THE THRILL OF VICTORY AND THE JOY OF DEFEAT

Decades ago, the ABC television network had a sports show called The Wide World of Sports. Each week, the highs and lows of sports teams and individual athletes from around the world would be showcased heralded by the voice over lead by sportscaster Jim McKay that has became a classic! Behind clips of great plays and great disasters, viewers were promised to experience “The Thrill of Victory and The Agony of Defeat!” But when it comes to MY experiences at the gaming table, I’ve come to know “The Thrill of Victory and The JOY of Defeat!” Now this may take a bit of explaining.

We all play games for different reasons. The intellectual stimulation, the social interaction and, of course, the thrill of winning! While I like to win a game as much as the next guy, there is another aspect to play that is – almost – as pleasurable and that is the joy of losing!

Now this might seem a bit of a contradiction. How in the world can you ENJOY losing???? Well, it all depends on where you’re coming from and what you are trying to do.

As a game reviewer, I go through a lot of games: the good, the bad and the ugly! But when you come across a game that you perceive, based on your experience and analysis, as a good one, the belief that it is good must be proven as fact. And that’s where those game sessions come in. 

At Gamers Alliance, we have a large circle of game players spanning all ages and covering all sorts of skill sets. This is very useful in getting games to the table so that the game potentially fits the players and can be fairly judged and evaluated. But that’s only part of the story.

A good game will serve up a good time too! When I lead a game, it is important to me that everyone have a good time. A corollary to that is that while explaining and paying attention to your own actions, you keep an eye on your fellow players to see THEIR reactions. Are THEY “getting” it? Are THEY understanding the game mechanisms? Are THEY enjoying the experience?  Very often, concentrating on others, means that your game play suffers in the process – and that’s OK. When fellow players walk away with a win AND a satisfying gaming experience, my job is done! While I may not be able to claim victory at that particular session, being the conduit for some great gaming and fun leaves me with a very satisfying feeling and an undeniable joy in that defeat.

In this issue of Gamers Alliance Report, more thrills and joys await as we hide gems in a waterfall, farm and mine in the Andes, race chariots in ancient Rome and defend the Empire! Along the way Greg J. Schloesser pulsates, Chris Kovac declares war, Chris Wray gets cryptic and Pevans tiptoes through the tulips. Kevin Whitmore powers up while Selwyn Ward strikes oil and gets civilized. Not to be outdone, James Davis visits Lisbon and Joe Huber finds Norway his way. And, of course, much more!

Until next time, Good Gaming!

—

Herb Levy, President

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