Olaf Pyttlik

Holly jolly games for the holidays

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Holly jolly games for the holidays

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021

Families throughout the province are preparing for holiday gatherings, friends are planning get-togethers and almost everyone is giving some serious thought about finding the right gifts for those close to us.

Even though this is still not a time to gather without any restrictions, most of us will be able to spend some time with the people we love in person. Somehow it feels less isolating than the last two years around this time.

Board games might be the perfect addition to this period of re-connecting. They might allow us to spend some quality time together, share some laughs and to provide fun-filled entertainment that — hopefully — might let us forget the struggle of the last months for a few moments.

If you are looking for some new game ideas that might help to spread some joy to the people close to you, then here are some of my suggestions.

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Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021

Kings of the game

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Kings of the game

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021

Arguably the most important event in the world of board gaming is Das Spiel, a fair that is held each October in the German city of Essen. Exhibitors and guests from all around the world gather for four days to present and try all of the new and exciting titles that were released that year.

In 2019 almost 200,000 people gathered to celebrate what the board-gaming world had to offer. After not holding the event in public last year, Essen was once again open for in-person business in 2021.

One of the focuses of Das Spiel is always the newly announced winners of the Spiel Des Jahres (game of the year), the prestigious award that has become the benchmark for recognizing the best game(s) that were published in the previous year. This year was no different and, once again, there are noteworthy titles that stood above the rest — at least as far as the awards committee was concerned.

There are three individual awards given each year. The most significant is the actual Spiel des Jahres. It is awarded to the best overall game, with an emphasis on playability within a family unit or more causal game play. For gamers that have an eye for slightly more complex games, the organization recognizes the Kennerspiel des Jahres (connoisseur game of the year). This award is given to an exceptional game that panders more to an experienced board gaming crowd. The third award is given to the Kinderspiel des Jahres (children’s game of the year). As the title implies, is it given to a game that offers outstanding game play for kids with an emphasis on social and educational values.

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Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021

These games bring a co-operative element to the concept of word-based games

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These games bring a co-operative element to the concept of word-based games

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Friday, Nov. 5, 2021

The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said: “All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down.”

Even though I am almost certain he did not say this with regards to board games, part of me wishes that he did. We all agree that words can be powerful things. Obviously they are a way for us humans to express ourselves, but they are also so much more. They can be a source of comfort, hurt or hope. They can start wars and they can heal. Words are awesome!

This versatile source of spoken or written power has not been lost to the board-game world. For decades, games such as Scrabble or Boggle have shown us that playing with words can be both entertaining and mentally stimulating. Trivial Pursuit has shown us that knowing or not-knowing a word can be the difference between winning and losing. But these are also examples of games that are based on a solitary player experience. Each player is working on how to use use a word efficiently in their own mind. This can offer some satisfaction by outsmarting the other players, but it doesn’t really lend itself to a particularly fun group experience.

In more recent years there has been a growth in games that use word-guessing mechanics in a group or team setting. Many of them are co-operative or, at the very least, put less emphasis on who might be winning. Instead they are focused on a fun and communal activity.

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Friday, Nov. 5, 2021

Some spooky suggestions for a Halloween gathering

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Some spooky suggestions for a Halloween gathering

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021

Fall has been beautiful this year in Manitoba. But now that most of the leaves have fallen, the temperature is dropping and nightfall comes earlier. We can all sense the time that is upon us: Halloween!

And what a fun time it will be, a brief foray into the dark side of our minds that includes costumes, horror movies and scary decorations. But in the end, Halloween is a season of getting together. Be it for horror-themed parties, trick or treating with family or showing off elaborate costumes at work, getting spooked is more fun if it can be shared with others. Somehow that makes life less scary.

So why not add some board-gaming fun to the mix of ghoulish experiences? After all, games are a great storytelling tool for all ages. They allow us to safely indulge in all kinds of previously unchartered experiences. Lucky for us there are plenty of Halloween-themed game titles to choose from, covering zombies, witches, ghosts and beyond.

If you’d like to make your next game night a fright night, then I have some suggestions that will get you into a horrifying mood.

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Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021

Simplicity has kept Ticket to Ride steaming ahead

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Simplicity has kept Ticket to Ride steaming ahead

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021

What defines a great board game? It is its theme, the accessibility and elegance of the rules, the design and production of the components, the depth of strategy, or the level of enjoyment one experiences when playing it? I believe it is a combination of all of these factors, and very few games are able to fulfil all of these criteria satisfactorily.

These are games that have staying power and that are loved not only by thousands, but by millions of people around the world. There is no doubt in my mind the game Ticket to Ride is one of them.

Ticket to Ride was created by the American designer Alan R. Moon and was first published in 2004 by the game publisher Days of Wonder. Since its inception it has sold more than eight million copies worldwide and has received dozens of international awards, including the much coveted “Spiel des Jahres” in Germany. It is one of the most popular modern board games in the world, an honour that can only be shared with other mammoth titles like Catan or Carcassone.

One of the reasons for its success is that it is deceptively simple. The game casts players as railroad developers, crossing North America in the age of steam. It is played on a large and colourfully illustrated map of the United States and southern Canada. It even features Winnipeg as one of its destination cities — something I am strangely proud of! In addition, it features a large deck of cards that depict train cars in different colours as well as a supply of mini plastic trains for each player in their colour. Most turns, a player can take one of two actions: They can either add cards to their hand from the card supply, or they can claim a route between two cities on the board. If they choose the latter, they trade in a set of cards of the same colour as the track and place their train tokens on that route. They then immediately receive points for that action. The longer the route they claim, the more points they get. The game ends when at least one player has two or fewer train tokens left. The player with the most points is declared winner after one final round. That’s pretty much the core of it. To add a little more depth, each player also receives another set of cards listing pairs of cities. At the end of the game, players receive bonus points for each card they were able to link up, but they lose points if they couldn’t. This adds a hidden point structure that can alter a player’s ranking at the very end.

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Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021

Intro to ‘heavy strategy’ games

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Intro to ‘heavy strategy’ games

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Sep. 11, 2021

Last weekend, I spent a couple of days with friends at their cabin. As usual I packed a bag filled with games to bring along, knowing full well that people were hoping for some board gaming entertainment. And, as usual, I gathered a variety of games that might be fitting for the occasion.

In situations like this, I tend to bring games that are light, easy to learn, and that can accommodate any number of players. There were some card games, some party games and lighter, family-style titles. I also knew that at least two of the people there were rather experienced board gamers, so I also wanted to add some games that were a bit more complex and that would offer a more involved gaming experience. Partly because I myself wanted to get into some games that would flex my strategic muscles a bit, I decided to bring some heavier strategy games as well.

In the board gaming world, people often use the term ‘heavy strategy’ to describe games that are designed with an emphasis on a player’s decision making-skills. Unlike other genres where luck, randomness or humour are a big part of the gaming experience, heavy strategy games rely primarily on an individual’s ability to plan and strategize carefully. As a result, heavier strategy games are often more complex with regards to their rules. It is not uncommon to find instructions that are 20-plus pages long. Partly because one has to define a variety of extra explanations like resolving a conflict, movement, special cards, and so on. They also tend to be provide a longer gaming experience. One of the more well known heavy strategy games on the market is a game called Twilight Imperium, which famously can last up to eight hours for a single game. Outside of these more extreme examples, most heavier strategy games last about two to three hours. This of course is directly related to how well players might know the game. In most cases, one should add one hour for a game that will be learned for the first time. After that, seeing that everyone now knows the rules, subsequent games should go quicker. Either way, they are usually games that will last most of an afternoon or evening.

Most heavier strategy games also incorporate a wider range of components than lighter games. Be it a bigger board with plenty of spaces and options, tokens or armies, cards and other peripherals. This will also add to the set-up and tear-down time for a game. On the other hand, they provide a much deeper and more immersive experience than some of their lighter counterparts.

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Saturday, Sep. 11, 2021

Good old-fashioned lies make for tricky gameplay

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Good old-fashioned lies make for tricky gameplay

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021

This is the era of information — and misinformation.

Over the last few months we have all experienced how difficult and confusing it can be to find reliable sources of facts. Whatever your political, social or medical opinion, you will find someone to back up your position with what they claim is “the truth.”

Social media is overflowing with contraditory claims and perspectives. We are all witnessing an unfortunate divide, both in our country and globally, when it comes to controversial topics such as vaccines or masks, with both sides citing research and “facts” to support their claims.

I believe that the act of lying to further one’s position is something hidden deep within all of us. Sure, we teach our children not to lie, we see honesty as one of the highest virtues and we generally aim to be truthful at all times. After all, in real life, lying does have consequences.

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Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021

Isolation ice-breakers

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Isolation ice-breakers

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021

With the recent lifting of a lot of COVID restrictions, life is slowly returning to normal for most Manitobans. In my personal life that is especially felt when it comes to my social calendar. In the last two weeks, my wife and I had more get-togethers with friends and family then we had in the last 18 months. It felt good, if a little tiring — we’re all out of practice when it comes to social interactions.

