Game Night Guide

   Face it, as Gamers, we long for uninterrupted blocks of time dedicated to playing the latest and greatest games. We dream of weekends free from obligations where we can gather and bask in the joy of defeating the Cylons, curing the world of Pandemics, or reaching the paragon tier with our newest heroes. Then life dawns on us and we are back to the work that needs to be done, commitments that have to be kept, and responsibilities that lead us to believe that we will never again have the time we once had to enjoy our hobby. I’m here to tell you that it can be done.
With a little bit of organization, a reality check that life happens and things come up, and someone willing to take on the role of organizer, I promise that you can be back to gaming in no time.

Step 1: Calling All Gamers
 So you want to get a group together for regular game nights. Who do you invite? You know that Steve lives down the street, but his work schedule isn't always consistent, Josh and Amanda both have weekends off but you’re not sure they could get time away from their two kids, John has a new girlfriend, Mike is usually free but lives about 30 minutes away, and Bill and Stacy would love to get together as long as they can be home before 10. Sound familiar? One of the easiest ways to get a group going is to begin with a casual game night invitation. Casual gaming creates an atmosphere where no one feels pressure to attend every time. Begin by sending an invitation, whether via email, Facebook, or an online invitation service such as Evite, suggesting to everyone that you would like to get a regular group together to play games. Have them reply with days, times, and spaces that work for them, as well as any major commitments they may have during the month. As the initiator, it is also polite to offer your own space as the first place to meet, assuming you have the capacity to host.

Step 2: They've Replied, So Now What?
  You have received replies and just about everyone has expressed interest in attending. The trouble is, not everyone’s availability meshes. Don’t panic! This is going to happen and the object is to find at least 2 times that work for a fair share of the group during any given week.  You will not be able to involve everyone every time, but the good news is that you have their schedules and can adjust the game nights to give everyone an opportunity to attend. By planning two gatherings a month you should be able to get just about everyone to attend who wants too and no one feels overloaded, If it works out that you can get together more often, all the better! In all honesty, it is usually better that everyone cannot make it. The best number of people to have for a game night is 4-6 anyway, since most games support this number of players. If you find you have a large group, party games or multiple games going at the same time might be in order. So let’s say, after assessing the days and times your friends have suggested, you discover that the best days would be Wednesdays at 6 and Sundays at 4. Taking into account the wedding Bill and Stacy told you about on the first weekend of the month, you send back the dates for your first two game gatherings.

Step 3: Games Anyone?
  The dates have been set, and you are well on your way to your first game night. Your next challenge, what to play? If you have a large collection of your own, send out a list to the group and get some feedback. Let the others chime in with favorites of their own and thoughts on what they enjoy. Not everyone is going to like the same type of game, and getting this clear and in the open from the start will help the group enjoy their time together far more than if someone ends up forced to play games they don’t like. Like any group situation, there needs to be compromise and you can often get past these battles by being proactive. Let’s say Mike is dying to try Keyflower and suggests it to the group. The others don’t know much about it, but Josh and Amanda have seen the game displayed in their friendly neighborhood game store and believe that it will take far too long for them to play. There are a few things they need to consider. First, time. Some games take hours to play and can take far longer the first time through. Second, complexity. Many of the others involved in this particular group have only really played more accessible board games like Apples to Apples and Carcassonne. While they are interested in learning more complex games, this one might be a little too complex for a first get-together. Third, appeal. Keyflower is a game that has a certain feel to it and might not be for everyone. Most people will give games the benefit of the doubt, but if someone has strong feelings against a suggested game, it would be wise to find another time to play with those who are interested. It’s not worth making the whole group miserable just because you want to play a certain game. And the same goes for suffering though a game if you know you can not be happy playing it. The point is to have fun, and if you are not, then you are missing the point of games entirely.
So, after a few more emails back and forth, the group decides on playing Carcassonne and the suggestion of King of New York, a game you just picked up. Keyflower has been put on hold, but it appears that there is a fair share of people interested in trying the game, and a time will be worked out for a future game night. Remember that as the host, you should familiarize yourself with the games you are planning on playing (especially new ones) and be ready to teach it to the group. If you have to spend time reading the rules before you play you will lose out on precious gaming time and possibly not get to all you had hoped to accomplish.

