Tabletop Tales

Historically if you asked people to think of a board game, around 8 out of 10 will come back with the likes of Monopoly, Cluedo or Battleships (no judgement here!); but now more and more people are leaving these family favourites behind for a different type of gaming experience.

Tabletop gaming refers to games that are a little more complex, strategic and generally a bit more grown up! There are a variety of sub genres within tabletop gaming from deck building to engine building to moving tiny figures around with sticks! They encompass a range of themes and really offer something for everyone.

My introduction to tabletop gaming came from what for most is considered the ‘gateway’ game – Settlers of Catan! At first glance as someone that was more familiar with games like ludo, I was pretty overwhelmed but after a few shakey turns I got to grips with the resource collecting game and was keen to discover similar games.

Another nice easy starter game is Ticket to Ride, collect cards to build trains across the map. This comes in a variety of versions including a children’s game . I generally enjoy most building games especially when there is symmetry involved, I have lost many a game because I have picked neatness over points!

My personal favourites include Machi Koro, Dominion, Evolution and my most recently tried game – Feast of Odin.

So why am I talking about gaming… here comes the shameless plug! As one of his mayoral fundraisers this year, Llanelli mayor David Darkin is putting on Llanelli’s first games convention.

The West Wales Games Con will take place on Saturday 13th April in the Selwyn Samuel Centre. We will have a board games library, open gaming, traders and demonstrations . We will also have a designated family area as children under 13 get in for free (if accompanied by an adult). Tickets can be bought from the website – gamesconwales.co.uk or Facebook.com/wwgcon

In the run up to the games con we have been holding monthly games nights in the riverside cafe , Selwyn Samuel Centre and we plan to continue these for the rest of the year. These are free to attend and family friendly. Turn up, play games – simples! The next games night is 6.30pm Friday 8th March and I hope to see you there.

Each month I will be talking about the games night; what was played? Was it easy to learn? Was it fun? Did I try a game just because I liked the dinosaur shaped starting marker? ( yes – no regrets), And maybe look at some new games we are excited to see come out.

If you are interested in gaming and want to come along to a games night please do, you can come with friends or on your own. We are a welcoming bunch and have a good mix of those new to gaming and those with a little more experience who are always happy to help.