Boardgames

It was a shocker when Vassily Ivanchuk, the 2739-rated Ukranian Chess grandmaster, lost to the unknown So Wesley of the Phillipines during the second round of the 2009 World Cup.  How could this happen?  Ivanchuk would remark:

Philip Wise, webmaster of two Star Wars fan sites (RebelScum.com and TheForce.net), has constructed two reproductions of the ‘holochess table’ famously seen on the Millenium Falcom in Star Wars: A New Hope.   One version is a meticulous reproduction, while the other is described as a “steam punk” version.   Mr. Wise comments:

"As I ended up designing what I thought was the absolutely best replica possible, basically replicating every detail as close as possible and built to last, the cost is quite high for a completed replica, sorry to say."

If you ask me, both are pretty nice and probably well worth the money. 

Here’s a demo vid:

The American Library Association has designated November 14 as National Gaming Day. On this day, libraries across America, and Les Bibliothèques de Montréal-Nord in Québec, will host special gaming programs and events to celebrate the popularity and educational value of video and board games.

Why?

“We want to start a discussion with the public about how intertwined playing and learning are and how you can do these things at the library,” said Jenny Levine, strategy guide for the American Library Association. “The library is very much not about the shushing anymore.”

Not all libraries are scheduling specific activities, so please check with your local librarian for details.

For more information on National Gaming Day, please visit http://ilovelibraries.org/gaming.

Did you know that GameSquad has an active blogging community?  Well, we do!  You will find blogs that cover everything from boardgames to the latest in PC gaming.  Take a look, it will be time well spent!

One of our blogs is Michael Dorosh’s Tactical Wargamer, a blog dedicated to casting “light on the brief and ongoing history of commercial tactical board wargaming, its future, and the lessons and impacts it has had, can have and is having on other gamers.”  His latest entry asks the provactive question “Is There Really Such A Thing As a Worthless Product?”

Getting into wargaming is not the easiest task in the world, especially off the PC. There are so many different types of board wargames to consider, from the tactical to the strategic, that getting started in the hobby can be a daunting task to say the least! If only there was someone to show the way....

Wait, there is someone and his name is ‘King Billy’ (well, that’s his GameSquad forum name, anyway ). Here to lend a hand, King Billy presents his first video for newbie board wargamers, entitled Board Wargame Basics: Tactical and Strategic Land Warfare Games.

We here at GameSquad play all sorts of games, on and off the PC.  One of our favorites is the 'Royal Game', aka Chess! Unfortunately, few people know that President Ford dedicated the ninth day of every October as National Chess Day, a day set aside to....

"To give special recognition to a game that generates challenge, intellectual stimulation, and enjoyment for citizens of all ages."

Like a true chess player, Mae Lin Bishop used the perfect combination of strategy and poise to develop her Web site, www.ChessDrawer.com. After an in-depth stint of research she formulated a platform for chess players and enthusiast to browse through a vast assortment of collectables, accessories and, of course, chess sets.

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