In Tabletop Games S stands for…
Semi-Cooperative – Friends or Frenemies?
Semi-cooperative games blend teamwork with competition. You might all be fighting against a common threat, but only one player can truly win. Dead of Winter, for instance, forces players to work together to survive, but each also has secret objectives that may conflict with the group’s goals. Nemesis throws in hidden agendas and potential betrayals, keeping everyone on edge. These games are great for those who enjoy social dynamics, shifting alliances, and the ever-present question—can you really trust the person next to you?
Shelfie – Showing Off Your Collection
If you’ve got a board game collection, you’ve probably taken a shelfie—a photo of your game shelf in all its organised (or chaotic) glory. Whether you’re flexing your latest Kickstarter haul or just showing how you store your games, shelfies are a staple of board game communities. Some people go for the perfectly arranged aesthetic, while others embrace the teetering stacks of an overgrown collection. Either way, a good shelfie is a badge of honour.
Shelf of Shame – The Unplayed Pile
We’ve all been there. You buy a new game, excited to play it—but somehow, it never makes it to the table. The ‘shelf of shame’ is the growing pile of unplayed games staring at you in quiet judgement. Whether it’s due to lack of time, the wrong player count, or just being distracted by the next shiny purchase, the backlog is real. The only cure? Start playing those games! Or, you know, just accept that collecting is half the fun. Find out how my challenge to reduce my Shelf of Shame is going.
Sleeves: Protecting Your Precious Cards
If you love your cards in pristine condition, sleeves are a must. These are clear plastic covers that shield cards from wear, spills, and sticky fingers. Some come with coloured or themed backs, helping with deck organisation or just adding flair. While casual players might see them as optional, for collectors or anyone playing a game with heavy shuffling—like deck-builders—they’re an essential investment.
Slog: When a Game Outstays Its Welcome
Ever played a game that felt like it would never end? That’s a slog—when a game becomes tedious, repetitive, or just drags on longer than it should. Sometimes, this happens because of overcomplicated mechanics, excessive downtime between turns, or a lack of meaningful decisions. The best games keep players engaged, but a slog makes you glance at the clock more than the board.
Social Deduction: Lies, Deception, and Strategy
If you’ve played games like Werewolf or The Resistance, you’ve dabbled in social deduction. These games revolve around bluffing, reading other players, and trying to uncover hidden identities or secret motives. The challenge? Convincing others you’re trustworthy while secretly working against them. It’s part strategy, part psychology, and always leads to heated debates.
Spelljammer
What if D&D had space travel? Spelljammer swaps dragons for asteroid cities, pirate elves, and flying ships powered by magic. It’s a bizarre, whimsical setting that blends fantasy with interstellar adventure. If you love sci-fi but don’t want to give up your swords and spells, this is the best of both worlds.
Storyteller
The “Storyteller” is a term used in certain role-playing games to describe the game master or narrator responsible for crafting and guiding the narrative. Unlike traditional dungeon masters who may focus on mechanics and challenges, a storyteller emphasizes the plot, character development, and thematic elements, fostering a collaborative storytelling environment where players contribute to the unfolding drama.
Strixhaven
A magical university where students master arcane arts, Strixhaven feels like Hogwarts meets Dungeons & Dragons. It’s more about character-driven drama than dungeon-crawling, making it perfect for roleplay-heavy campaigns where rivalries, romance, and secret societies take centre stage.
Sword Coast (The)
A key region of Faerûn, the Sword Coast is home to some of D&D’s most famous cities, including Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter. It’s a melting pot of cultures, conflicts, and opportunities for adventure. If you want a classic fantasy setting where anything can happen, this is the place.
Have I missed anything?