Part of what makes it work is the head-to-head option. Two players each take a grid, roll the same starting positions, then race to finish first. A single round takes only a few minutes, which makes it easy to fit in before dinner or on a rainy afternoon. It suits ages six and up, and adults tend to get just as competitive as the children.

Playing time is worth checking before you start. Many escape games run for around an hour to ninety minutes, so it helps to set aside a clear evening rather than squeezing one in. Some are single-use, where you mark or fold the components as you go, while others can be reset and passed on to friends once you have finished, which is handy if you want to share the fun.

To compare word games by pace and age suitability, and see which reward speed versus vocabulary, take a look at the word games at Brain Games For Adults teaser puzzles.

For a hand-picked selection of brain teasers across easy, medium and fiendish levels, have a look at the adult puzzle range at puzzle games for adults.

For a hand-picked selection of Christmas games and stocking-filler puzzles for every age, browse the seasonal range at puzzles and games.

For a shortlist of compact games that pack down small and set up fast, browse the travel-friendly games chosen by outdoor garden games.