Step 4: Remember the Snacks
  The game night is fast approaching and you just realized you forgot something, Food! This is one area that some people tend to overlook. You will most likely be gaming for several hours and snacks, if not a meal, will be welcomed and appreciated. Food can sometimes be tricky, as it needs to be easy to eat while playing (no grease on the cards please!), able to feed a decent number of people, and relatively easy to prepare. As the host you should provide the basics for the meal, but there is nothing wrong with asking others to provide drinks and snacks. Since the host is providing the space, the dishes, and the time to get the group assembled, it is only polite for the guests to bring something to share. Over the next couple weeks, I will be providing you with some great gamer tested recipes for you to try at your next game night.  Here's a quick recipe to get you started.

Barbarian "Chick"en Barbecue Chili

Ingredients:
1 large Vidallia Onion
1 tsp. Mminced Garlic
1 lb. Ground Chicken
2 cups Chicken Broth
2 28 oz. Cans Stewed Tomatoes
1 cup Water
2 tbs. Dark Brown Sugar
2 tbs. Cider Vinegar
1 tbs. Honey Mustard
1 tbs. Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbs. Molasses
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 15 oz. Cans Kidney Beans (rinsed and drained)

Brown chicken in a large pot. Add onions and garlic and saute until onions begin to look transparent. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 1 hour. (You can also place it all in the crock pot, set it for 6 hours on low and it will be ready when your guests arrive!) Serves 8.

NH Holiday Happenings

Well, it's official.  Snow has begun to fall in New Hampshire.  It's time to starting thinking cozy thoughts of comfy blankets, hot cocoa, warm fires, and lots of fun outside activities.  New England is a great place to get outdoors and once the temperatures drop, many people start to think Christmasy thoughts.

I have gathered a list of great NH events to help you and your family get into the holiday spirit this month.

Christmas at The Fells: Deck The Halls

November 15-16, 10am-3pm

456 Route 103A
Newbury, NH 03255 

Event Fee: $22.50 at the door; $5 children.

Description:
Looking for great holiday decorating ideas or just an enjoyable way to get into the holiday spirit then be sure to come see Christmas at The Fells: Deck the Halls. Experience the historic Fells Main House, transformed to the theme of Deck the Halls! Get inspired by fireside stockings and the twinkling of lights.

Santa Has Arrived!

Make a Date with Santa at the Mall of New Hampshire!
November 5th - December 24th

Visit a Festival of Trees 

Check out beautifully decorated trees at New Hampshire's various Festival of Trees events. Trees are often donated and decorated by local businesses in an effort to help fundraise for local events and activities. You can bid on trees, enter raffles, indulge in cookies and cocoa and more.

Southern New Hampshire Festival of Trees 

November 28th - December 6th

Sherburne Hall in the Municipal Building 
6 Village Green
Pelham, NH 

Event Fee: 12 & Over: $5; Under 12: Free.  Multiple day passes are available.

14th Annual "Fez"tival of Trees

November 22 - December 30
Bektash Shrine Center
189 Pembroke Rd.
Concord, NH

Event Fee: Adults are $5; senior are $4 and children 12 and under are free

Nashua's Festival of Trees

November 29 - November 30,  December 6 and December 7: Gala is on Friday, December 12
Hunt Memorial Building
6 Main St.
Nashua, NH

Event Fee: Free

Zoolights at the Stone Zoo

November 27 - January 4, 5 pm - 9pm

Event Fee: Members and member guests: $6 Tuesday - Sunday; $4 on Member Mondays
Non-Members $7 

Description: This annual festival of lights will dazzle visitors of all ages this holiday season. Meet Reindeer, visit with Santa, and enter a magical holiday world filled with fairy tale characters and dancing plush animals. 

Take a Ride with Santa on the Ho Ho Hobo Express

Exit 32 on I-93 in Lincoln, NH on Rt 112, directly opposite McDonald's.

Description: This 1 hour and 20 minute holiday excursion follows along the winding Pemigewassett River from Hobo Junction in Lincoln to Woodstock and then returns to Lincoln. You will travel in restored vintage train cars decorated for the season. 

We took my son on this trip last year and it was a complete hit. Everything from the festively decorated train cars, to the cookies and hot chocolate made the experience magical for my son.  We even wrote a list to Santa, which my son personally gave to him on the train.  If you have a child who loves trains or the Polar Express, this is definitely a trip not o miss.  