When one is invited to a social gathering, the question of “What can we bring?” often comes up. The response is often a polite “Nothing, just bring yourself.” But let’s face it, you want to have something in your hands when you arrive; it’s a form of social grace. My wife and I have the usual back-and-forth beforehand. A small gift? Wine? Dessert? Chocolates? Nine out of 10 times my response is the same: “Let’s take a game.”

To the column’s regular readers, this might not be a surprise. I love board games, and I believe they make a great small gift to take a social event. For starters, it is unique idea compared to other standards. It shows you have given some thought to the gift. Furthermore, it is a non-consumable, so it might stick around for a while. It can also be personalized thematically if you know the recipients well, or you can choose a game that has a broader appeal if you are not sure about someone’s interests. But most importantly, it brings people together and provides moments of fun and joy. This is an especially powerful aspect after all the social distancing we all had to endure.

This does not have to be a costly venture. There are plenty of titles available that are below the $20 mark — cheaper than many bottles of wine.

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Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021

Games featuring iconography break down language barriers, improve flow

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Games featuring iconography break down language barriers, improve flow

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Jul. 31, 2021

In 1990, when I was 21 years old, I decided to move from Germany to study music in Winnipeg. Those were exciting days: New places, new acquaintances, new food, and most importantly — a new language. By that time I already collected board games passionately. It was important to me to bring some on my journey so I could share them with my new Canadian friends.

During those years, the board gaming market was significantly smaller than it is now. New games were being developed constantly, but they were specifically produced for a local market. Games that were designed in Germany were sold primarily in Germany, while games that were created in North America were sold primarily there.

A publisher would have to go to to great lengths to make a game accessible to a different-language territory, because most games featured text that was essential for playing. Text on cards, the game board, rulebooks, summary sheets, or other components would have to be translated and printed just for that specific audience.

For an international student like myself, that made it harder to share a game with someone who came from a different language background. I would have to write translations of texts on cards or sheets I printed. For the publisher, it made it harder to sell a specific title outside their local market. If one wanted to produce a Japanese version of a specific game, one had to print the whole thing in Japanese.

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Saturday, Jul. 31, 2021

Cabin fever relievers

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Cabin fever relievers

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

Cabins are a wonderful break from the everyday stresses of our lives — and we certainly had plenty of those this year. Now that summer is in full bloom, many Manitobans are enjoying a few days away from home in their cabin or in that of a friend or family member. A time to relax and to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us, while spending quality time with the people that are close to us. The perfect backdrop for some board gaming fun!

If you are the lucky owner of a cabin, you might want to consider adding some games to your shelves of books and entertainment. If you are a visitor, you might to add some games to your overnight bag, or even as a bring-along gift for the hosts. But what makes a game a good choice for a cabin experience? Here are some things to consider:

Something for everyone

Cabins are a wonderful ‘melting pot’ when it comes to bringing people together. We might spend time with family members of different generations, be it parents, grandparents or children. We might also spend time with friends or partners that have various levels of experience or interest in board games. Some people might enjoy hunkering down and playing a longer and more involved game. Others might rather enjoy a light, short and simple game.

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Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

Out of the rubble

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Out of the rubble

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 26, 2021

The philosopher Carl Jung once said that “In all chaos there is a cosmos.”

For Anthony and Elva Pratt, who lived in Birmingham, England, during the 1940s, chaos was simply an everyday occurrence. Birmingham was one of Britain’s most industrial areas and a prime target of the German air force during the Second World War. The Luftwaffe continuously bombed the city in an attempt to destroy the many factories that made tanks and military equipment for the allied forces.

Over time, the Blitz turned Birmingham into a city of fire, rubble, hysteria and disorder. Every morning the Pratts would find their way through the destruction in order to report to work in a military factory for the day. Even though they were resigned to their fate, they decided to create something in spite of it — a board game whose popularity has survived until this very day. The game is Cluedo or, as it is known in the North American market, Clue.

Anthony Pratt was actually a musician by trade. He got the idea for the game from his evenings spent playing piano in hotels where murder mystery games were a regular form of entertainment. Actors and hotel guests would play characters in a plot that involved the fictitious murder of one the guests. The setting was often a mansion with many sprawling rooms, and the party had to cleverly put together clues in order to solve the mystery. This, along with Elva’s love for detective fiction from writers such as Agatha Christie, would become the perfect inspiration for a board game adaptation.

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Saturday, Jun. 26, 2021

Games offer social interaction, but with less opportunity for conflict

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Games offer social interaction, but with less opportunity for conflict

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Jun. 5, 2021

Look, Mom, no tears!

The other day a parent asked me a question: She has two kids who are relatively close in age, and they all enjoy playing board games together as a family. The problem is that the two of them always fight with each other during the game. Sometimes an innocent gaming session eventually ends in tears. What games could I recommend, to ease the conflict?

It’s a great question, and one that I haven’t pondered much until now.

Fundamentally, board games have the power to bring us together. They can gift us with memories and shared experiences. They can deepen friendships and often create new ones. This is all true, but what if you were prone to be in constant competition with one of your fellow gamers? Not just at the game table but in life in general? Well, in that case a friendly game can quickly become yet another part of a larger behaviour of rivalry. I am not a psychiatrist, and I cannot scientifically explain what the different forces at work are here, but I do know from personal experiences with my own sister (I love you!), and from watching other families, that siblings like to compete on a regular basis. Why? I will let experts discuss that in different forum. For the record, I am not limiting this simply to the behaviour of children. Let’s be honest here, don’t you still compete with your siblings at times, even as an adult? I thought so.

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Saturday, Jun. 5, 2021

These games celebrate the circle of life, evolution of the planet

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These games celebrate the circle of life, evolution of the planet

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, May. 22, 2021

Our long Manitoba winter is finally over, and summer is visibly here. Temperatures have risen to balmy and pleasant degrees and the colours around us are changing from the wintery hues of white and grey to a concert of greens. Trees are exploding with layers of fresh leaves and flowery buds while our rivers and lakes are beaming with various shades of blue. The ever-present seasonal changes of mother nature are unfolding with predictable precision. I am marvelled by it — as I am every year.

This familiar and beautiful circle of life has not been lost on board game designers. In recent years, more titles are entering the market using the mechanics of nature itself as their basis. And why not? Many historians believe that board games were born out of the strategies and planning of war and conflict. Thus, the familiar term ‘war games.’ So why not shift the focus from the rules of engagement to the rules of nature? After all, the theme lends itself to an already pre-packaged and pre-existing set of mechanics: The circle of life.

Let’s think about this for a moment. Nature, and life itself, are already rooted in many of the core aspects that make a good board game. We have resources and their management in the forms of food, sunlight, energy or reproduction, amongst others. We have external challenges that must be overcome in order to be successful. This could be the weather, deforestation, or the threats of predators, to name just a few. And then we have some winning conditions that could be translated as health, growing and multiplying or just simple survival. The list of cross-similarities goes on and, if you take a moment, I am sure you can think of other examples. Furthermore, it also comes with a strong sense of familiarity. We all know what nature looks like and how it works on a basic level. Animals need food to survive, plants need sunlight and water to flourish. No rule books or explanations necessary to outline what we already witness around us every single day. And finally (and possibly most importantly): Nature is beautiful. There is a never-ending inspiration for components and designs. Be it the vast palette of colours, creatures or shapes that nature offers us willingly for inspiration. All we have to do it to look outside. It is fair to say that most nature-themed games out there have taken that inspiration to heart. Their gaming pieces are often dripping with an homage to their theme, be it through wooden tiles, elaborate and colourful artwork, or three-dimensional representations of various fauna or wildlife.

What about gameplay itself? There is the emotional satisfaction a player might experience while being engaged with a game that is based on nature. Making trees grow or helping an animal species to survive can be more rewarding to a player than being victorious on the battlefield or accumulating financial wealth. It is a subject that is dear to all of us in real life and a game might help us realize how precious and fragile our ecosystem really is.

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Saturday, May. 22, 2021

Lose yourself in the moment

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Lose yourself in the moment

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, May. 8, 2021

Time is a strange thing. Einstein theorized that it is relative and, speaking for myself, this has never been truer than during the last year. Somehow the perception of time has been distorted in a way that recent events seem like forever ago, while something that happened years before somehow feels like it happened just last week. Strange times indeed.

On a daily basis, this pandemic-induced ebb and flow of moments and hours can throw us for a loop. Somehow an hour can appear to linger forever, while we simultaneously ask ourselves ‘where did all the time go’? For me, this is partly caused by a lack of familiar structures and routines that I spent a lifetime developing. As a result, it has become harder and harder for me to truly experience ‘the now’; To be fully immersed in an activity, be it work or recreation. It has become a challenge for me to be lost in the moment — where I forget the world around me while being enthralled in an activity or thought.

But even without the added social complications of continued lockdowns we continuously struggle to hold on to our temporary experiences. After all, we live in an age where social media or other forms of digital entertainment encourage us to remove ourselves from our own present existence, either through a friend’s post or a click on the ‘find out more’ button. Even while writing this column, I am constantly tempted to check my emails or to read up on the news. Something could be happening somewhere in this world that might be more interesting than what I am doing at this very moment. But don’t worry, I decided to mentally stay with you for a while longer.

