[confident_inept]

Any of the four Azul games. They are all loosely based on each other and the rules between them have similarities even though all four are a completely different experience. They fit that great middle ground of being simple to play but have strategic elements for those that want to be competitive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azul_(board_game)

[sshine]

Azul is simple enough for kids, but can be highly competitive.

I enjoyed it more the first three games, now it feels too much like constraint optimisation.

[lianna-vba]

I didn't know there were 3 more Azules! Which would you recommend getting after the original? Wikipedia mentions Stained Glass of Sintra, Summer Pavilion and Queen's Garden.

[confident_inept]

In my opinion the rules increase in complexity in order of release, with Queen's Garden being by far the most complex. Depending on how much complexity you like, it's a linear scale in my opinion. All four are fun and they are soon to release a special edition of the first game that is chocolate themed.