Hobby: Board Games

Welcome to the Board

Discover the joy of board games.

Some games require skill, some require strategy, and some require luck. The game being pictured is a beautiful blend of each. In this game, players become powerful wizards battling to steal treasures, cast spells, and outwit others in the dungeon. Great for game nights, Wiz-War offers enjoyment for both seasoned gamers and newcomers.

Board Game Setup
A popular board game, Wiz-War (one of my favorites) setup and actively being played by us.

About

My friends and I are a group of board game enthusiasts who love to spend freetime playing games we enjoy and learning new ones.

Sometimes it is hard to decide what game to play or buy, but there are lists on the internet with recommendations that I often follow for advice. Boardgamegeek is a personal favorite for helping decide whether or not I should play a game. Thousands of people put their reviews and ratings on this website.

Some of the group playing flick 'em up
This is some of the people I often play games with playing Flick 'em Up! This game is very simple but dexterity based.

Game Nights

We typically play at someone's house on a chosen weeknight or at local board game shops in evenings. Many of these shops have schedules for pre-arranged events such as Dungeons & Dragons Wednesdays, Crisis Protcol Thursdays, Magic the Gathering Fridays, Board Games on weekends, etc.

If you have interest but none of your friends want to try anything, don't be afraid to look for a public place where people meet and play. Many schools have clubs and many stores have designated nights where anyone can come join the fun.

Game Night Schedule
Local hobby shop (the Mighty Meeple) calendar with game sessions for those looking to plan ahead.

Where We Play

From cozy living rooms to spacious game shop play spaces, we play everywhere. Beer and pretzels are often a nice snack to enjoy while playing games and our favorite shop has many drinks and snacks to choose from.

While we spend a lot of time playing in someone's living room or kitchen, there are plenty of other options out there. Just go online and search for local game shops or board game clubs.

Board Game Locations
The Mighty Meeple play space. One of our favorite gaming locations.

How to Play

Just getting started or have been playing games for years, there's always a new game to learn. Many people who play and shops who sell, will sit down and explain to new players how to play games they are interested in, or recommend options for what they are looking for. All you have to do is ask.

Depending on how complex you like your games to be, you can find instruction manuals that take minutes to read or up to hours to determe all the rules and engagements required for sufficient gameplay.

Just like videogames and movies, many board games also gain expansions or remakes as years pass and popularity increases.

Evolution Board Game Rulebook
Rulebook for the game Evolution. Source.

Why Play Board Games

Digital screens often dominate our attention, board games provide a way to connect without internet and brings people together for strategy, and laughter. Beyond being a fun way to spend an evening, board games challenge our minds, encourage strategic thinking, and supports social interaction and teamwork. Some are even based on creativity, where each game is a unique playthrough and different ending.

Playing board games isn't just a pastime; it's a way to meet new people or connect with friends. Everybody loves winning, but sometimes crazy turns, or unexpected defeats are sufficient. It is also one of the few ways for face-to-face interaction nowadays.

Our group has been playing together for many years and we have created so many memorable moments. Board games also teach us some important real-life skills like patience, negotiation, and how to win or lose gracefully.

Friends from Board Games
While this picture is from our new years party, most of these people I met and have stayed connected with from board games or card games. Even at this party, we started the night with games. This photo is from after our college graduations, showing that we have remained connected even after college. Many of these people went to different colleges and live in different places now but we remain friends and get together for games when we can.