The concept of ‘being more present in the now’ is not a new idea in psychology. Mindfulness practices have become popular tools for many, be it through meditation, yoga or other mental exercises. All of these methods try to engage us fully with our current experiences. Their aim is to separate us from habitual responses, such as mindlessly watching TV or surfing Facebook, and to bring us more into the current moment. We are so here, so engaged with what is currently happening, that we forget that we are actually separate from it. That experience is also often referred to as flow. The term flow was first coined in the 1970s by psychologist Dr. Mihaly Chentmihalyi while he was studying why people would give up material goods for the elusive experience of performing enjoyable acts. He focused on what it meant to be ‘in the zone’ as opposed to ‘being zoned out.’ He himself described flow as ‘being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement and thought follow inevitably from the previous one, like playing Jazz.’

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Saturday, May. 8, 2021

Dreamstime
Immersing yourself in a game, particularly one such as Monopoly involving strategy, can serve as an important escape from reality during trying COVID-19 times.

The power of the pen

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The power of the pen

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Apr. 24, 2021

Pablo Picasso once said that “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”

Well put.

If we could only harvest the enthusiasm and carefree attitude of a child who just wants to draw something simply to express themselves. Not to impress or get approval but just to say: “Look what I saw or what I did today!” In the end, isn’t that what creativity should be about? To put one’s thoughts or visions onto paper (or other mediums of expression). To translate something like a non-tangible thought into something sharable and open. After all, art is subjective in the eye of the beholder, but the intention of art will at least be there. One could even conclude that there is no such thing as ‘good art’ or ‘bad art.’ And if there is, who cares as long as one had fun creating it? We just have to give it a shot.

There are plenty of board game titles that encourage us to bring out our inner child-like artist. A gaming session among friends or family can be the perfect setting to silence our internal critic and to give way to unbridled expression without the fear of rejection. So let us explore some of the games that encourage us to express ourselves through drawing.

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Saturday, Apr. 24, 2021

Fight the virus… just for fun

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Fight the virus… just for fun

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Apr. 10, 2021

The world is facing an outbreak of four diseases that are spreading rapidly.

Elite scientists, researchers, operations experts, contingency planners and quarantine specialists from around the globe are teaming up to overcome this challenge. Their goal: to slow the spread of these viruses and eventually find a cure.

No, I did not steal this intro from the front page of this paper. I am talking about the board game Pandemic.

Pandemic is considered one of the most successful co-operative games in the mainstream market, in part because of its simple, accessible rules. The basic game will usually take about an hour to play. It was created by designer Matt Leacock and was first published in 2007. Leacock, then a designer at Yahoo, was reportedly inspired to create the game after the SARS crisis of 2003.

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Saturday, Apr. 10, 2021

The fun of asymmetrical games is keeping players off-balance and on their toes

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The fun of asymmetrical games is keeping players off-balance and on their toes

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Mar. 27, 2021

Most board games are structured in a way that gives each player exactly the same set of rules to follow. They also present the players with the same goals and the same opportunities to reach them. In a way, they offer us the feeling of a utopian world where everyone starts out as being equal.

Take some of the best-known classic games, such as chess or Monopoly: Each player has the same pieces at the start, which are placed at the exact same position. Players also have the same resources at their disposal before the game begins. Eventually, someone has to be chosen to be the first player, which can be an advantage or disadvantage (depending on the game). There is really no way around this if we ever want to start playing, so some games try to create equalizers by giving the last player more resources (money or other tokens).

In Catan, for example, the first player to play will be the last player to choose a starting settlement. Either way, most game designers attempt to give everyone the same chance to win or succeed. The outcome of a game is primarily determined by the choices of the individual (i.e., chess) or the luck of the draw or dice rolls (i.e. Monopoly). If only real life were like that!

But just like real life, it sometimes becomes more interesting when observed from different perspectives. Recently, more games are trying to break the idea that everyone has similar tools and goals at their disposal during game play. Conceptually, each participant still follows the same basic set of rules, but some — or all of them — have their own unique abilities. In some cases, each player has a different goal he is trying to achieve. These are called asymmetrical games.

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Saturday, Mar. 27, 2021

Playtime for all

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Playtime for all

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Mar. 13, 2021

Playing board games can have any number of benefits for children. It can help them stimulate and develop academic, spacial and logical thinking skills. Furthermore, kids can practise social and emotional skills by playing with peers or family members. They can learn how to take turns, co-operate or to lose or win gracefully. All of this comes in addition to the most basic and important benefit: Having fun!

We know that every board game comes with a recommended age range on its box. When it comes to choosing a game for children, these numbers can be both helpful and a little confusing.

How do we know if a game is appropriate for a specific age? In my experience, there are roughly three age divisions when it comes to choosing a board game for kids that can be applied universally: Age eight and up, age four and up, or younger than four. Needless to say, a lot of this varies with the development of a specific child, but it can provide a good overall starting point.

Let’s explore this a little further.Most kids are able to play and comprehend family-style games by the age of eight. The majority of popular mainstream titles, such as Carcassonne, Catan or Ticket to Ride, will fall into that category. Time has shown that children are able to process more complex game mechanics at that stage of their development.

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Saturday, Mar. 13, 2021

Boards for the bored

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Boards for the bored

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021

It has been roughly a year since COVID-19 changed the landscape of our day-to-day lives. Most of us are struggling to adjust to a life with limited social interactions, separation and boredom.

Seniors are among those who’ve been hit hardest by the isolating public-health regulations. Social distancing requirements have resulted in loneliness, anxiety and depression for many.

Care homes and family units are continuously looking for new ways to encourage cognitive stimulation and entertainment, and I believe board games offer a wonderful opportunity to keep seniors mentally engaged and active.

Games, at their most basic level, offer a fun way to pass the time, but they can also provide additional benefits, such as enhancing memory functions, exercising cognitive skills and offering some stress relief.

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Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021

Wanna play some love?

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Wanna play some love?

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021

Board-game themes range from trade to trains, fantasy to deep-sea adventures, abstract to pets, outer space to quilting.

Valentine’s Day is, of course, tomorrow, raising the question: what about romance?

Interestingly, when it comes to games that deal with romance or relationships, there is a void, save for one notable and popular title, a game called Fog of Love by the Danish designer Jacob Jaskov.

This strictly two-player game is unique on many different levels, one of them being the elegant and beautiful cover design that features the silhouettes of a man and a woman on a white box. The game is also available in different editions that feature either two men or two women, or a couple with one person in a wheelchair.

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Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021

Don’t just dabble in Scrabble

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Don’t just dabble in Scrabble

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021

In the New York City neighbourhood of Jackson Heights stands a peculiar street sign among the many rows of brick apartment buildings.

It reads 35 T1H4 A1V4E1N1U1E1 and reminds the many passersby that Alfred Mosher Butts once lived in this neighbourhood. During the Depression in the 1930s, one might have found Butts sitting at a table, reading over a story in the local paper, while meticulously counting how many times each letter of the alphabet appeared.

On the table one might have seen handmade tiles, which were cut out of plywood, and racks made out of wooden mouldings. The tiles had pieces of linen cloth glued to them that featured hand-drawn letters and numbers.

Butts, a 32-year-old architect, had recently lost his job and was working part time as a statistician at a welfare agency.

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Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021

Melissa Tait / Winnipeg Free Press Files
Having a good lexicon to draw from is important, but strategy — both in setting yourself up and blocking opponents — is key to winning at Scrabble.

Catan creativity changed the way we play

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Catan creativity changed the way we play

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021

Roughly 25 years ago, I visited my family in Germany for Christmas. Some of my friends there arranged a board game evening, where they introduced me to a new game that had just hit the German market: Die Siedler von Catan, or as they say in English, The Settlers of Catan.

I was immediately impressed by the unusual mechanics of both the strategy and player interaction of the game, created by German game designer Klaus Teuber. The game was not available in North America at the time, so I purchased a copy and brought it back with me to Canada. I needed to translate some of the cards into English. My gaming friends in Winnipeg loved it, and that very copy, with lots of English scribbles on it, was well used over the next few months.

The next year, 1995, Settlers of Catan won the prestigious German Game of the Year award, and eventually an English edition hit the market. Millions of copies have been sold over the last 25 years; it is, without a doubt, the most significant new board game of the 21st century.

In 2015, the latest edition changed its name from The Settlers of Catan to simply Catan, as it is known today.

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Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021

Two’s company

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Two’s company

Olaf Pyttlik 4 minute read Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021

Even though this new year has the potential to be a lot more positive than 2020, Manitobans still find themselves in the midst of a province-wide lockdown. Getting together with family and friends from outside our household is something we can only look forward to in the next weeks or months. For the time being, we will have to be satisfied with the company of the people we live with.

For many of us, this means a spouse or partner as the only other party at a board-game table. And that’s OK. Luckily there are plenty of games out there that cater to a two-player experience.

Not all the games on this list are exclusively for two players only; some allow for more players, but they all offer an excellent gaming experience for a couple. So bundle up and enjoy your time together with some new games. Happy New Year, everyone!

