Playing Board Games in Public
Have you tried this dang-thing? You should!
Board games might be my longest-running hobby.
I got really into Gundam back in college but that lasted about 2 years. The same goes for comics.
Warhammer was another one of my short-lived interests. Sure, I’d love to pick the brush back up and maybe get some games in, but the energy it takes to set up a painting station and find someone to play a game with tremendously outweighs the enjoyment (at least at this time).
Videogames come and go. If I get a chance I’ll play something, but it’s currently difficult to find the time to sit on a couch and sink a couple hours into a long RPG (looking at you Persona 5 Royal).
Board games? Board games are forever.
Same Game, Different Context
When Zelphia and I play a game together I enjoy theming our evening around that game. For example, we had an Everdell night planned, so on the way home I picked up some berry mead from Superstition Meadery. We played the game while enjoying the mead and eating nuts.
I don’t do half-measures. However, that does make it difficult to just play a game. I like to make it special!
Recently I discovered the joys of playing board games in public.
While planning a date night I was conflicted between using the precious time away from our baby to play a game and actually going out. Then I thought, why not both?
The first game we did this with was Azul. We went to The Raven Cafe, ate some awesome food (we didn’t make), and played one of our favorite games! Both of us really enjoyed being able to do something familiar in a space that was different from what we’re used to.
Playing a game at home isn’t awful, but when it’s played in a new locale it feels a lot more special.
Touch Grass, Play More Games
It’s hard to find time to play board games. Some nights we’re so tired from working our full-time jobs and taking care of a baby that all we want to do is watch something mindless.
For me personally, I begin to feel bad about not playing anything for a long time. I begin to feel the pull.
With this new way of playing games, my wife and I are able to leave the baby with her grandparents and play a game.
Honestly, I just wanted to write this in appreciation of board games, my wife, and the town I live in. It’s really nice to be able to just stop by a tap room or cafe and bust out a board game. It makes my heart full.