Make a small shortlist
Choose two or three games with the directory’s Compare controls. You can keep selections while changing filters; Clear comparison removes the whole selection. The table compares recorded facts, not scores or a “winner”.
Read the rows together
Look at edition, publisher, player range, published time, type and mode. Then open each profile to read the research boundaries and official source. Types are editorial labels, while times and player ranges are sourced to the listed edition.
Keep one limitation visible
A source-based introduction is not a playtest. There is no measured setup time, “best at” count or component assessment in the initial records. Do not turn an empty review record into a star rating.
Use the differences as questions
Would the group rather cooperate or divide into teams? Does the available time still leave room to learn? Does the language edition suit the table? The result is a clearer decision process, not a promise that a catalogue match guarantees a good evening.