TAKENOKO2-4 players, ages 8 and up

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Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021

Games with tactile components add to our enjoyment

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Games with tactile components add to our enjoyment

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020

As 2020 — a year many of us would like to forget — draws to a close, we’ll be breaking out the bubbly to toast the New Year with those in our bubbles.

There are a few theories that attempt to explain the custom of clinking glasses when participating in toasts. There are those who trace the tradition back to early Europeans who thought the sound would drive away evil spirits. Others say that by clanking the glasses into one another, wine could be sloshed from glass to glass, thereby serving as a proof the beverages had not been poisoned. Maybe, others claim, the “clink” served as a symbolic acknowledgment of trust, eliminating the need to sample each other’s drinks to prove them untampered.

My personal favourite is the theory that we enhance the experience of drinking by adding extra senses. In addition to smell, look, touch and taste, we now also have the sensation of sound and the feel of the vibrations.

This concept could easily be translated into the experience of board games. Why, for example, do we love games so much that include dice? I believe it is because they give us a 3-dimensional sensation that goes beyond the gameplay itself. When we pick them up and shake them, we feel them, and when we throw them, they make a sound. We might even feel the slight vibrations of the table. Take a card game as a further example. Some people use card holders that allow them to place their hand of cards on the table instead of holding them. I tried it and I don’t like it. Why? Because there is something about actually feeling and moving the cards in your hand that is important to the enjoyment of the game. These examples show that the tactile elements of any game enhance the immersion by triggering more of our senses. We don’t just play the game; we can actually experience it physically.

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Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020

Games are the gifts that keep on giving

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Games are the gifts that keep on giving

Olaf Pyttlik 11 minute read Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020

Gift giving can be both a joy and a challenge. I personally love giving gifts.

For me, there are only a few things in life that are as exciting as seeing someone opening their present. On the flip side, there is a stress. What if they don’t like it? Is it thoughtful enough and is it somethings they need or appreciate? Something that is meant to be special can easily turn into second guesses and anxiety.

I have always loved giving board games as gifts. Why? Because they are truly the ‘gifts that keep on giving’. Think about it: Even though you give a physical object that can be opened and held in one’s hands, what you are really giving is an experience. Furthermore, this experience will most likely be shared with others who will join the game play. You are gifting not only an item, but more importantly, you are gifting togetherness, fun and social interaction. A win-win. Pun intended.

Last week, I gave you some suggestions for games that can be played as a family or with kids. Let us look at some other gift ideas that will hopefully put some fun into the holiday season for everyone.

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Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020

Games for an isolating holiday season

Olaf Pyttlik 9 minute read Preview

Games for an isolating holiday season

Olaf Pyttlik 9 minute read Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020

By now, many of us are resigned to the fact that this coming holiday season will be different compared to other years.

COVID-19 is still going strong here in Manitoba and around the country. We are being urged to limit gatherings to the members of our immediate household only, and so most family gatherings, outings and work parties are being cancelled.

In addition, shopping for holiday presents has become more challenging. With stores offering only curbside pickup of non-essential items, searching for that perfect gift has become an online-only experience, which can be overwhelming at times. The seemingly endless number of choices and advertisements that are reaching our email inbox and social media posts every day can make it difficult to find the right something that might lift someone’s spirits during these challenging times.

Board games make great gifts at any time, but they appear to be especially appropriate this year. No matter what game you might give, they all have one thing in common: They aim to connect people in a meaningful and enjoyable way. Granted, at the moment that would only be the immediate group within a household, but they might greatly appreciate new and fun ways to spend time together. Games can also be great conversation starters as well as stimulators for our minds — something we can all benefit from these days.

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Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020

Give your brain a break

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Give your brain a break

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020

This is a time of anxieties. A year that was primarily consumed by the outbreak of COVID-19 and its impact on our everyday lives has taken a toll on the mental health of a growing number of people around the globe and here at home.

Worries about our health, our work and our family have left many of us in a constant state of helplessness and stress with no real end in sight. In addition, we are still forced to learn how to adopt to a “new normal” of physical distancing from our network of friends and families which, for many of us, was a source of joy and support in the past.

All of this while trying to adjust to being around the members of our immediate household at all times, or struggling to deal with the loneliness if we live alone or if we are being quarantined. The most recent restrictions here in Manitoba amplify this situation even further. It is becoming more and more difficult to experience contentment or peace while maintaining some sense of purpose or positive thinking. Speaking for myself, it has been — and it is — a struggle.

If you are someone who can identify with these challenges, I would like to encourage you to consider board games as a resource to improve your mental hygiene. I know, you are probably thinking: “Here he goes again with the never-ending magical properties of tabletop gaming.”

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Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020

Never say die

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Never say die

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, most popular board games were of American origin. Growing up as a kid in Germany, I spent most of my spare time playing games like Monopoly, Risk or Sorry! with my friends. To this day, most people would probably name these titles if asked for list of games they’ve played or even heard of.

Even though these games were extremely popular, they had a few things in common that made them problematic: A lot of them use the concept of player elimination as the ultimate goal. In Risk, for example, the last player standing wins the game. In Monopoly, the last player not bankrupted is declared the winner.

They also rely heavily on luck. In Monopoly and Sorry!, you roll dice, which determine the outcome of your turn. There really isn’t much strategy or planning that would give you an advantage. Your success depends directly on the outcome of your roll.

In addition, they also thrive on conflict between players. Risk would be the most obvious example here, but many other games of that era come to mind. I mean, Sorry! is pretty much a series of sending your fellow players back to the start if possible.

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Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020

Supplied
Settlers of Catan (now called Catan) kicked off a worldwide interest in so-called Eurogames in the '90s.

Scaring up some family fun

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Scaring up some family fun

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020

For many of us, Halloween might look and feel different this year, as we find ourselves confronted by many COVID-related restrictions and concerns. Chances are there will be fewer parties for us to attend and we’ll have fewer opportunities to show off our costumes to friends and co-workers than in the years before.

The good news is that we can still celebrate the season of ghouls and ghosts with spooky-themed board games that allow us to immerse ourselves into the spirit of the season with the people in our immediate bubble. A Halloween board game evening with the people close to you might be the perfect way to celebrate this colourful holiday.

Zombies, vampires and monsters have always been a popular topic for board games and chances are there will be a game that will suit your terrifying taste. Most of these titles recommended below are appropriate for families and are on the lighter side of the scary spectrum.

I hope that this will encourage you to explore some new games with your family or friends, and find a new way to celebrate this fun time of year. Grab some candy and enjoy some quality time with the people you love. Happy Halloween, everyone!

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Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020

Abstract thinking

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Abstract thinking

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020

Theme is an important part of most board-gaming experiences. It allows us to escape from life and momentarily slip into the role of someone else, be it a railroad developer in Ticket to Ride, a settler in Catan or a detective in Clue. It temporarily offers us the chance to act, and to make decisions, from a vantage point that is different than that of our current life circumstances — unless, of course, you actually are an astronaut settling a planet (as in Terraforming Mars) or a medieval merchant working in Turkey (as in Istanbul).

Theme is also important in the visual presentation of a game. It allows the publishers to create colourful artwork, card text and descriptions, or miniatures to further the immersive experience of game play.

But there are plenty of games out there that are basically devoid of any theme. As a result, these games rely very heavily on the intellectual challenge of the actual game rather than the added distractions of a thematic background story or visually stimulating components. In board-gaming lingo these games are referred to as abstract games.

As a broad definition, one could say abstract board games are games that do not rely on any chance. They are primarily based on the players’ skill and strategic thinking and have no random elements, such as dice rolling, or card draws. Generally, they strive to avoid any tactical advantage that might come from any kind of luck. Most abstract games are simple at their core and easy to learn. However, they often offer deep and thought-provoking strategy mechanics under the surface and evoke the challenge to do better the next time around. They are also lacking any theme (thus the term ‘abstract’), or at the very least, any added theme is fundamentally unimportant to the actual game play. For that reason, most abstract games have very simple and cleanly designed components that allow the players to focus on the rational aspects of the game without any unnecessary visual distractions. The majority of abstract games are designed for two players but there are some exceptions that allow for more.

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Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020

Card game sub-genre delivers perfect mix of luck and planning

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Card game sub-genre delivers perfect mix of luck and planning

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020

Card games have been around for a long time and all of us have likely experienced them in one form or another, be it through poker, Uno or rummy. Traditional card games have one important aspect in common: They use a fixed number of cards that form a common deck (a standard deck of playing cards uses 52). For most games this deck is shuffled well, and each player receives a certain number of cards as their starting hand. The game then progresses from there. In short, each player will have different cards to enter the game play which were distributed completely at random.

What if there were a style of game that would give each player the exact same set of cards as a starting hand and furthermore offer them the ability to expand their hand by adding new cards of their choice?

Enter the board-game genre of deck building.

Deck-building games are a relatively new sub-genre that was introduced to the world in 2008 with Dominion. Designed by Donald X. Vaccarino, Dominion won the Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) the following year. It has since become one of the most popular board games around and has spawned many expansions over the last decade.

