Weird Fox
United States
Finger Lakes
United States
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My nephews are visiting from out of state and staying with my in-laws for a few days (they are 6 and 9; my nephews, not my in-laws). Often when they visit and there's a family gathering, my wife's Aunt will bring board games to the house. Battleship, Mastermind, that Guess Who? game from like 1958, etc. Mostly memory games and roll-and-move games. For as much grief as I give those games, though, all involved typically have a good time, everybody has a few laughs, and the kids usually get excited when Aunt [Distinctive Name] is coming by; they know they'll get to play some games. They even send her birthday cards and say "can't wait to see you -- remember to bring your games."
Perfect. They're both willing gamers. They're primed. And Aunt [Distinctive Name] is not coming by today, so Uncle John gets to be the proverbial gaming homewrecker. I first suggest 10 Days in the USA, and I explain it to them saying that the object of the game is to create a vacation. They decide to play as a team to try and beat their Uncle. Bring it.
I don't even have the game fully explained yet and they're already enthralled. They keep saying things like "So I need to decide what the best move is!" I could cry.
Choice quotes from during the game:
"Ok, I'm not even done playing and this is my favorite game ever."
"This makes me tired in my brain; I need a popsicle."
"Hang on; I'm making a choice." (Yes, yes you are son)
"So I need to use strategies here."
"Uncle John, is this a good risk? What does 'risk' mean?"
"If only this trip were eleven days long; then I'd win." (He actually did use the subjunctive there, for those wondering)
There also was a terrific moment when the 9-year-old was stroking his chin as if he had a beard and was deep in thought, trying to figure out what to discard. For a 33-year-old Uncle, this game is not a brainburner, but for two young nephews, it certainly was.
All in all, good stuff. Their mother was thrilled (both with the quiet house and with the educational component) and was especially interested to hear that there were versions covering Africa and Europe. When we finished, they wanted to debrief and share their plan. Then we played Travel Blokus, which they liked even better. Tomorrow: Quoridor.
However, as happy as I am that they were this excited and engaged, I really hope this doesn't effectively fire Aunt [Distinctive Name]. But if I get a good birthday card reminding me to bring games next time, I'll let you know.
J
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