Someone requested to join Makati Board Game Club a few months back. I cordially accepted the person thinking they would be around the area and was interested in gaming. Turns out he’s from Indonesia and only recently moved here for work. Even with the unexpected downpour of rain, supporters of Playgroup Tuesdays arrived and played. While not as many as before, the games played were worth it.

Worthwhile because through these simple boxes of cardboard we were able to make someone feel at-home and. I often travel for work, and whenever I’m in a new place it’s quite daunting especially if nobody can show me around. It’s always good if I can find a group that would help me find my bearings and learn the local culture along the way. I believe we accomplished just that, that game night.

We played The Manhattan Project amongst other games. In this game players are racing to build bombs really just for show. They get to develop their own network of factories and mines, universities and laboratories in an arms race for points. While nukes can’t be used to target other players, one could send spies to utilize another player’s resources or send bombers to disable their establishments.

Manhattan is usually an intense game, but in our match it was quite relaxing. Sharing stories and getting to know the other. The radioactive race was enjoyable at every worker placement moment.

I tend to follow a certain attitude whenever I’m hosting a game which I believe helps new comers to enjoy their first game in the hobby or playgroup.

1. Assist: It is OK to hint out to newbies things they may have missed, even if it would lead to their advantage in the game. After a lengthy rules explanation, new players or even seasoned ones may overlook certain details that could possibly impact their play.
2. Explore: I will push for my best game, but it is alright if others win instead. I take these as opportunities for me to explore other untested strategies that in my mind have a possibility of winning. Play a game long enough and certain strategies would fare better than others. I implore the newcomers to discover those themselves while I challenge myself for new strategies to conquer.
3. Ask: A game might not always go as well as I’ve imagined for the new comers, I try to attune myself with the atmosphere above the table. If I get a whif that players are not generally happy with the game, then I may suggest switching to a quick and fun filler while I find the next game that may work or secretly deploy ways to finish the game faster.

Board Gaming can be definetly be used as a tool to bridge age, cultures and nationalities. Handled properly it has the ability to make neutral spaces where people can enjoy playing games with respect and enthusiasm for one another. Until next time make your games count!