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Saturday, Sep. 19, 2020

Fall fun in the cards

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Fall fun in the cards

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Sep. 5, 2020

It’s finally happening: kids are going back to school next week. For many parents, this might come as a welcome reintroduction of school, homework and bedtime routines. For the kids it might come as a long-awaited opportunity to reconnect with some old friends or a chance to make some new ones.

Obviously, a lot of things will be different this year but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the beginning of school. Board games can be a great way to sweeten this time of transition. Family game nights will help us to continue to spend some quality time together. No matter what grade or age your children are, board or card games can make a great addition this time of year. If you are looking for some great ideas to get you started, here are some of my favourite titles for kids of all ages.

Portable and smaller games

These games can easily be put in a backpack or pocket. The boxes are smaller and the games take less time to play.

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Saturday, Sep. 5, 2020

Modern trivia games reward more than mere memorization of facts

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Preview

Modern trivia games reward more than mere memorization of facts

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020

In 1997, CBC Radio’s As It Happens aired an episode that featured an interview with Peter Negroni, the school superintendent in Springfield, Mass., at the time. Negroni was petitioning to ban any school spelling bees and to replace them with lower-stress Scrabble competitions.

When asked why, he recounts the story of an eight-year-old girl, who spelled her first word wrong, and was escorted off the stage after freezing on the spot, terror and embarrassment on her face throughout the entire ordeal.

“There is nothing wrong with competitions — in fact, competitions are an important part of life,” Negroni claimed. But in his opinion, children don’t actually learn any spelling from participating in bees. “Kids go up, they don’t spell a word correctly, they go and they sit down, and they watch kids as they get eliminated, but they don’t pay attention to how words are being spelled and what’s being said with respect to spelling… It just seemed to me that this was cruel and unusual punishment.”

He pointed out that an alternate game, such as Scrabble, would be played as a team effort. Children would have to think about what a word actually means, in addition to how to properly spell it. “Much more learning takes place in a much less tense atmosphere,” he said.

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Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020

Gaming in the great outdoors

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Gaming in the great outdoors

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020

Most of us have given up on the idea of travelling or vacationing anywhere outside our province this summer. As a result, camping trips or cabin rentals have shot up in popularity. Plenty of Manitobans are discovering or re-discovering the beauty that is all around us. And why not? We are surrounded by a plethora of stunning destinations, including our many lakes, parks and countless idyllic campgrounds. The current, almost-perfect, weather conditions only help to create the perfect setting for a fun and relaxing getaway within our own province. A welcome opportunity to enjoy some quality time of fun and relaxation with friends or family.

As you pack your backpacks and coolers, I would encourage you to take a few board games or card games with you as well. After all, a nice quiet afternoon or evening, surrounded by beautiful nature and the people we love might be the perfect backdrop for a special gaming experience.

There are a few things to think about when it comes to taking games on a camping trip.

One should always consider the amount of surface space a game might need. Chances are you will be playing the game on a folding or picnic table, on a blanket or sleeping bag, or a small surface inside a camper. So, try to consider games that provide great gaming fun without needing too much table space. Card games are always a good choice in this context but there are also plenty of great board games that do not require a large surface to play on. This also relates to the number of playing pieces the game might require. A camping weekend might not be the best time to introduce your friends to a game that requires a large number of cubes or miniatures. Keep it simple if you can. This also decreases the chances of you losing pieces in the process.

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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020

Pictures of success

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Pictures of success

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 25, 2020

Earlier this week, the winners of the 2020 German Spiel des Jahres awards were announced.

The Spiel des Jahres (which translates to “Game of the Year”) is undoubtedly the most prestigious award in the board-gaming realm. Created in 1978, it has annually recognized excellence in game design and quality of board and card games in the German and international markets.

The SDJ has a rich history of notable award winners that went on to become international bestsellers and evergreen titles, such as Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Codenames and Azul, just to name a few. Because of this track record, a Spiel des Jahres win, or even nomination, can elevate the typical sales numbers of a game to astronomical heights — 300,000 to 500,000 copies sold.

The award is given by a jury of German-speaking board-game critics from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, who review games that were released in the previous 12 months. Only family-style games will be considered.

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Saturday, Jul. 25, 2020

Calm hands, cool head are key to winning dexterity games

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Calm hands, cool head are key to winning dexterity games

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Jul. 11, 2020

Last month I built a play structure at our cabin. It’s similar to the ones you often see in people’s backyards, featuring a large tower with a platform that can be climbed in various ways.

The whole thing came as a large pile of lumber, a big bag of screws and 10-page booklet of instructions and plans. My job consisted of cutting the wood to various lengths and then screwing them together piece by piece, making sure the resulting structure was straight, solid and safe.

The whole process lasted about three days and I loved every hour of it. I remember the sense of pride I felt when it was done. I would stand back, look at it and think: “I made this.”

Later on, I asked myself why this process was so enjoyable. My conclusion was that this was a process requiring very little analysis or complex planning. All I had to do at any given moment was to place a piece here or attach it there. Not a lot of room for over-thinking or second-guessing. A chance to relax the analytical part of the mind — allow myself to live in the moment and observe the result of my labour.

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Saturday, Jul. 11, 2020

Classic tabletop adventure game continues mastery of role-playing genre

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Classic tabletop adventure game continues mastery of role-playing genre

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Jun. 27, 2020

What would happen if I became someone completely different and experienced things in a world that was purely imaginary?

For decades, a game called Dungeons & Dragons has attempted to provide that experience to generations of players from around the world.

Most of us have heard of Dungeons & Dragons (commonly referred to as D&D or DnD), be it from personal experience or from a long list of pop culture references. The game has been heavily featured in TV shows such as Stranger Things, Community and Big Bang Theory, to name just a few.

Dungeons & Dragons was first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules (TSR) and was originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. It is now being published by Wizards of the Coast. Since its conception, Dungeons & Dragons has continuously increased in popularity. In 2017, reports showed there were 12 to 15 million players in North America alone and that number continues to grow.

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Saturday, Jun. 27, 2020

Dungeons & Dragons has grown in popularity since its launch in the 1970s.

It’s the yacht that counts

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It’s the yacht that counts

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Jun. 13, 2020

In the mid-1950s, American toymaker and game designer Edwin S. Lowe was approached by an anonymous couple from Canada. They’d designed a game that they called “Yacht,” simply because they enjoyed playing it on their yacht with friends (don’t we all?).

They asked Lowe if he would be able to make up some sets that they could give as gifts to their friends who enjoyed the game. Yacht was similar to the Latin-American game Generala, the English game of Poker Dice and the Scandinavian Yatzy, and dated back to at least 1938.

The object of Yacht was to score points by rolling five dice up to three times to make certain combinations. The game lasted 12 rounds. Each round the player had to choose which scoring category was to be used for that round. Once a category was chosen it could not be used again. Each scoring category had different point values which were in relationship to the value of the dice used. A “Yacht” was a five-of-a-kind combination and scored the highest value of any category: 50 points. The winner was the player who got the most total points at the end of the game.

Lowe saw great potential in marketing this game and bought the rights from the couple in exchange for 1,000 gift sets of the game. Even though the basic game remained the same, Lowe added some significant modifications: He included a bonus for the upper section, a three-of-a-kind category as well as four-straight and various other bonuses. He filed a trademark for it in April of 1956 with its new name — Yahtzee.

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Saturday, Jun. 13, 2020

Train your brain

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Train your brain

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, May. 16, 2020

Something strange has been happening to my brain. Like many of us, I have been watching a lot of TV during the quarantine over the last couple of months, but I recently noticed I was having trouble following even the simplest of plotlines. I found myself pressing the rewind button more often than usual to remind myself what had been said. I am not talking complex story lines here; my favourite forms of entertainment are sitcoms and light dramas. I do not mean to imply that I am particularly sharp even in the best of times, but this was out of the ordinary even for me. So, what is happening?

After doing a bit of digging on the internet, it appears this is a common occurrence for many of us these days. There are stories of people showering with their glasses on or accidentally filling their coffee maker with baby powder instead of coffee. It appears I’m not alone in my struggle to stay focused on anything from work to study or play.

The scientific community suggests that the part of our brain (the prefrontal cortex) that is responsible for processing higher functions such as critical thinking, controlling impulses and focusing actually weakens during periods of stress. This can be helpful during times of danger when we need to reply on rapid and reactive responses.

On the flip side, it lowers our ability to be thoughtful and our capacity to focus for a prolonged period of time can be significantly affected. Not only can we experience an inability to focus, but also a lack of motivation.

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Saturday, May. 16, 2020

Keep your game face on

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Keep your game face on

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, May. 2, 2020

Most board games are designed to be shared with others. Sitting at the same table with friends or family, as well as enjoying the interaction with both the game pieces and the humans around us, is often the foundation of a great gaming event. These social aspects can actually be more important than the quality of the game that’s being played.

Of course, connecting with others in person is not much of an option during the current climate of social distancing. Ironically, this would be the perfect time to learn or play more games, seeing that we have all this extra time at our hands. So what are we to do when the mood strikes us to explore new or familiar titles of the cardboard world?