Visit a Christmas Tree Farm

Bring some of the beauty and fragrance of New Hampshire into your home this holiday season. Christmas trees are available at farms where you can select and cut down your own or bring home a fresh pre-cut tree. Special activities like sleigh rides plus treats and hot cocoa add to the seasonal festivities and make lasting family memories!  

Fist Bumps, Robot Hugs, and Microbots

  November marks the start to a few fabulous things.  The beginning of family gatherings, fabulous food, the Christmas season, and of course some great family movies.  This past weekend brought us the opening of Big Hero 6, the tale of a boy named Hiro who has a real knack for robotics.  His brother realizes his potential and encourages him to pursue his dreams by bringing new innovations to the world.  Unfortunately, a tragic event claims the life of his brother and leaves Hiro to navigate the world alongside his brother's invention, Baymax the lovable inflatable robot.  Soon a devastating event forces Hiro to transform his friends into a band of high-tech heroes and save the city.    

  Big Hero 6 is loosely based on a marvel comic of the same name, which has been infused with the magic of Disney animation.  Even though it is not the same as the comic and the characters have a very different look, the movie has been very well done.  Family, friends, action, drama, and of course the big robot, Baymax, make this movie an enjoyable film for the whole family.  Don't be surprised if your heart melts soon after Baymax's very first appearance.  Besides his non-threatening marshmallow of an appearance, his adorable naivety and selfless nature will capture your heart.  For these reasons, Big Hero 6 is proof that Disney will continue to produce great films.  The Disney revival is not yet over and I am eager to see what they will cook up next.  For now, Big Hero 6 will join the ranks of Wreck-it-Ralph, Tangled, and Frozen as some of my most favorite Disney Films.

If you haven't had the chance to see this film, I highly recommend that you do.  Just try to watch this trailer and not get excited. I dare you!

I'm Back!

    Yep, that's right.  I know it's been a while, but it's time for me to jump back into the blogosphere.
When baby number 2 came, life became a whirlwind of appointments, play dates, and sleepless nights.  I couldn't even begin to think about setting aside time for writing.  I instead I continued to keep up with the world through Twitter and Facebook.  For all my random thoughts and ramblings be sure to follow me @AmericanGeekMom.

    Well, life has finally started to slow down (a little) and I think its time to start sharing my thoughts and experiences again.  This time around I want to share what it has been like to raise two little boys in a game filled household.  And let me tell you, my four year old is getting to be quite the little board gamer.  I will be sharing stories, strategies, and freezer meals (You can never have enough of those!) to help keep you sane and free to enjoy the occasional game night yourself!  So, join me as I jump back into sharing my life as a mom, gamer, wife, blogger, and recently inducted MOMS Club President.

Tis The Season for Games

Tis the season for family visits. With Thanksgiving this weekend and Christmas fast approaching, you are frantically trying to get things organized.  This year you are hosting and your in-laws are arriving tonight! Grab some games and liven things up a bit.

You start by perusing your game shelves. You may be very tempted to pull out your new copy of Firefly or Nothing Personal, two games you have been itching to play. Then it dawns on you that, while your in-laws are open to trying new things, they have had very little gaming experience. Most of their game play has been limited to the traditional games of your childhood.  The sum of their gaming experience consists of many games of chess, rummy, monopoly and the occasional game of Settlers of Catan. You envision their eyes glazing over as you try desperately to explain the complexities of Malcolm Reynolds and his crew. No, you need to find something you can all enjoy.

Choosing the right game is a very important task, particularly when you are playing with a group that isn't experienced, or has had a poor gaming experience in the past.  Those poor experiences can be very tricky to overcome.

So how do you ensure that this does not happen?

First, choose games that will provide a fun, light experience, and that suit the personalities of the group. If your family and friends find the experience enjoyable, they will be far more likely to want to play again the next time.  If you know that your in-laws prefer mental challenges (you always see them completing the crossword or Sudoku puzzle in the paper), then consider games that stimulate thought like Carcassonne or Ticket to Ride.  If they love word puzzles, try Quiddler, Kerflip!, or Word on the Street. And If they enjoy a more lighthearted type of game with lots of interaction and laughter consider party games such as Time's Up, Cover Your A$$ets, The Princess Bride: Prepare to Die, or (for those families with a more twisted sense of humor) Cards Against Humanity.
Second, look for games with simple, easy to follow rules that still challenge and offer interesting choices and strategies.  This will allow experienced gamers to feel challenged without overwhelming those with less experience.
Third, choose a forgiving game. One that will allow a few mistakes without costing a new player the game. This will help ensure that the experience is enjoyable.  Nothing is worse than losing a game due to a simple mistake that happened at the beginning of the game.  Especially when it is your first time playing.
And finally, Start Slow.  Only introduce one or two new games at your gathering.  By mixing them with games they know and love, you will help ease them into the new game.  Start with a game they love, get them laughing, then introduce the new game.

