I looked at Castle Panic and wondered which version you all recommend. There's plain old Castle Panic and then Castle Panic: The Wizard's Tower, or something like that.

Stratego. My son loved it at that age and need only one person to play. Really fun.

My 9 year old likes Risk, but I agree it is best when you have a big group and a few hours. We also have Castle Panic, mentioned above, and it good for three players in under an hour. I also like that it is cooperative so my 5 year old can easily play too ( You see everyone's cards and can make strategy together).

my 9 yo DS has both. Likes both equally. We have the versions in the wood boxes which are great for storage (think they were bought at Target). Also well loved is classic Monopoly.

There are MUCH better games for that age group.

Castle Panic
Munchkin
Who Stole My Fish
Set
Pandemic
Carcossone

Risk 2210 is an updated version (with space stations on the moon) but I think it also is meant to play quicker than regular risk, although still longer than stratego. You could also look on boardgamegeek for a newer game like kings of Tokyo or pandemic.

My 9 year old is receiving Stratego for Christmas.

Stratego. I played it as a kid and now our kids do too.

My DS aged 9 loves both. But I agree with the pp's that Risk is a much longer game to play. Stratego is for 2 players, and Risk can also be played with 2 but is more fun with 3 or 4 players.

I remember loving Stratego as a kid so I picked it up and my kids are o.k. with it. not a favorite.

I think I would go with Risk.

Stratego-- it is really fun to play with my son, and you can play it in 20 minutes. I dread playing Risk with him-- takes forever. But keep in mind Strategy is a 2-player game, and you can play Risk with a lot of people.

They have changed Stratego from when we were kids, but I didn't realize that before we bought it.

my nine year old loves both but Risk takes him and his brothers half a day to play-FYI my husband HATES it bc it takes forever but the boys enjoy playing it

Stratego.

I want to get my 9 year-old DS one of these for the holidays and I am having a hard time deciding which one- I've never played either but I think he would really enjoy them. Thoughts?