Players gathered around a tabletop game

Field note

When the teach takes longer than the game

New groups often underestimate setup and teach time. The best public nights build a fifteen-minute onboarding ritual—components sorted, goal stated, first turn scripted.

“If everyone touches the pieces once before round one, rules arguments drop by half.”

This format is our slow lane: one photo, one thesis, and honest caveats. Next issues will cover scorepad hygiene for tournaments and how cafés can signal “competitive OK” without intimidating walk-ins.