Even when you make an effort to choose games that fit your group, you may still run into objections.  Some people simply want to stick to tradition.  So when all else fails, grab that copy of Monopoly or Yahtzee.  You'll still be playing a game and at least it's themed out with Star Wars or Dr. Who, right??

Doctor Who: The Night of the Doctor Mini-Episode Released. Brilliant!

A special 7 minute mini-episode of Doctor Who has been released online ahead of the full-length 50th anniversary episode The Day of the Doctor.

The Night of the Doctor stars Paul McGann as the Time Lord, who played the 8th Doctor in the 1996 TV Movie.  This mini episode answers both the question of the 8th Doctor's demise and the origins of the mystery Doctor played by John Hurt in the 50th anniversary special.  The Day of the Doctor airs globally on November 23rd.

Hands On Impressions: Thunderstone Advance: Towers of Ruin

While I may never fully understand the reason behind AEG's choice to name their newest version of Thunderstone, Advance, I am happy to report that the advances made in this version are great improvements to the game. 

Similar to the recent release of Nightfall: The Coldest War, AEG has updated and improved Thunderstone's starting cards as well as updating the curses.  Each curse now has its own distinct way of removing itself from your deck.  While one curse might require you to discard cards, others might order you to lose gold, or worse yet, venture into the dungeon and risk defeat by lowering your attack value and become unable to equip weapons or use dungeon abilities for the rest of the turn. 

The starting cards are also new and Shiny!  If you recall, the old starting cards included Militia, Torch, Dagger, and Rations.  While the Torch remains, the other cards have received a pleasant update.  Militia are now called Regulars and can be leveled up for one fewer XP than before.  The Daggers have been upgraded to Longspears and provide Regulars with the advantage of drawing a card when equipped.  And the Rations have been replaced by Thunderstone Shards.  These thematic shards provide a nice strength boost to heroes while also providing a boost to XP when you gather your spoils in the dungeon.

Adding to the pile of improvements, Thunderstone Advance includes a larger, more dynamic board which holds not only the dungeon cards, but also provides spaces for the village.  Gone are the days when your party ends up with one spell and all weapons to choose from (or vice versa).  The new board has a set number of slots for weapons, heroes, spells, villagers, and items making it much more balanced when choosing your randomizers.

The board also comes double sided and provides two different levels of play.  One side is the dungeon and the other the wilderness.  In the wilderness, the need for light becomes a one-to-one ratio making it a little easier to navigate and a great place for new players to start.

New to this set is the addition of Familiars.  This little twist allows players to draw one after their first victory in the dungeon.  Once drawn, the familiar stays in front of the player until used.  Then it gets shuffled into the players deck to be drawn again.  When drawn it is placed once again in front of the player to be used when the time is right.  Each familiar has several different abilities that improve with the number of XP that the player has accumulated.  For example, if a player drew the Battle Hawk, then that player can use it with 0 XP to gain 2 gold in the Village, with 3 XP in the Dungeon to gain +1 light, or with 6 XP to gain that light + draw a card and gain physical attack +1 in the Dungeon.  When used, the XP is not discarded, it's checked to see that the player has the required amount. 


Players who pre-ordered the set also received the mini Avatar Expansion.  This adds just a little more Dungeon crawl flavor to the game.  Each player chooses between Wizard, Cleric, Fighter, Thief, and Ranger.  All in all I could take or leave this expansion.  The avatars seem too unbalanced and did not add much to the rest of the game.  I think it might be more fun to play with them by randomly distributing the avatars, but that's just me :)

So that's about it! Lots of great new additions that add a lot to the theme and improve the Dungeon crawl feel.  For me this is by far the best version to date and one that has me thinking I need to move it up in my deck building ranks.  Who knows, this might just move up into second place, right under Nightfall!

If you want the full Impressions from our crew, listen to our Session Impressions for Thunderstone Advance, playing now on an iPod near you!