Just as it does in so many other areas, technology can come to our rescue once again. There are many adaptations of great board games for the virtual world. The choices are plentiful and can be found on the device of your choosing, be it smartphone, tablet, desktop computer or gaming console.

Before we go any further, let me state the obvious: These digital versions of games cannot (and are not meant to) replace the joy we get from the social interactions with others during game play. They can, however, give us a platform to explore and enjoy a game we love, or one we would like to learn, in a different environment.

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Saturday, May. 2, 2020

Tabletopia offers the option to join online partners in a game.

Life in isolation the perfect time to get board

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Life in isolation the perfect time to get board

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Apr. 18, 2020

Digital technology has become an essential part our daily lives, especially during the COVID-19 health crisis. Even though we are physically distancing ourselves from others, chances are that we are more connected with friends or family than usual through the aid of the virtual space.

Following or posting on Facebook, video chatting through Zoom, Google Hangouts or FaceTime, messaging via Instagram or texting all give us the chance to provide daily updates to our parents, friends or children.

On the entertainment front, we have an endless supply of shows and movies that are available on demand, as well as an abundance of video games for our consoles, computers or mobile devices. But these forms of distraction eventually become stale as they are missing one key component to truly keep us engaged: Interaction.

What about board-gaming? Obviously, we can enjoy a game together if we live with other people in the same household. But what if you are quarantined by yourself or have different tastes in gaming than the people in your immediate surroundings?

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Saturday, Apr. 18, 2020

Playing solo

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Playing solo

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Thursday, Apr. 2, 2020

Social interaction and togetherness are at the heart of most board gaming experiences. With social distancing being the main concern these days, many of us are trying to avoid contact with the outside world as much as possible. For the next while it is likely that you will primarily spend time either with yourself, or with the people that live in your own household.

If you are someone who is living on their own, or who would like some alone time once in a while, then I have some good news for you: There are plenty of great board games out there that can be played as a solo or single player.

Solo games are not a new phenomenon. We all know the card game Solitaire as a prime example. There have always been forms of entertainment that are best enjoyed in solitude, such as puzzles or crosswords. Even though we are wired to be social creatures, there does appear to be a need to be with your own thoughts once in a while.

Like most board games, solo games come in all shapes and sizes, from short and accessible to complex and epic. Most of them are based on the idea that the player is trying to overcome the challenge that lies within the game. A well-designed solo game somehow creates the feeling of an invisible opponent who “comes alive” by drawing certain cards or other game mechanics. This is not entirely unlike many co-operative games — like Pandemic, for example, where the game takes on a character of its own that the other players are trying to beat.

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Thursday, Apr. 2, 2020

Constructive, fun ways to pass time during isolation

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Constructive, fun ways to pass time during isolation

Olaf Pyttlik 9 minute read Saturday, Mar. 21, 2020

As the global spread of COVID-19 causes more people to social distance and self-quarantine, keeping ourselves entertained in our homes will likely become its own challenge. Kids are about to stay home from school for the foreseeable future, while parents are asked to stay out of the office. Even though this involuntary time away from work does sound like fun on the surface, it can also be a source of some stress and adjustment.

What can we do with all this free time to make sure our mental health remains intact while we face this adjustment within our family units?

Of course, there’s binge-watching TV, spending time on our devices, or video games. Eventually these forms of distraction can lead to even further isolation. After all, this should be a time when we also take the importance of our mental health into account. If you would like to do something that involves interacting with others in a meaningful way, while doing something positive to improve your mental well-being, playing a board game might be the perfect activity for the weeks ahead. Not only will it help keep up your spirits, it can also provide you with an opportunity to take your mind away from the stresses all around us.

Here are my top suggestions for games that will be guaranteed to keep you and your family entertained for the weeks ahead:

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Saturday, Mar. 21, 2020

A real game-changer

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A real game-changer

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Mar. 7, 2020

Do you want to know a secret? I love Star Trek.

I am partial to The Next Generation, but enjoy all of the iterations of that beloved franchise. For the most part, the series formula was episodic. The Enterprise and its crew (or whatever ship we were following) went on an adventure, encountered some kind of an obstacle, and eventually overcame that obstacle within the confines of each 44-minute show.

In contrast, more recent Star Trek spinoffs, such as Discovery, have adopted the serial format. The context of previous episodes is crucial to understanding the others. One of the benefits of this format is that the show’s writers aren’t limited to writing a storyline that needs to resolve within 44 minutes. They have the freedom to develop a complex plot over an entire season of shows.

Board games are episodic by default. Game play has a beginning, a challenge and an end within a single play-through. Take Catan for example: During each game, the players discover and settle the island, but the actual storyline is different every time. Once the game is over, we reset and play again with the same theme, components and rules, but with a different plot and outcome.

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Saturday, Mar. 7, 2020

SUPPLIED
In Pandemic Legacy, the game’s traditional rules and components are changed depending on players’ decisions.

Whether you like strategy, co-operation or competition, there's a dual-player game for you

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Preview

Whether you like strategy, co-operation or competition, there's a dual-player game for you

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020

Valentine’s Day has come and gone once again. Though it focuses on romantic relationships, I’m of the mind that every day is an opportunity to remember and strengthen our connection to all of the people we love. The good news is that there are a variety of board games to help us with that.

Even though playing a board game with a group of family or friends is fun, there are times when you may feel like limiting your interaction to one other person. Game companies and publishers have long recognized the demand for two-player games and there’s a plethora of choices available.

There are so many examples of games that “scale well” — they play equally well with two, three or four players. Instead, let’s focus on those that are specifically designed for two.

Two-player games have been around for a long time. Chess, backgammon, Go, Connect 4, Guess Who and checkers are just some examples. Just like other board-game sub-genres, two-player games can offer a wide variety of choices when it comes to level of complexity or playing time. Some games are easy to learn and will take as little as 20 minutes, while others can take up to two hours. There are co-operative games, which encourage teamwork or competitive games, which pit player against player.

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Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020

(CP PHOTO/J.P. Moczulski)
Board games offer us an opportunity to remember and strengthen our connection to all of the people we love.

All aboard for extra travel fun

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All aboard for extra travel fun

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020

Winter is in full swing. For many Manitobans, escaping to a warmer climate for a week or two in February is a tradition. Destinations like Mexico, Cuba or the Dominican Republic are popular at this time of year, as they offer plenty of resorts featuring warm, sunny weather and beautiful beaches.

When it’s time to take a break from tanning on the poolside chair or after dinner in the evening, why not break out a board game? It’s a great way to connect with travel companions as you share some drinks and relaxed conversation.

Here are some of my thoughts on how to make the board gaming part of your vacation successful.

Bring games that appeal to any level of experience, group or mood.

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Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020

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A small board game can make a sunny holiday at the pool even better.

A Scrabble a day…

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A Scrabble a day…

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020

One of the most wonderful aspects of board games is timelessness. For many of us, playing games with friends or family is at the centre of some of our fondest childhood memories.

This doesn’t mean the appeal of board games is limited to the young. There are many games available that can be enjoyed by people of any age. No matter how old you are, games can be used to connect with those around you in an entertaining and meaningful way.

While the fun we experience during gameplay is its own justification, there are plenty of additional reasons to make gaming a regular pastime — especially for seniors.

Encourages social interactionFirst and foremost, games offer entertainment — after all, they are meant to an enjoyable way to pass the time. However, since they require the participation of other people, games indirectly encourage social interaction. They can provide a vehicle for seniors to spend time with the people they love.

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Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020

Playing board games encourages social interaction and reduces stress. (Stew Milne / Hasbro)

Social connections improve well-being

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Social connections improve well-being

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020

A new year has begun. For many of us, this is a moment of resetting, reflecting and of planning for a new chapter of our lives. If you are anything like me, this is also the time for implementing a few New Year’s resolutions.

Many of us choose this moment to try to better ourselves. Maybe we plan to lose some weight, quit smoking, exercise more, work less or harder or focus on some other aspect of self-improvement.

We like to look better, feel better or be healthier. But what about our relationships with the people around us? If we are trying to improve our lives, should that not also encompass the way we interact with the ones that matter most to us? Social connections are a crucial part of our existence. I believe that any attempt to improve ourselves should include the way we relate to others.

I recently watched a TED Talk by American game designer Jane McGonigal, who referenced a report by Bronnie Ware, a palliative nurse. Over the course of her career, Ware compiled a list of the most common regrets expressed by people nearing the end of their lives:

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Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020

Board games bigger than ever

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Board games bigger than ever

Olaf Pyttlik — It's Your Move 6 minute read Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019

The year 2019 is slowly coming to an end. The holidays are in full swing and soon we will be celebrating a new year with friends and family. It is the season of togetherness as well as the season of reflection.

For the board-gaming hobbyist, 2019 has been an exciting year. While the world has seen increasing attachment to tech devices, it has also seen a steady growth in the tabletop-game industry. More than 3,000 new titles have been released this year alone. Board-gaming conventions, like Gencon in Indianapolis and the Spiel in Essen, Germany, have seen record numbers of attendees. The latter convention drew more than 200,000 visitors during its four-day run.

