One of the challenges in hosting the GOF is of course, food. Tammy takes point on this, and Marci was a great help at our last Gathering. The sisters and brothers are always great!
The other challenge is scheduling events and getting everyone into an appropriate game. We have a diversity of gaming backgrounds, and interests. Part of the purpose of a Gathering is to introduce regulars and new players (newbies), try out games that we haven't played in a while, and try new games. We've also had fun with the tournament aspect in the past.
I've decided to eliminate the tournament feel from this GOF, and to focus on the players and the games themselves. While the tournament was fun for some (generally the more serious players), it requires time to administer, and de-ephasizes the interactions between new and experienced players.
This is why I've asked some of our experts to "host" games this time, as opposed to an open selection process. The game host will be experienced with the rules, be willing to play the game, and can accomodate a wide range of experience levels.
Another detail is table space. I have 6 tables that can be used as potential play surfaces: The tall main game table (which holds 6 people, seated or standing), a large out-door table (that holds 6 seated), a kitchen table (4-5), smaller "Ikea" table (4, tight with 6), piano table (4), and large pine table (4-6, but tough finding enough chairs for this).
It's necessary for scheduling to make sure that the games have enough room to be played, there are enough chairs, and the table is in the right location. Some games required a lot of concentration, so the players will be seated and unmoving most of the time (Caylus). Others will require players to move around a lot because of the size of the board (Civilization). Others can get noisy, or require a lot of communication (Settlers, Power Grid).
Then there are the players! We will have some younger players (8-12 years old), some teenagers, some newer players, some who will only enjoy family games (Ticket to Ride, Scrabble, Alhambra), some who will only enjoy advanced German games (Puerto Rico, Caylus, Power Grid), etc.
I am the nut who loves Civilization type-games (Sid Meier's Civilization, AH Civilization, Mare Nostrum, Vinci, etc.). Kevin is the Caylus expert (brain-burner), Willy Joe is in the Settlers grove. Doug and Kim can play anything and seem to enjoy Power Grid the most. Jarred seems to like advanced games. Kyle loves Puerto Rico. Trudy has played a hundred games of Axis and Allies, but wants to learn the German games. Tab can play anything, but tends to lean towards Western-style games (although he's tough in Settlers, Serinissima, Captiol, Carcassone). Al and Pat have played a little of everything, and own St. Petersburg (not a game you can find just anywhere).
I can't wait to see everyone on the 11th!
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