Losing Airlines Bragging Rights

As much as I try not to, still end up a mediocre in gaming. Hmmm! But hey, where's the fun in always winning?! (Awkay! I'm contradicting myself.) I don't usually flaunt my defeat. Just for once, I'll give myself this chance.

Last Wednesday's session, if my memory is right, I experience my first ever "Airlines" defeat. Technically, I've lost to Migo in 2s. But he never did in a 5 player game. What struck(hurt) me most is that the person who defeated me is Banks, who just started playing with us last week. OMG! I might not play "Airlines" again with him. Once is enough. Haha! Just kidding. 

The defeat made me questioned my tactics. And I actually couldn't wait to play it again. Losing is like a drug that empowers me. The more I lose, the more I hungered to win. Because I lose, I was forced to evaluate the odds in that game which I usually never do otherwise. It's much painful losing when you don't know the reason why you did.

I think I lose because...

Banks is the only person who uses the "TT" technique(T3). Grace is also known for this and she wasn't in the game. If she were there, the odds might have been different. They would cancel each other, I think. :P Also, aside from T3 Banks strives to hold majority stocks on an airline company too. T3 combined with majority technique is a sure win.  

Also Banks is having communication with other players. When he noticed that someone is also having the majority stocks like him, he offers alliance.

So what is this "TT" technique(T3) about?

Airlines Europe is a stock game, with players earning points for the stock they hold in particular airline companies when one of the randomly determined scorings takes place. On a player's turn, that player either expands an airline and claims a stock, plays stock onto the board and receives dividend, invests in a special airline called Air ABACUS or gets a certain amount of money from the bank. A player scores only for stock in play, but the value of an airline is determined by the value of the route licences that airline owns – thus, you're torn in terms of what to play when.

- Board Game Geek

T3 aims to invest in all airplane companies but does not necessarily contribute in expanding the companies. 

IF T3 and majority combination is a good combination tactic, why am I not using it?

I don't know how to use T3 effectively. I just don't feel safe relying the odds to other players. In almost all games, I always try to be self-sufficient. That's why alliance technique will not work on me too. I don't trust that others will keep their words. Haha! 

Unlike Banks, when I noticed that someone holds a majority stocks, I stop expanding that airline until I'm sure I can be the sole majority holder. 

Bottomline:

I play selfishly. Hahaha! 

Hmmmm....might be changing things on the coming sessions...

Thanks Banks for the lessons! :)

When the Boyfriend becomes a Gamer

You might have heard how couples end up fighting because of games (can be online, card or anything). Most girls rant how the game becomes a priority.  Saturday chill with boyfriend becomes a lonely Saturday at home watching chick flick because the boyfriend is either playing his beloved game or sleeping because he just spent the night with it.  So-so!

I don’t want any of that struggle so when the boyfriend told me he wanted to buy board games, I immediately object. But he was persistent. I got tired of the constant ramblings so I agreed.

I didn’t want to compete with his time, or make the board games get in the way of our perfect relationship so I choose to become a gamer.

It was hard considering it’s my first time playing board games. Learning the rules in each new game was a constant struggle. But seeing him smile at my efforts was what I needed to keep me moving forward.

It’s been 9 months since I’ve become a gamer because my boyfriend becomes one. I don’t have any regrets. And if ever, he’d like to learn another hobby or anything, I surely won’t have 2nd thoughts of doing what I did again.

The Boyfriend’s Collection.

For the boreds on Wednesday night... 

You can join our board game session! :) 

Pan de Manila, eBloc, IT Park! 

7 PM - 12 AM!

An Interview with Grace

I can't remember the first time I talked to Grace about board gaming. She's a college classmate, a member of Chooks and a dear friend. To be able to play board games with friends is a long-term goal but I'm taking it slow. There's a notion about board games so I know my task would be arduous. So I was super happy when she agree to attend our 5th board game session last Mar 4. Officially, she's the 3rd friend I invited and successfully attend a board gaming session. Hehe! The first is Charry, then Judith. As for the opposite...well, I don't wanna recall failures. Hahaha!

She had her first session with us on a Sunday and has played 6 games. The highest number of games to be played first time in a session. Following are the games she had done playing:

1. Ticket to Ride USA          2. Ticket to Ride EU

3. Last Night on Earth        4. Payday

5. Clue                                  6. Pictureka

With Charry's help, I come up with this questionnaire for board gamers. Grace is the first one to answer it. See below for her answers.

-----------------------------------------------

1. What is the first game you've played with us? 

ticket to ride (US)?

2. How was the experience? 

lingaw...like dli ko nahan maundang :))

3. What made you try board gaming? 

curious?gusto makabalo,was invited? :))

4.Did you played other board games before? What are they?

Boardgame ba nang scrabble?

5. What is your favorite game played here? Why was it your favorite?

Payday?ky murag mag anticipate ka if swertehon ka ba

-----------------------------------------------

How about you? What's your answer on the questions above. Drop us a mail. :)

I Must Say

The first time I've heard about adults playing board games the first thing that popped-out into my mind was, "Isn't that just for kids?".  hahaha!  Well, you can't blame me.  The only board games that I have played are snakes and ladders, monopoly and other board games that are really for kids.  But after the first session that I attended, now, I can attest to the fact that board games are not just for kids.(the board games that we play)  I always have fun everytime we play that how I wish the night won't end so that we can play more games.  hahaha!  The first game that I played was Robo Rally.  The game can really make you confuse as to where is your left and your right side.  hahaha!  My favorite among the games that we have played so far are carcassone(I won the game on my first time playing the game; beginner's luck), ticket to ride(I really like playing this game even though I don't win and end up always at the bottom. hahaha...) and wits and wager(even if I don't know the answers of the trivia, I still earn lots of points that is why I like this game. hehehehe...).

Why do I play board games?

...Because I don't have a choice. I was forced.

Ennnng! Wrong! I played board games because I enjoy and like it. Yes, I didn't start playing on my own but to make it a habit is. :) I'm not the athletic and the gamer type of girl, that's what I thought then when I opted not to join any games before. Later I realized the real reason I don't. I hate losing that's why I don't commit myself into something I'm not sure I could win.

In games, it is a rare occurrence to win but if I did, the feeling is intoxicating. It surpasses that of winning something I'm good at. That feeling is addictive. Playing board games fits that bakery tag line, "once tasted. always wanted."

I want my friends to join me on this journey but I don't know how to start. Board gaming is mostly associated to the geeky few (I'm not), I believe most of my friends aren't. I'm afraid they won't enjoy it as much as I do. But I won't quit. It is a dream to one day see all of my friends playing board game. Haha!

Why do I play board games?
Because aside from being fun, it takes away boredom. It's not popular so I pride myself to be part of the (gifted) few. Haha! And as someone said, board gaming is not for superficial (I thought I'm one) people. It needs talent, ability and a burning fire to win. And learning something new once in a while is mentally healthy. In board game, my time is well spent. :)