Simply put, more people than ever are playing board games and the growing popularity is clearly not limited to classic titles. People are eager to try new mechanics and willing to explore games they haven’t heard of before. At the same time, the sheer volume of new releases has been overwhelming. Although it’s impossible to play and test everything the market has to offer, I can offer a list of my favourite games from 2019. Remember, no matter which game you choose to play, if it brings some joy into your life and connects you with the people around you, it is a good game. Happy new year, everyone!

Tiny Towns

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Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019

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In Tiny Towns, you have to cleverly plan and construct a thriving town, but don’t let it fill up with wasted resources.

Board-game ideas to bring family and friends together during the holidays

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Board-game ideas to bring family and friends together during the holidays

Olaf Pyttlik 13 minute read Friday, Dec. 6, 2019

The holidays are coming!

Soon our schedules will be filled with events that bring us closer to the people we love. Families, friends and co-workers will gather to enjoy each other’s company. No matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Chinese New Year or simply enjoy the festivities of the winter season, it can be a time of togetherness.

And of course, there will be gifts. Lots of gifts. I have always enjoyed giving gifts and board games are a great option for any occasion. Not only are they a physical representation of the thought behind the gift, they are bursting with potential for bringing the experience of togetherness to more than just the giver and recipient. Board games resonate with the spirit of the holiday season as they encourage us to connect with the people around us. So, even buying a board game for myself as a treat has the ripple effect of extending the joy of the game to those I choose to play it with. They provide a win-win situation (pun intended).

They also have another built-in benefit: Almost everyone loves a board game. Most of us have warm memories of playing games with friends or family in our younger days. Games remind us of a time when life was simpler, and entertainment included spending actual face time with the people around us.

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Friday, Dec. 6, 2019

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Paul Devigne plays Camel Up.

The great escape

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The great escape

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019

In the last decade, one of the biggest new waves of entertainment is escape rooms.

The concept was originally based on a series of “escape-the-room” video games that are also believed to be the source of its name. Early renditions of the live escape-room experience appeared at gaming conventions as early as 2003.

In 2007, a Japanese company lead by Takao Kato developed the concept a little further. These Japanese renditions focused primarily on games that involved logical and mathematical puzzles, not unlike the video games that inspired them.

By 2012, escape rooms had appeared in Australia, Singapore and North America. Around the same time, a Hungarian company, led by Attila Gyurkovics, opened about 20 locations throughout Europe and Australia. His style of game play introduced additional elements of play such as lock-and-key puzzles. By the end of 2017, there were about 8,000 escape room venues worldwide, including several in Winnipeg, and the number continues to grow. There are escape-room conferences and markets as well as a university level design course.

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Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019

Strategize and make the right choice

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Strategize and make the right choice

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019

Life is a series of choices. Every day, we have to decide on how we spend our time, money or other resources in order to best achieve our personal goals.

Of course, the challenge is that all our basic resources are limited; there are only so many hours in a day, money doesn’t grow on trees and living conditions change. We are constantly evaluating how to best use whatever means we have at our disposal in order to secure stability.

If you think you have what it takes to manage a limited supply of resources, you will be able to prove it with a popular game mechanic called “worker placement.”

In a worker placement game, players can assign actions to the “workers” at their disposal. Workers come in a limited quantity and are commonly represented by either meeples (game pieces with a stylized human form), dice or cubes.

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Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019

Photos supplied
Fresco involves players working as master painters to restore a fresco in a Renaissance-era church.

Horror-themed games for Halloween

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Horror-themed games for Halloween

Olaf Pyttlik 4 minute read Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019

Halloween is upon us again. If you’re anything like me, you’re looking forward to dressing up and taking in this festive celebration of the cycle of life.

Happily, there are many board games featuring “the darker side of things” as their theme, making them especially fitting for this season of ghouls and ghosts. If you’re hosting or attending a Halloween party this weekend, why not have a spooky board game on hand to give it that extra surge of fright?

Let’s turn off the lights, light some candles and take a look at some extra scary examples to get us into the spirit.

MysteriumType: Co-operative

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Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019

Easy to lose hours playing out marvellous mysteries

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Easy to lose hours playing out marvellous mysteries

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019

I have always loved a good whodunit story or movie. Prime examples are the masterfully crafted detective tales of Agatha Christie or The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The basic concept of a whodunit is that a crime has been committed (usually a murder) and a group of possible suspects are confined to a place, such as a mansion or train, until the person responsible has been discovered. As the story unfolds, we learn more and more about each character and, as observers of the events, we are presented with a puzzle that will, if solved in time, lead to the perpetrator.

Of course, we assume everyone involved is either lying or hiding some deep personal secret. When the culprit is finally revealed, it is often a surprise and we are left with an appreciation for the cunning insight of the heroic detective whose deductive skills cut through the web of lies woven around them.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could replicate this thrilling experience with a board game? In fact, there is an entire sub-genre of games out there based on whodunit stories. In board-game lingo, these games are called “hidden-role games.”

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Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019

Werewolves was one of the first hidden-role games, and has seen many different versions.

Flights of fancy

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Flights of fancy

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Sep. 28, 2019

Recently, I found myself at the airport waiting for my plane to board. To pass the time, I went to the airport bookstore to browse for something to read on the flight. Now, I’m not an avid book reader, I don’t keep up with what’s popular and I wasn’t looking for anything specific. So, the information I had to work with was limited to the cover art and the synopsis on the back of the book. Based on this alone, I found myself attracted to some titles while immediately rejecting others.

For many of us, the decision to choose a particular book or movie comes down to its thematic content. We gravitate toward themes that interest us, such as romance, sci-fi, fantasy, action, mystery or historical fiction. In most cases, the theme of an entertainment product is already reflected in both the title and cover art. If the theme presented in the title and cover art fails to draw our attention, we probably won’t enjoy the narrative of the product.

Theme is just as important when it comes to choosing a board game. Just like books and movies, board games offer us an opportunity to step into roles and scenarios outside our everyday experience. In Monopoly, for example, we take on the role of a wealthy real estate mogul intent on crushing their competition. In Pandemic, we take the role of a scientist attempting to save the world from a deadly viral outbreak. In Clue, we try to solve a murder in a mansion. In Carcassonne, the goal is to build an ancient castle. I don’t know about you, but most of these experiences are so far removed from my daily life that playing a board game is as close as I’ll ever get. Knowing the theme of a game can help us zero in on the kinds of roles and scenarios with the greatest potential for our enjoyment.

Theme is also what gives meaning and purpose to the bare-bones mechanics of a game. I think it is safe to say that a game like Ticket to Ride would be a lot less popular if we were just connecting dots on a white board while trading cards of different colours. The fact that the dots represent cities on a map and the connections between them represent train tracks provides meaningful context to gameplay. At its core, a board game may simply be a collection of rules and logical systems, but a good theme allows us to transcend these mechanics, engage our imaginations and immerse ourselves in the narrative.

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Saturday, Sep. 28, 2019

In Pandemic, you must keep deadly viruses at bay and discover a cure.

Use games to overcome back-to-school jitters

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Use games to overcome back-to-school jitters

Olaf Pyttlik 6 minute read Saturday, Sep. 14, 2019

Children of all ages are easing back into the rhythm and structure of classes. For some, a new school year is reason for excitement. It’s an opportunity to make new friends, learn new things and navigate new social environments. However, the very same things can trigger anxiety and fear in others. After all, getting comfortable in a new environment and interacting with new people takes effort and energy.

I grew up in Germany, and we Germans have an adorable tradition where children receive a “Schultuete” (pronounced shool-tyoo-teh) or “school treat bag” when they enter Grade 1. It’s a large, attractively decorated cardboard cone filled with treats, toys and school supplies. The point of the gift is to lower the anxiety that often accompanies a child’s first steps into the world of structured education.

I have fond memories of my first day. I couldn’t wait to explore all the goodies my parents had sent with me (see picture).

Even though we don’t have this particular tradition here in Canada, we do similar things when our kids go back to school. We buy them new outfits or colourful new school supplies to give them something to look forward to. Perhaps they even receive a new electronic device that serves both as a status symbol and a way for them to connect socially.

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Saturday, Sep. 14, 2019

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Olaf Pyttlik starting Grade 1 in Germany with his ‘Schultuete,’ or treat bag.

Got the gang over? Get this party started

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Got the gang over? Get this party started

Olaf Pyttlik 7 minute read Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019

Board gaming is an activity that can fulfil our need for social interaction. Games can offer us an entertaining way to connect with family, friends or co-workers. Thankfully, there are a whole host of game titles designed to accommodate almost any group size, from one to two players all the way to 20 or more. So if you’re planning a gathering or an outing with a large group of friends, rest assured there are a lot of great games available to make your time together exciting and memorable.

In board-gaming parlance, those that accommodate a large number of players are frequently called “party games.” Choosing the right party game for a gathering of diverse personalities can be tricky. If you get it right, your choice can keep everyone entertained and interacting. Get it wrong, and the evening may devolve into bored yawns and people glancing at their watches, wondering when it might be socially acceptable to leave.

