Many of us enjoy playing games like Scattergories or Trivial Pursuit at family gatherings. Perhaps we remember rainy childhood days playing Monopoly or Uno. Tabletop games (board games, card games, etc.) have recently been enjoying a massive resurgence in popularity.
Board Games? Really?
No longer are game shops stalked solely by the bewedgied and the neck-bearded – quite the contrary. There are a spectacular array of games on the market: competitive and cooperative, long and strategic, quick and easy, super nerdy to truly dirty. There truly is something for everyone.
According to Jason Acker, owner of local shop Critical Hit Games (11270 4th Street N., Suite 218), “What was once a niche hobby and traditionally the province of nerds is now enjoying mainstream acceptance and popularity. With celebrities like Will Wheaton hosting Tabletop and Vin Diesel posting about his latest D&D game, tabletop gaming is suddenly a cool thing to do. Comics are now blockbuster movies, the Big Bang Theory is a hit show full of gamers, and even big box retail is getting in on the action with expanded board game sections.”
Joking Hazard
Games are fun! They’re low-pressure social interactions, even for the shyest among us. Last Thanksgiving, my husband and I brought a couple of games to our family dinner and instead of awkwardly talking about work or the weather with cousins we see once a year, we guffawed through a raucous game of Joking Hazard.
“The inherently social aspects of tabletop gaming help us to connect in person in an increasingly digital life,” Acker says of this phenomenon. His shop hosts open game playing every day, but Wednesday and Saturday evenings are their official tabletop game nights. Just come in, grab a game from their open play shelf, have a seat and play – for free! You can also bring your own game or purchase one to play. Their staff is always happy to help match newcomers with games they’ll love.
Human Connection
The new Vortex Bar and Game Room (2329 28th St. N) is also getting in on the action. Owner and operator Kristin Moss believes that, “People are looking for a way to make more of a human connection. Board games offer a chance to get to know someone in a way that many other activities don’t. There’s no better way to get a sense of someone’s personality on a first date than by beating him at his favorite game. Many of the newer games provide wonderful opportunities to open up discussions into topics that might otherwise be avoided, but in a lighthearted way.”
There are also gaming “Meetup” groups you can check out. St. Petersburg Board Game Night has been gathering on a regular basis at the Overflow Brewing Company. St. Pete Beers and Board Games for Young Adults hosts events for the younger set at the Flying Boat Brewing Company.
What To Play?
Interested in getting your game on but not sure where to start? A few personal favorites are Dixit, Exploding Kittens, Tokaido, Potion Explosion, and Crabs Adjust Humidity, a take on the everpopular Cards Against Humanity. There are even some you can play with a group or just two of you, like Blokus, Carcassonne, and Pandemic.
Tabletop game nights with friends make for a wonderful bonding experience. If you want a night of games and booze without having to clean the house, head out to Vortex. Bring a game or play one of theirs, but make sure you mention Green Bench Monthly to get 15% off your tab!
