In Tabletop Games R is for…
Rage Quit – The Dramatic Exit
Ever thrown down your cards, stormed off mid-game, and refused to return? That’s a rage quit. It happens when frustration boils over—whether from bad luck, a brutal opponent, or a string of poor decisions. While it might feel justified in the moment, rage quitting is widely frowned upon, especially in social or competitive settings. In board game cafes, it can even get you banned. No one enjoys an opponent who leaves the table in a fit of fury, so if you’re feeling the rage build up, take a deep breath, grab a snack, and remind yourself—it’s just a game.
Railroading
“Railroading” refers to a style of game mastering where players are forced to follow a predetermined storyline with limited freedom to deviate or make independent choices. While it can ensure a cohesive narrative, excessive railroading may lead to player frustration, as it restricts creativity and the sense of agency. Balancing structured plots with player autonomy is key to a satisfying gaming experience.
Ravenloft
Horror and tragedy define Ravenloft, the land of gothic nightmares. Vampires, werewolves, and vengeful spirits haunt this dark domain, where hope is fleeting and every deal comes with a terrible price. If you like your campaigns full of eerie fog, doomed heroes, and psychological terror, this is the perfect setting.
Ravnica
A city so vast it covers an entire planet, Ravnica is ruled by ten guilds locked in an endless struggle for power. Originally part of Magic: The Gathering, it later became an official Dungeons & Dragons setting. Political machinations, magical intrigue, and urban adventure make it a refreshing change from traditional medieval fantasy.
RAW (Rules As Written) & RAI (Rules As Intended)
RAW means following the rules exactly as they are printed, while RAI considers the intent behind them. Debates often arise when the wording of a rule seems unclear or when players and GMs interpret things differently. Some groups stick to RAW, while others prefer a more flexible, RAI-driven approach.
Real-Time – No Waiting Around
In real-time games, there’s no leisurely turn-taking; everyone plays at once, or a timer keeps the pressure on. These games demand quick thinking, fast hands, and sometimes even teamwork under stress. Whether you’re frantically communicating in Magic Maze, desperately defusing a bomb in Fuse, or managing chaos in Space Alert, real-time mechanics add urgency and excitement. Some love the thrill; others find the stress unbearable. If you prefer strategising at your own pace, this might not be your cup of tea, but if you enjoy a bit of adrenaline with your board gaming, real-time games are worth a shot.
Replayability – Will You Still Want to Play Next Week?
Some games are great the first time but quickly lose their charm. Replayability is about how much fun a game remains on repeated plays. Games with randomised setups, multiple strategies, modular boards, or expansions tend to have a high replay value. Titles like Gloomhaven, Terraforming Mars, and Root keep players coming back with varied experiences. On the flip side, once-and-done story-driven games might offer an incredible single playthrough but little reason to return. If you’re looking for a game that won’t collect dust, check if it has enough variation to stay fresh.
Resolving – Playing Out the Effects
When you play a card, roll a die, or land on a space, something happens—that’s resolving. It might mean drawing new cards, moving a piece, scoring points, or triggering an ability. Resolution mechanics vary widely; in some games, everything happens automatically, while others require player decisions. A well-designed resolution system keeps a game flowing smoothly, ensuring players stay engaged. Ever played a game where someone spent ages calculating every effect? That’s when resolution can slow things down—but when done well, it’s the backbone of an engaging experience.
Resources – The Currency of Victory
Most board games revolve around resources—things you gather, trade, or spend to progress. Whether it’s wood and sheep in Settlers of Catan, gold and stone in Stone Age, or energy cubes in Power Grid, resources shape how you play. Some games keep them simple, while others introduce market fluctuations, scarcity, and competition. A good resource system creates tension—do you save up for a big move or spend now for an early lead? If you love strategy-heavy games, mastering resource management can be the key to winning.
RNG (Random Number Generator)
A term used to describe the inherent randomness in games, often referring to dice rolls. Some players love the unpredictability of RNG, while others get frustrated when bad rolls ruin their plans. Either way, it’s a core part of TTRPGs that keeps things exciting.
Rondel – A Wheel of Choices
A rondel is a circular action-selection mechanic that limits what you can do next. Instead of picking any action freely, you move around a set track, often having to pay extra to skip ahead. This forces players to plan ahead and adapt. Games like Antike and Imperial use rondels to great effect, creating a rhythm to turns and preventing repetitive strategies. It’s a great mechanic for balancing choice and constraint, making each decision more meaningful.
Roll and Move – The Classic Dice Mechanic
Roll the dice, move that many spaces. It’s the backbone of childhood favourites like Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, and Clue. But let’s be honest—roll and move games get a bad rap. The lack of meaningful decisions can make them feel like pure luck. Modern game design has moved away from this mechanic, adding twists like multiple movement options or ways to mitigate randomness. Still, if you’re after nostalgia or a simple game for younger players, roll and move has its place.
Roll and Write – Dice, Paper, and Strategy
In roll-and-write games, you roll dice, then mark something on a scoresheet—maybe filling in numbers, drawing shapes, or making strategic choices. These games are often quick, portable, and scalable to large groups. Think of titles like That’s Pretty Clever, Welcome To…, or Railroad Ink. They’re easy to teach but offer surprising depth, making them a favourite for casual and seasoned gamers alike. If you enjoy puzzles and optimisation, roll and write might be your perfect fit.
Round – The Game’s Natural Rhythm
A round is a full cycle of turns where every player gets a go. Some games have a set number of rounds, creating a structured experience, while others continue until a victory condition is met. Rounds create pacing—whether it’s the tight economy of a five-round Eurogame or the open-ended play of a legacy campaign. Understanding when the game will end is crucial for strategy—do you rush for points now or build for the long game?
Rule of Cool
Sometimes, logic and rules take a backseat to awesomeness. The Rule of Cool means if something would make the game more fun or cinematic, the GM might let it slide—even if the rules don’t strictly allow it. Want to backflip off a dragon and land sword-first into an enemy? If it sounds epic and fits the moment, the GM might just say yes.
Rules Lawyer
A “Rules Lawyer” is a player who strictly adheres to the game’s rules, often pointing out technicalities and corrections during gameplay. While a thorough understanding of the rules can be beneficial, overemphasis on technicalities can disrupt the game’s flow and enjoyment. It’s important for groups to find a balance between following rules and allowing for flexibility to maintain an enjoyable and immersive experience.
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