipping cousin’s car keys.