Is it Okay to Play 2-Player Games at Game Night???
Let me start off by clearly saying that yes, of course it is perfectly fine to play 2-player games at game night.
This article is more about my personal hangup about it.
I mean, some people play these games all the time (Kenny and Britt with their little exclusive love-fest sessions all the time, making me both sick and jealous all at the same time.) But both when I'm picking out games to bring and when I'm at game night deciding on what to recommend, I just can't seem to bring myself to pull out a 2-player game! So what the heck is wrong with me???
Playing a 2-player game definitely has an impact on the rest of the group, and that's something that you need to consider, of course. Especially in a larger group with limited space, tying up a table for just two people to play a game feels, to me, like a rather presumptuous thing to do. And it's sort of inherently anti-social to wall yourself off with just one other person when others may be milling around looking for a game to play. Plus, as it often happens in open-play formats, when you start with a group, you sort of get pigeon-holed into playing with those same people for most of the evening (unless you intentionally wait for others to finish before starting anothe game), so playing one 2-player game sort of leads you right into playing even more games just between the two of you.
I've talked some before about social contracts in gaming, and how we are all responsible for each other having fun, and I think that my role as "organizer" for the group also makes me feel even more responsible for these sorts of things. So for me to dedicate time, attention, and space to play just with one other person feels really selfish to me, personally.
So, am I just being stupid? Because there's a ton of 2-player games that I'd love to play. From 1960: The Making of the President (which is in my top 10), to it's big brother Twilight Struggle, my long-neglected old favorite BattleLore, the new-ish hotness Summoner Wars, and a ton of other games that I've love to get to the table.
What do y'all think? Do you like to play 2-player games at open-play game nights? Why or why not? Should I just get over myself, or hold on to what I think?
I'm going to work hard on developing a 2 player game called "Tea For Two" just to get you to come out of the Two Player "Funk". LOL..Just kidding...I don't mind a two player game if they are pretty quick, or as a filler when you are waiting for more players to get another game in play.
Zombie Dice is a good one to grab if you need something quick for 2. You can always stop before 13 points and declare a winner if there are more players ready to move on to a 3-X player game.
I think one of your points is very valid about tying up a table for two players when there might be a need for the space for a bigger group of players in another game.
I wonder if there could be a small card table size that would be sufficient? I know currently our store is going through some remodeling thoughts/issues soon.
Something to think about: having a fold up card table for those quick 2 player games if people are interested. That way your space is still available for the bigger games, etc.
I wouldn't totally rule out two player games though. There is some validity in having them available in cases where you need fillers, etc.
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Two-player games are absolutely fine. Let's sign you up for:
BattleLore, as you mentioned
it's big brother, Commands and Colors: Ancients
and Wallace's 'weuro' Waterloo
But seriously, I understand your 2-player dilemma. Hell, I'm trying to make sure I remember which of my games will seat 5 people, since that happens to me more often than anything else! But the occasional 2-player game is not just 'not bad' - it's good. Head-to-head gaming is going to be different than a multiplayer game, both in the game design space and the interaction betweeen the players.
Short version: give in to the dark side, etc.
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I will say that this is one of the main reasons I don't bring Claustrophobia with any frequency. Besides the crazy-huge box, that game eats up a ton of table space for only two players.
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I avoid 2-player games at game group gatherings, but I have another friend with whom I play them. While multiplayer games are better suited for the group, I wouldn't call 2-player games inappropriate. If that's the only opportunity you have to play those great games you mentioned, go ahead.
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Chris, are you playing games for yourself or for others? Is your entertainment less important than the other gamers?
Take a ritalin, my friend. You're spazzing.
Say it with me: Two player games are good. Two player games are great. I will enjoy gaming with two or twenty-two players.
I feel no compulsion to play large multiplayer games on game night. I play the games that I want to play, no matter how many players there are, and I enjoy it---no remorse.
So relax, play whatever you want with how many and whomever you want and feel satisfied in doing it.
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I'd say that my entertainment is no more important than anyone else's! If you are trying to have fun at the expense of other people and their fun, then you're just being selfish. Because, you know, games are social activities, so the other people at game night are important too.
And it's not like I'm having a terrible time playing "multiplayer" games, missing out on 2-player games would just be a trade-off for being considerate of others. The question isn't, "Should I do whatever the heck I want regardless of what others think?" as you seem to read it; it's more, "Is it really a big deal to others (or the group in general) if I play 2-player games more frequently?"
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Chris,
If you want to play 2 player games, do it. I don't care one whit whether you are gaming with one or 4 four other players.
I do not understand your guilt associated with playing a 2 player game. No one will think any less of you if you are engaged in playing a 2 player game. Also, Game Night runs itself now. It has an established group of regulars that keep it running. You don't have to be "on" every week or be Mother Theresa for the group by playing games just to include everyone.
BTW I am selfish, but I am an only child. That said, sometimes it is good to be selfish and to do things that you want to do, irregardless of others.
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I feel your dilemma. I have felt that too once or twice. But I also feel that two player games are fine. A good two player would have been nice last week for us to play while we waited for Kenny. Or since we had 7 free waiting to play something, a two player would have added one more option to the mix. In fact Roma is on my list. I would very much like to play Memoir'44 or BattleLore some time. There are very good two player games out there. And I want to play them!
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Tom, I'll be bringing my BattleLore stuff from here on out; also, I think you'd like C&C: Ancients. Same basic system with some neat added concepts, plus history! Woo! History!
You've got some Memoir '44 stuff, don't you? Throw it in the car sometime too!
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I'll ask Z is I can bring it. It is really his game.
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Just a side note: I'll play anything 2 - UNLIMITED number of players with y'all! I'm just happy to be part of the Hypermind Boardgamers!
Now can we get one with the real topic (GotM versus Tourney Play [FINAL TABLE])???? Just kidding!!!
But seriously, thanks guys for allowing me to join you all and play games with you including those 2 players games!
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OK..With all this two player talk you all need to go to this link and read it..hilarious:
http://boardgamenews.com/board2pieces/board-2-pieces-september-02-2010
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This subject comes up tangentially in my upcoming podcast about 5-player games. Some people think that's a good number--possibly the best number for a meaty, interactive game night. I, meanwhile, would just as readily suggest splitting into two tables with a 2-player game at one, and a 3-player game at the other!
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