Table of Contents
Author's Note xi
Introduction: A Great Time To Be A Gamer xiii
Chapter 1 The Ground Rules 1
Preparing for a Successful Game Night 2
Setting Expectations 3
Before the Guests Arrive 5
The Art of Explaining Game Rules 7
Chapter 2 Two-Player Game Nights 13
Game Night as a Meet-Cute 14
The Joy of Cooperative Games 17
Great Games for Two Players 20
Chapter 3 Small Group Game Nights (Three To Six Players) 27
Who to invite 28
Interpersonal Dynamics 31
Dealing with Problematic Guests 34
Playing to Win vs. Playing for the Experience 38
Seating Arrangements 40
Game-Friendly Food and Drink 41
Game-Night Cocktails 44
Great Games for Small Groups 47
Chapter 4 Large Group Game Nights (Seven To Ten Players) 53
Enlisting Help 54
Splitting into Smaller Groups 55
Introducing New Games to Non-Gamers 56
Treating Games with Care and Respect 61
Pets Love Games, But Do Games Love Pets? 65
Semi-cooperative Games 66
The Flow of a Game Night 68
Great Games for Large Groups 71
Chapter 5 Extra Large Group Game Nights (Eleven To Twenty Players) 77
Tables and Chairs (and Other Furniture) 77
How to Store Your Games 83
Trash Talk and Table Talk 85
Post-Event Wrap-up 88
Great Games for Extra Large Groups 90
Chapter 6 Game Days 95
Where to Hold the Event 97
Food for a Game Day 99
Who Brings the Games? 101
Tournaments 102
Great Games that Play Quickly 106
Chapter 7 Game Weekends 111
Where to Hold the Event 113
Negotiating with the Venue 116
Pacing the Weekend 117
Great Games for Game Weekends 121
Chapter 8 Small Game Conventions 127
Start Mini, Grow to Small 128
Where to Hold the Event 130
Dealing with Harassment and Other Serious Issues 131
Chapter 9 Themed Game Nights 133
Mystery 135
Nature 136
Football 137
Soccer 139
Racing 140
Horror and Halloween 142
Trains 143
Even More Themes 144
Chapter 10 Virtual Game Nights 147
Video Chat Gaming 147
Games That Play Well Virtually 149
Online Gaming Services 152
Conclusion: Thanks For The (Gaming) Memories 155
Acknowledgments 163
Notes 165
Game Index 167