Hopefully, I can help you to find just the right game to make your next get-together a resounding success.

So, what defines a good party game?

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Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019

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Party games are a great way to have fun with a big group, though choosing the right game for a gathering of diverse personalities can be tricky.

Looking for a new game? Trust the judges

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Looking for a new game? Trust the judges

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019

Why do we like award shows so much? Whether it’s the Oscars, Grammys or Junos, most of us are eager to take in the spectacle of couture and celebrity surrounding these ceremonies.

Personally, I’m less interested in the fashion and glamour of the red carpet and more interested in the award winners themselves. I enjoy award shows because they help me cut through the endless list of new movies and songs released every year. I trust that a group of event judges were able to determine which releases were of exceptional quality. I assume any movie that won an Oscar will merit my attention and every artist who won a Juno will be worth a listen. In other words, awards help me to filter out the good from the not-so-good.

The world of board games is no different. Every year there are about 1,500 to 3,000 new board game titles released around the world. Who has the time or money to play them all? Wouldn’t it be great if there was an award that honoured each year’s outstanding game releases? Well, there is. In fact, there are a number or noteworthy game awards. However, the most prestigious and influential award when it comes to the board game industry is the German-based Spiel des Jahres, or Game of The Year, award.

Much of the recent board gaming renaissance began in Germany and other central European countries in the late 1970s and early '80s. There was a fresh new wave of German board game designers experimenting with innovative game mechanics who challenged the industry to turn its focus toward brand new approaches to game design.

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Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019

Board games teach children valuable skills

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Board games teach children valuable skills

Olaf Pyttlik 4 minute read Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019

Do you remember the day you played your first board game? If you’re having a difficult time remembering, it’s probably because your first experience with a board game was in your early childhood. Like most people, I was introduced to games as a child.

I remember playing games like, Sorry or Chutes and Ladders with my grandma when I was a kid.

Later on, around age 10, I played Monopoly, Risk and Careers with my friends. Back then, video games and mobile app-based games were either rare or non-existent (yes, I am that old). So, on weekends or after school, board games were our favourite pastime.

I used to wonder about the effect of those early experiences with games and whether they helped shape the person I’ve become.

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Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019

Communication, team work key components of play

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Communication, team work key components of play

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 20, 2019

Most of us have a competitive streak. Traditionally speaking, the standard goal of game play has been to meet a challenge or an opponent and, using wit, cunning or strength, emerge victorious. Games are a rehearsal for life, so to speak. The beauty of board games is that they let us experience the thrill of competition in a safe environment with no real-world consequences (other than a bruised ego, perhaps).

However, what if you enjoy the social aspect of board gaming, but aren’t keen on the concept of competition? For some players, competition and anxiety go hand in hand, so they’d rather avoid it altogether. If that sounds familiar to you, let me introduce you to the world of co-operative games.

In a co-operative game, everyone plays together in order to achieve a goal or victory condition. Players win or lose as a group. Because of this, the key components of co-operative games are often communication and team work. In many cases, players share information, cards or strategies with the group and are encouraged to make decisions collectively. This makes for a unique experience, both socially and strategically.

Co-operative games are a relatively new addition to the world of board games, but their game mechanics have quickly become one of the most popular. Early versions of co-operative games were introduced by parents and teachers in education settings during the 1970s. More mainstream titles followed during the 1980s with games such as Scotland Yard and Fury of Dracula.

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Saturday, Jul. 20, 2019

Players join forces in search for a cure in Pandemic’s virus-infected world.

Games for festival fun

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Games for festival fun

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 6, 2019

Summer is here and our province will be celebrating the warm weather with outdoor events such as the Winnipeg Folk Festival and Winnipeg Fringe Festival, just to name a few. We’ll be hanging out with friends and family, soaking in the sunshine and relaxing on our lawn chairs or blankets. What’s not to like?!

Ever thought about adding some board games to the experience? There are good people around you with some time to spare, plenty of sunshine and amazing background entertainment; I mean, the setting is perfect.

Let’s look at some great games you can bring along and introduce to your festival pals.

One of the main concerns, of course, is size. Most of us are probably just bringing a backpack or bag for the day, so carrying a couple of large board game boxes is probably not the easiest thing to do. Luckily, there are some incredible games that are only slightly larger than your smartphone. There are tons of games out there that come in a compact 13x10x2 centimetre box.

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Saturday, Jul. 6, 2019

Games to keep you busy at the cabin this summer

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Games to keep you busy at the cabin this summer

Olaf PyttlikIt's your turn 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 22, 2019

Summer is finally here. For many Manitobans, this means spending weekends at the cabin.

Time at the cabin usually means relaxing and enjoying the company of friends or family at a place where schedules are almost non-existent and time flows at a more relaxed pace. That’s the perfect backdrop for playing board games while reconnecting with others and ourselves.

So what are some of the factors that come into play when choosing games for the cottage?

If you’re fond of entertaining guests, it’s a good idea to have games that players of any level will enjoy. They should also provide plenty of re-playability, as these games will likely become a permanent fixture at the cabin.

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Saturday, Jun. 22, 2019

Let the game-playing begin

Olaf PyttlikI 5 minute read Preview

Let the game-playing begin

Olaf PyttlikI 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 8, 2019

I really enjoy running. It has become a hobby of mine. When I started, I remember how intimidated I felt walking into a running supply store. There was a vast array of shoes and apparel, electronic gadgets, supplements and other gear designed for every possible running challenge. For an enthusiast, running is an important part of life, and it wasn’t long before I dove into the bottomless pit of advice columns, opinions and gear reviews. Yet, at the end of the day, all I really needed to get started was a decent pair of running shoes, a T-shirt and shorts.

The board-gaming hobby is no different. There are thousands of titles to choose from and enthusiastic gamers will discuss games and game mechanics in such detail that beginners, who just want to spend a few fun-filled hours with their friends or family, can find themselves overwhelmed. Today, I will attempt to simplify the process of finding new games, so you can cut through the clutter. You’ll be up and running in no time.

Most importantly, don’t be scared. Games are just that — games. They’re meant to be fun and give you an excuse to enjoy a distraction while spending time with others. A good board game should not make you feel inadequate or intimidate you.

Just because there are games on the market that are new to you, does not mean they are difficult to learn or that they will push you out of your comfort zone. Many of the games released within the past few years are actually less complex than the classics you may be familiar with. The rules of Monopoly, for example, are quite extensive and chess has a different movement rule for each individual piece. I recently learned cribbage for the first time (what?!) and even though I play a lot of games, I found it rather complicated to learn. So, don’t assume a new game will be challenging just because you’ve never heard of it before. You’ll likely be surprised at how easy it is to learn a well-designed game.

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Saturday, Jun. 8, 2019

The game of getting to know you

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The game of getting to know you

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Saturday, May. 25, 2019

I currently have 512 friends on my personal Facebook page. The idea behind social media platforms is to share our lives and interests with one another. But can we really get to know someone’s true character by scrolling through the seemingly endless stream of pictures of their children, pets or travels?

It is easy to hide one’s true self behind superficial posts of various activities. In this age of relentless connectivity, it seems more and more difficult to get to know the honest character of a person.

Even outside the virtual world, it can be challenging to find a meaningful interpersonal connection. How much do we really learn about each other over a drink and small talk in a bar or a movie theatre? In my experience, not very much.

What about board games? For me, a board game is like a get-to-know-someone session in a cardboard box. Given the subject matter of this column, that’s probably not a surprising revelation. However, humour me for a minute as I explore this idea further.

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Saturday, May. 25, 2019

Team games like Codenames are great at drawing out good communicators.

Game(s) of Thrones: bringing the hit series to your table

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Game(s) of Thrones: bringing the hit series to your table

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Friday, May. 10, 2019

Few intellectual properties have had as much impact on contemporary pop culture as George R.R. Martin’s bestselling book series Game of Thrones — A Song of Ice and Fire.

Most of us have at least heard the names of House Lannister or House Stark. Now that HBO is airing the final season of the beloved franchise, there is almost no escaping it.

You might think political intrigue, plotting and power play is the perfect setting for an interesting board game — and you would be right.

There are several board-game titles that will allow you to relive your favourite aspects of the novels or the television show:

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Friday, May. 10, 2019

The return of the board game: More people enjoying low-tech interaction

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The return of the board game: More people enjoying low-tech interaction

Olaf Pyttlik 5 minute read Friday, Apr. 26, 2019

Olaf Pyttlik is a Winnipeg board game enthusiast and co-owner of Across the Board Game Café. In a regular column, Pyttlik will look at the renaissance of board games and share games ideas for families and friends of all ages.

Virtual reality, hig-definition TV, augmented reality apps. As technology keeps giving us new entertainment options, you might be surprised to learn that one of the biggest areas of innovation and excitement in entertainment is in good old tabletop board games.

People all over the globe are discovering (and in some cases re-discovering) the joys of face-to-face interaction with friends and family and the pleasures that come with a tactile, non-virtual gaming experience.

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Friday, Apr. 26, 2019

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