With board games becoming more popular than ever, the amount of stereotypes in the hobby has grown. So have a read and ask yourself, what type of board gamer are you?
The rules lawyer
No one wants to admit it, but the rules lawyers are the unsung heroes of the board gaming world. Knowing all the rules and ensuring they are upheld, allows you to play according to the designer’s vision. Rather than made-up Calvinball shenanigans, like playing Hanabi as a competitive game.
The heel
Stolen from WWE vernacular, The Heel is essentially the antagonist of the group. They are evil and should be stopped from winning at all costs. We love them because they’re usually the instigator in all combat games. Making them a safe target to pick on without too many repercussions. Be careful though, as if you get on their wrong side there are no barriers they’re not willing to cross to secure victory. Or at least your defeat.
The dragon
Forget about victory points, the dragon is this type of player who makes sure to have the best economy. A loss in their eyes is if they don’t sit on a pile of money by the end of the game. As such they will do anything to get money, even if they lose the planet through global warming game. Oddly, dragons struggle to do well in games like Medici where money equates is victory points.
The Gandhi
As the ultimate pacifist, Gandhi never attacks anyone. They turn people-pleasing into a competitive sport and make sure they are winning at all costs. Playing combat games with this type of player can get a bit boring until they start building nukes. So if you recognize a Gandhi in your group, be sure to throw out some non-interactive games like Calico every once in a while.
The “I’m just here so I don’t get fined”
Board games are a way for some people to get their much-needed social interaction. For them, the board game is a distraction from what they really want – secondhand air. So instead of focusing on the game, they are distracted by choice, barely engaging with the game.
But, as annoying as they are, we love them all the same. Friends before meeples!
The chosen one
Everyone hates the 1%. Those chosen by the gods of random chance, who’ve never had a bad roll or draw in their life. When their awful strategy is propped up by lucky chance. We still don’t know what these players sacrificed in order to get their luck. But I imagine if we checked their closet we’d find a few skeletons.
Stay away from luck-based games like Camel Up from these people, less you want to be depressed.
The cursed child
Inversing the chosen one is the cursed child. These players have never rolled above a three, or drawn a card that fits their strategy.
One of my best friend’s D&D characters is cursed like this. A strong, stoic, burly giant that has yet to hit an enemy in combat throughout our year-long campaign. We call him an ingan, an involuntary Gandhi.
The distracte- Oh look a bird
Who’s turn is it?
Yours!
This is someone who can’t help but engage in table talk. Instead of focusing on their next move between turns, they’re talking rubbish and joking around. Distracted players usually forget what they’re doing, whose turn it is, what day of the week it is, and what their name is.
OK, maybe there’s something more going on…
The Charlie Brown
If you’re a Charlie Brown you’ve never had a good die roll in your life, and if you did it was a fluke and will never happen again. Despite all evidence to the contrary, as usually they do exceptionally well. Still, they bemoan their luck, the balance of the game, and anything else they can complain about. However, then the second the game is over, they’re the type of player to turn around and say, ‘That was fun, let’s play again!’
The gambler
You got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them, and know when to walk away.
This gambler knows none of that.
Instead, they relish the chance to take a risk no matter how big or how small. They bring chaos and randomness to the game because they’re unpredictable, and we love them for that. However, we also hate them because they always ruin our well-thought-out strategies. If you’re looking to please a gambler, then Diamant is the board game for you!
Are there any types of board gamers not included? Let me know in the comments below!
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I always like the old saying “if you have to ask whose turn it is, it’s most likely yours”. I’ve come across many of these types before!
I imagine that’s where your blog title came from! Haha.
Not from personal experience, but yes!