What kind of board game player are you?
Play enough board games with the same people, and you start to identify their game-playing personalities — along with your own.
I’ve noticed I sometimes allow my attention to wander during new games when the rules are being explained to me. I just can’t take all of that information in my head at once, and I know that I’ll figure things out as I go along.
Occasionally, I’ll even win, despite my early inattention, though that’s probably due more to Saunsu’s patience in explaining the rules to me throughout the game than any skill on my part.
With games I’m more experienced with, if someone seems to be doing something questionable, I’m quick to grab the rule book and check them on it. Most of the time, no one is doing anything wrong — we’re all just doing our best to play according to the rules as we understand them.
When I’m very clearly losing a game, I confess I’ll occasionally do things just to mess with the other players. It adds a “take that” element to any game, and makes me instantly less popular.
During a game of Secret Hitler, a friend of mine, who was a liberal, decided to play like a fascist, just for fun. He wasn’t even losing the game — he’d just decided to mess with the rest of us for kicks. It got him executed when I was elected president.
I’ve identified some other personalities I’ve encountered while playing board games (none of these are you guys, I swear), but to be honest, I think I’ve got a little bit of each type in me. Do any of these sound familiar to you?
Captain America - You frequently consult the rulebook over even trivial details, often brandishing it like a shield made of vibranium. Any victory of yours is a moral victory.
Check Out the Big Brain on Brad - You’re convinced winning is all about wits and has little to do with luck. You’re good at outsmarting your opponents. Now, if only you could outsmart loneliness.
The Savant - You zone out to lala land when the rules are read, but somehow win despite not having a clue what you’re doing. You should get a “Beginner’s Luck” tattoo.
The Ditz - You pretend not to understand what you’re doing and like you don’t care about the outcome of the game, but it’s all a carefully crafted facade that comes apart when you’re giggling maniacally, winnings clutched in your sweaty hands.
Punch or Judy - You love your significant other — honest! You just enjoy crushing their spirit during games. “It’s not personal, honey. I just want to see the light go out of your eyes.”
The Competitive Jackass - Sure, it always starts out as a “friendly” game, but before long, you are boiling with rage, and sometimes it spills out. Have you ever played games with the same person twice?
The Agent of Chaos - You don’t care if you win, you just enjoy messing with others. You like to set your sights on whoever is in the lead and throw a Molotov cocktail into their path.
Did I miss any personalities you’ve played with? Share in the comments below!
Uncertain which one is you? Watch this space for a quiz to help you figure out your board game playing personality!
