Old-fashioned gamer

I know, these days, the term “gamer” usually refers to a fan of electronic games, which I am not (just ask Ethan).  But I’m a HUGE fan of games that require little more than a friendly face across a table and a favorite game board, or card deck, or dice set in between.  Call me an old-fashioned gamer.

Playing games is a highly companionable way to pass the time.  An engaging game, nice table conversation, a few laughs, some tasty snacks… what more is needed for a good time?  Figuring out strategy, deciding a best move, and arguing for a point is somehow both relaxing and energizing at the same time.  There is tremendous comfort in the sounds of rattling dice, counting moves, slapping cards, whirling spinners, and – most of all – laughter.

Most people know that if you come to my house (or if I come to yours for a visit, or join you on vacation), we will most likely play games.  I’m inordinately pleased with the fact that little guests to my home invariably rummage through the cabinets and insist on playing their favorites. By a quick count, I’ve got 89 games in my house, so there’s something for every age and every taste.  (But not a battery-powered component, or computer or video game among them!) My first choice would be Rummikub, but Canasta is a sentimental favorite as well, and my newest addition to the “hot list” is YamSlam! 

I’ve always enjoyed games, and remember fondly the hours I spent playing Canasta with Maryellen and the summer weekend nights playing games like Racko and Tripoli on Grandmom’s porch as a child.  Games provoke laughter and good-natured competition, and they provide a great way to build relationships and memories.  I travel with a big box of games, and carry pocket-size games in my purse to fill time while we wait for dinner or wait in lines at amusement parks.  (Uno, Pass the Pigs, and Left, Right, Center are perfect for this purpose.)  Games are great for long train rides, too – Uno was a favorite with Daniel and me when I accompanied his family to Florida, and Tad’s family and I played a version of Stare on the ride to Florida with them. 

I especially like playing games with little kids, and have grown adept at making up “little kid rules” to simplify and speed up play.  I have been known to run the “Lombardozzi Tournament of Champions” – a whole day (or weekend!) of game-playing where we collect stickers for each win (and sometimes just for being a good sport).  Because I’m NOT a fan of cut-throat competition while playing games, I made up a “champion’s pledge” for those tournaments.  It goes like this:

We pledge… 
     To follow rules and to play fair.
     To win graciously and to lose gracefully.
     To remember the most important thing is to enjoy each other’s company and to have fun!

So what do you say?  Would you like to come by and play some games with me?