Board Games Haven

  We’re always chasing our tails, running after time, hoping to get it all done within an acceptable timeframe. In the process, we stress ourselves out, and some of us may start to feel older than our chronological age. Add kids, family and work obligations to the mix and you have yourself a powder keg all primed and ready for the ultimate blow-up. If this describes you to any degree, then you would really benefit from what I have to say next. Stress significantly impacts our overall well-being. It’s not merely a mental phenomenon. When stress becomes overwhelming, our sleep suffers, and the quality of rest we manage to get is disrupted. Additionally, handling even minor day-to-day challenges becomes more difficult. We may find ourselves becoming irritable and snapping at well-wishers. Stress acts as an unhealthy toxin, altering our thought processes and actively hastening the ageing process. In practical terms, when we encounter situations that trigger the “fight or flight” response

My eight-year-old and I were playing Star Realms, a card game where you must reduce the other player’s Authority points, which are like life points, to zero. I was doing well and had greatly lowered his points, but he didn’t like that. He got irate and didn’t listen when I told him I was playing by the rules. He cried so much that I stopped the game. I don’t hold it against him that he got emotional. Losing can be hard, even for grown-ups. I’ve seen adults get angry, rude, or accuse others of cheating when they lose. Some of them try to spoil the fun for everyone or say the game is unfair. They are not good at losing gracefully. Losing is part of playing any game, no matter what game it is, how good you are, how good your opponent is, or where you play. Sometimes you lose because you make bad choices, and sometimes you lose even when you make good choices. The key is not to let your emotions take over when you lose but to think about it objectively and logically. That way, you can

Backgammon is a compelling blend of strategy and luck and has captivated players for millennia. Though variations exist, the standard format, played with 15 checkers per side and the iconic doubling cube, reigns supreme. This dynamic combination fosters exciting matches, where skill and chance intertwine to create unexpected twists and thrilling victories. Before exploring the game’s history, which dates to ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 5,000 years ago, let’s take a moment to discuss a relatively modern addition to the game, the ‘doubling cube’. The doubling cube is a six-sided die that is used to increase the stakes of the game. It was first introduced in the 1920s at the Knickerbocker Club in New York City by an unknown player. The cube has the numbers 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 printed on its faces and is placed on the bar, between the two players, or along the edge of the board at the beginning of the game, indicating that both players have access to it. Either player c

 Euro-style board games have gained immense popularity in recent years, captivating gamers with their emphasis on strategic gameplay, economic systems, and thematic depth. While most euro games cater for 2-4 players, several titles offer expanded player counts, extending the gaming experience to 5 or 6 participants. However, the decision of whether to design a game for a specific player count or accommodate a wider range involves careful consideration, as each approach presents its advantages and disadvantages. Games specifically designed for 4 players often offer a more refined and cohesive experience. By carefully tuning the game mechanics and balancing the elements, designers can ensure that every player has ample opportunities to engage in meaningful strategic decisions without feeling overwhelmed or marginalized. This focus on a smaller player count allows for a more intimate and interactive gaming experience, fostering a sense of camaraderie and engagement among participants. In