Remove choices that cannot work tonight
Start with the number of players, the available time and who can teach. Check table space and any important reading or access needs. A favourite game that cannot accommodate the group is not a useful candidate, however strongly someone advocates for it. Put it aside as a possibility for another evening.
Separate a hard constraint from a preference. A guest leaving in an hour is a constraint; preferring a longer game is a preference. Keeping that distinction clear prevents somebody from having to argue for a practical need as if it were merely another vote.
Offer a small, intelligible selection
Present two or three suitable options and describe what playing each one feels like. Explain the main activity, the expected commitment and whether the rules are new to the group. Titles alone help only the people who already know them. 'A cooperative puzzle with discussion' is more informative than a box held silently in the air.
Do not sell one option enthusiastically while describing the others as compromises. If you have a strong preference, say so directly and still let people respond. A supposedly neutral choice can feel manipulated when the host has already unpacked only one game.
Let people rule out a poor fit
Ask whether any option would be a bad experience for someone tonight. A person may be too tired for heavy reading or simply not want a bluffing game. They do not need to provide an elaborate defence. Remove a poor fit where possible, then choose among the remaining options.
With a regular group, rotating who makes the final choice can work after practical constraints are checked. A quick vote also works if everyone accepts it, but a close majority should not force a clearly unwilling guest into a long session. Consider splitting tables when preferences genuinely diverge and both groups can operate comfortably.
Resolve a genuine tie quickly
If everyone is happy with either of two choices, use a simple random selection or let the person who chose least recently decide. There is little benefit in debating small differences for another quarter of an hour. Agree on the tie method before using it so the result does not trigger a new round of persuasion.
Keep a note of the unchosen game if someone was especially interested. It can become a candidate next time, but do not make an absolute promise before you know the next guest list. A record of interest is more flexible than an obligation that later excludes someone.
Stop reopening the decision
Once the group agrees, begin setup and let the choice stand unless new information changes a practical constraint. Repeated suggestions of alternatives can make players doubt the game before it starts. Save comparisons for afterward, when you have something concrete to discuss.
If choosing is repeatedly difficult, ask guests for preferences before the evening and prepare a shortlist. The goal is not to remove shared choice; it is to spend that shared time playing rather than browsing the shelf.
