Play, It Does a Body Good

After the trip(s) to Omaha, Wendy at the Kid’s Museum, and so on, Dana was tired and grumpy at home. So… not wanting to play a goddam game. We settled on Fluxx, easily the most stripped-down of any game in the collection, and then one of the very few dexterity games we own, Elk Fest. After Fluxx, she felt better and participated happily in Elk Fest.

 

Games have consistently made us feel better after playing. Even after losing, even after thinking that we’re losing badly (and Carcassonne is so nicely designed that Dana was far, far behind and came within a  dozen points of winning in a 150 point game the other night). How is that? How can a little bit of competition, an engagement with an arbitrary ruleset help us get out of a funk? 

I don’t have time now to flesh that idea out, but I have some ideas, many of which have to do with what it means to be human, to act as humans, and how games—one of our great inventions—help us to experience playful aspects of ourselves.

 

And, of course, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Bonus: I was talking to one of my colleagues—and a game-day attendee—about the blanket invitation to come play. Please, drop us a line. You won’t be inviting yourselves over; we’re asking. For, you know, the next three weeks. 

Comments

[YP Renfro]

I've really enjoyed reading these and wish we could come play with you guys! Alas, we are thwarted by geography. But keep updating; at least then I can participate vicariously.
(P.S. I've forced spoiled milk on K more than once, and she's lived to tell about it.)

[Ellen]

I'm fond of Zombie Fluxx myself. Especially when "Groaning Required" is in play. :-)

[James]

The addition of the creepers extends the play a bit. We also have Monty Python Fluxx. You can gain bonuses for singing...

[Ellen]

How fun! Hmmmm....does it have to be Python tunes? Not sure I remember all the words to Every Sperm is Sacred...

[James]

Just don't waste 'em!

[James]

Lisa: I really have to pay more attention to expiration dates. So far, no repeats. But the future is--dare I say it?--milky.