Decide Which Board Game to Bring to a Games Night With Mixed Experience

Half the group has never played anything more complex than snakes and ladders, the other half wants worker placement. This does not hand you a title off a top ten list, it names the mechanic that actually bridges that gap and tells you in one line why it fits your exact mix.

I am choosing a board game for a games night. Group: {GROUP_SIZE} people, experience ranging from [describe: total beginners, casual players, hardcore hobbyists]. Time available: [minutes]. Recommend one specific game type of mechanic to look for, not a named title, and explain in one line why it suits this exact mix of experience levels. Under 80 words.