As the long winter nights close in and the weather takes a chilly turn, there is nothing quite like curling up in your living room to play an epic game of ‘Risk’ or one of its similarly challenging counterparts. Originally released in 1950s France as ‘La Conquete du Monde’, or ‘The Conquest of the World’, ‘Risk’ is one of the most enduring strategy board games ever made, and it is easy to lose entire evenings as you take it in turns to conquer your companions’ territories.
If you are more of a video gamer than a fan of the classics, throwing your own board game evening can be a daunting prospect. After all, playing remotely among friends seldom requires providing snacks or whipping the hoover round! However, playing host at your very own board game evening can be a great experience, one that you’ll be eager to repeat on a regular basis.
Planning the perfect games night
Despite the inevitable rise of video gaming, nothing can quite match the thrill of a good board game, particularly when it comes to organising a night in with your friends. Video games can be great fun, and are fantastic when it comes to interacting with people from around the world. However, nothing can beat the company of friends on a cold winter’s evening, and the opportunities for conversation and laughter will soon outweigh the temptation for fancy graphics; the oldies really are the best when it comes to gaming.
There are a number of things to consider as you plan the perfect games night – namely, the number of guests that are invited, the food and drink that you’ll be serving, and the games that you’ll be playing. It is essential to make sure that you have enough seating for everyone, plenty of snacks to go around, and ample floor and table space for the different games that will be on offer. Remember to draw up the rules for anyone who may be unfamiliar with a particular title. Cushions and beanbags can be a great addition to any living room and will ensure that everyone gets a comfortable seat; games nights should never be too formal, and your guests should feel able to enjoy the company as well as the tournaments on offer. In terms of feeding your gaming friends, snack foods are, more often than not, the best way to go. Crisps, dips and handheld foods such as pizza ensure that the action can continue, even as you’re refuelling.
One of the best things about games such as ‘Risk’ is that the conclusion is rarely met before sunrise. Certain epic board games can provide a whole evening’s entertainment, so it’s important to try to stay alert for the duration of your tournament. Tea, coffee and caffeinated energy drinks can provide the buzz you need to maintain that gaming edge, so mini fridges and hot drinks makers can be a great addition to your games night. The Tassimo coffee maker is a particularly popular gadget that conveniently allows you to make numerous drinks for you and your friends at the touch of a button.
While video games are a great way to wile away an evening, there is nothing quite like a classic board game to really draw friends together, providing ample opportunities for sinking each others battleships, conquering territories and charging extortionate rent to those unfortunate enough to land on your properties. Competition among friends has never been so much fun.
