in Tabletop Games F is for…
Face: The Card’s Surface
In card games, the term ‘face’ refers to the side of the card that displays its value or effect. A card can be face-up, revealing its details, or face-down, keeping its information hidden. Managing when to reveal or conceal cards adds layers of strategy and surprise to gameplay.
Faerûn (Forgotten Realms)
If you’ve played Dungeons & Dragons, you’ve probably been to Faerûn. This sprawling world is home to some of the game’s most famous locations, like Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate. From bustling cities to monster-infested ruins, it’s the quintessential fantasy setting—ideal for adventurers of all kinds. Whether you want political intrigue, treasure hunting, or godly conflicts, Faerûn has a little of everything.
Fiddly: Managing the Minutiae
A game described as ‘fiddly’ involves numerous small components or complex rules that require meticulous handling
Filler / Filler Game
A filler game is a short, simple game often played between heavier, more complex games. It’s a great way to warm up before diving into something more strategic or to unwind at the end of a session. Some players use them as quick palate cleansers, while others enjoy them as the main event, preferring lighter, fast-paced gameplay. They’re often easy to teach, making them perfect for introducing new players. Common examples include Love Letter, Sushi Go!, and The Crew. Whether you call them openers, closers, or party games, they serve the same purpose—quick, engaging fun without the mental exhaustion of a heavyweight game.
Flavor Text
Ever read a card in a game and found a little extra bit of story that doesn’t actually affect gameplay? That’s flavor text. It’s there to enrich the world and draw players into the setting, but it has no mechanical impact. Magic: The Gathering does this brilliantly, weaving tiny bits of lore into its cards, often referencing larger narratives. While not essential to play, it adds character and charm, making the experience more immersive—especially in thematic or narrative-driven games.
FLGS (Friendly Local Game Store)
Your FLGS is more than just a shop; it’s a community hub. It’s where you meet like-minded players, discover new games, and sometimes even test out demos. Some stores host weekly events, tournaments, and open play sessions, making them great places to connect with fellow board gamers. While online shopping is convenient, supporting your FLGS helps keep the hobby thriving locally. Whether you’re after the latest releases, niche indie titles, or just a chat about game mechanics, your FLGS is the place to be.
Flip the Table
A dramatic, often comical way to rage-quit a game. In real life, flipping the table is a major faux pas—it can damage components, ruin friendships, and probably get you uninvited to future game nights. But in Tabletop Simulator, there’s a dedicated button for it, which is usually just used for laughs at the end of a game. Some games even build this frustration into their mechanics (Diplomacy, anyone?). While venting is understandable, actual table-flipping should probably stay in the virtual world.
Fluff / Fluffy
In RPGs and wargames, fluff refers to the lore, setting, and world-building elements. It’s all the story that makes a game universe feel alive. Warhammer 40K, for example, has an immense amount of fluff detailing its factions, history, and characters. Some players love getting lost in this rich storytelling, while others prefer a crunchier experience—where the focus is more on mechanics and strategy. The balance between fluff and crunch often defines a game’s appeal.
Freeform
Freeform role-playing involves little to no rules, with the Game Master (GM) and players improvising most outcomes. Instead of rolling dice to determine success, storytelling and collaboration guide the game. Some groups enjoy this style for its creativity, while others prefer structured mechanics to keep things fair and balanced.
Follow Action
Some games let you perform an action after another player does it. This keeps everyone engaged and prevents long waits between turns. Games like Tiny Epic Galaxies and Puerto Rico make following an integral mechanic—giving you a chance to piggyback on someone else’s move. It adds an extra layer of strategy, as choosing an action isn’t just about what’s best for you, but also what it might allow others to do.
Follow Suit
If you’ve played Spades, Hearts, or Bridge, you’ll know this one. In trick-taking games, when a suit is led, players must follow suit if they can. This rule adds a layer of strategy—sometimes you want to win a trick, sometimes you need to lose one. Managing your hand to optimise when you follow suit and when you break from it is often the key to mastering these games.
Fudge
When a GM alters dice rolls or modifies game mechanics on the fly, it’s called fudging. Some do this to keep the game exciting, prevent unnecessary character deaths, or ensure the story stays on track. Others feel it goes against the spirit of fair play. Whether fudging is acceptable or not is a frequent debate in the TTRPG community.
Fumble
A fumble is the opposite of a critical success—it’s a critical failure. Rolling a natural 1 on a d20 (in games like D&D) often results in disastrous consequences, from dropping a weapon to accidentally hurting an ally. Some groups use house rules to make fumbles even more dramatic, while others prefer to treat them as simple failures.