A Love letter to tabletop games

The rhythmic rapping of fingertips on wood grain, suspicious side-long glances, a pregnant pause that bloats into a deafening silence. A card hits the table; uproar, cacophony, shouts, and whoops, and groans. A half-second of the seemingly mundane action of placing a card on a table and the pot boils over. Some perk up with raised eyebrows in elation and others hang their heads, letting out heavy sighs of defeat.

I lost, but it doesn't matter one bit - it's just great to be here.

The bite of the evening's cold has no place here - the warmth felt doesn't just come from the steam of the clanking baseboards. It comes from rivalries, bonds, and friends that are momentary foes. The table might as well be a dais for all the spiritual goodwill it brings it's occupants. The cardboard and paper of the game board are much more than what they truly are, they are catalysts for memories, architects of experience. Memories and experience that are etched into us beyond just a sequential turn of events. Game night brings with it respite, release, and reconnection to the table.

Teaching a new tabletop game is a journey - and one that requires patience and understanding. There's a unique bliss in teaching someone, a satisfaction in seeing the aperture close on incomprehension and open anew with a wider, clearer lens. Their first original strategy, the first time they surprise you with an illuminated play, the culmination of the intention and knowledge you've fostered manifesting. It's a beautiful thing, seeing the grip on the torch of knowledge clasped in a new hand.

There's something out there for everyone, resource management, fantastical settings of sword and shield, space faring adventures guiding you to corners of galaxies so untouched that you are truly a pioneer or pilgrim, depending on how you want to see it.

This love letter is humble, but staunch in it's belief. The next time you are wondering how to spend an evening with friends, pick up a tabletop or board game. Let camaraderie dress itself in the cloak of competition, just for a night. You might find an adventure you didn't know you were looking for.