Board Game Olympics

I was absorbed in an evening TV show when my kids began to lure me from the couch with the challenge of a board game. I was caught in the act of being lazy, so I had no excuse not to play. I accepted their challenge and decided to up the stakes a little. I suggested that we try a "board game olympics."

The lively event of board game olympics can be played in many ways, but two things are required: you need multiple events, and multiple prizes. You can use a variety of games or even the same game played a few times. Be sure that there is a prize for everyone. Candy bars work great for prizes, but you can use whatever is handy.

The events you choose are entirely flexible and should definitely be chosen by agreement of the group. Try to allow everyone to choose something they enjoy or are good at. It helps to consider approximately how much time each game will take to play, and plan your events accordingly. A key to the success of your board game olympics is to make it only as long as your family’s attention span(anything longer than that and you may be risking a board game mutiny). If your event seems to be pushing beyond your family’s patience, try to draw the games to a close. Most often, however, you will find that when the timing is planned appropriately, a board game olympics will pass by quickly and be loads of fun. By the way, you can always continue the games on another day.

In board game olympics, it is important to be sure that everyone follows the rules. When you have prizes there is always the possibility that someone will resort to underhanded tactics to obtain them. Don’t be a hard nosed “game sheriff,” but try to assure that everyone plays fairly.

Another consideration for your events is to maintain a relatively even playing field. Everybody likes a winner, but everybody likes to be a winner too. Consider the abilities of your opponents and try not to leave a competitor behind in all events to gather up everybody’s dust. The object is not to smear your opponents, it is to have fun with them. There is nothing wrong with allowing players to exhibit their strengths and abilities, but try to avoid a complete blow out when possible. Be aware of age differences and try to provide equal odds when possible. Sometimes a game of chance, rather than a strategy game can help to make events more equitable in such instances.

With all of these things considered, your board game olympics should be challenging, fun, and rewarding for all. You will have a variety of games that keep the interest of the players. Everyone will play by the rules and have a fair shot at winning. Best of all, everyone will have a prize to enjoy when the games are over. There are only winners in board game olympics because everybody shares in the fun.