The game-night desk
Planning a game night with newcomers
Choose the evening around the people coming, with a short explanation and room to change course.
Nell Practical guidesNOTES FROM THE DESK
The journal.
Useful reading for before everyone arrives.
Nell Practical guidesThe game-night desk
Choosing a game when the headcount keeps changing
Make a small plan for each likely group size before anyone reaches the door.
Nell Practical guidesRules and mechanisms
How much game fits into an hour?
Separate published playing time from the other things your evening needs to accommodate.
Otto Rules analysisRules and mechanisms
Choosing between a shared win and separate scores
Start with the kind of interaction people want, then look at how the rules create it.
Otto Rules analysisResources and discoveries
Prepare the first turn before you teach
A small rehearsal can reveal the gaps in your explanation before guests arrive.
Pip Useful resourcesResources and discoveries
Find a teaching resource that matches your copy
Check edition, purpose, and authority before following a rulebook or video.
Pip Useful resources