You already know what a zero-prep game (or a ZPG, as I'm prone to call them) is. It's a game that you can pull out of the box and start to play without any preparation beforehand. Hence "zero-prep game."

These are the only types of games that most nongamers are familiar with. Board games such as Monopoly, Life, or Trivial Pursuit. Card games like canasta, poker, or rummy. Dice games like craps or Yahtzee.

There are also quite a few ZPGs that most nongamers aren't familiar with because they can't be found in a Toys 'R' Us. These include dice games such as as Cosmic Wimpout, card games like Ivanhoe by GMT Games, or just about anything by Cheapass Games.

My friends try to get together for occasional ZPG nights. These games can be a nice break from RPGs, especially since whoever's organizing them doesn't have to do any work ("zero prep," remember?). There are several ZPGs that I've developed materials for. Not official materials -- I had nothing to do with the development of the game lines. But these unofficial materials may be of use to you nonetheless. To get to them, click on the appropriate link at the left.