What we’re about
Welcome, board game fans! Anyone who enjoys tabletop games or role-playing games should feel welcome to join this group. There are no dues or fees.
Beginning in January 2023, we're going to hold monthly meetings at the Bowie Branch Library to play board games. We'll also have additional meetings from time to time.
If you'd like to host a gaming event or want to start an RPG group, please message an organizer; we're happy to create a Meetup event for you so that attendees can sign up.
Code of Conduct
The Bowie Board Games and RPG Meetup aims to provide a harassment-free community for everyone, regardless of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, nationality, or religious beliefs.
We do not tolerate harassment of community members in any form. Participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the community at the discretion of the organizers. Harassment includes offensive verbal or written comments related to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, nationality, or religious beliefs, deliberate intimidation, threats, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any Bowie Board Games Meetup event or communication channel. Community members asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Sponsors and presenters are also subject to the anti-harassment policy.
If a community member engages in harassing behavior, the organizers may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or expulsion from the group. If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact an organizer immediately.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Play "Abyss" at Ledo Pizza (Bowie)Ledo Pizza & Pub, Bowie, MD
Join Susan at Ledo Pizza & Pub (Bowie Rt 197) for some weekday evening gaming. The main game will be Abyss, with a shorter game of something else if there's time.
If you like the time and location but can't make it this week, please leave a comment to help me gauge interest.
If you want to attend but would need a later start time, please leave a comment. It's something I can consider changing for some future events.
Location: Ledo Pizza & Pub is a full service restaurant with a casual atmosphere. (There's also a full bar.) Everyone attending will need to order something to support the business and help ensure we're welcome back. You can get a drink or a brownie/cupcake for under $4 (including tip), or order something more substantial. There are numerous appetizer and entree options under $10.
This is a new location for the group, so I'm initially limiting RSVPs to a single table. If we get multiple names on the waitlist I might open RSVPs for a second table with a different game.
The game: Abyss is a card driven game that's on the light side of medium complexity. It takes 10-15 minutes to learn and about an hour to play (potentially less).
"In the deep dark abyss of the ocean a leader is waiting to be crowned. One who will make the right alliances, gather the right lords, and control key locations. there's danger but there's also beauty... and a royal title waiting to be claimed."
Learn to Play video: https://youtu.be/wuxV3-s8-J4
- Board Game Virtual Flea Market (9/27 - 10/4)Link visible for attendees
Three times a year, Susan runs a board game trade and flea market event in the DMV. This fall's event is being held in Columbia, MD on October 4th.
Virtual Flea Market on BoardGameGeek
The event comprises...
- a math trade*
- a virtual flea market
- an in-person meetup
Anyone willing to attend the in-person event on Saturday, October 4th is welcome to buy, sell or trade games via the VFM. There's no table fee or registration required. There are usually some great deals as people try to clear off some shelf space, so if you're looking to expand your collection I highly recommend checking it out. If you'd like to shop but can't make it on 10/4, please message me (Susan) -- I can generally collect a few purchases for pickup in Bowie.
You can find the VFM page (again, it won't open for posts until 9/27) over on BoardGameGeek: Virtual Flea Market
Please contact Susan if you have any questions.
* What's a math trade? In a math trade, people add their own games to a single shared list, then indicate which of the other games they'd trade for. Then a computer program works out how to make the maximum number of trades happen, typically via trade loops involving multiple people. At the last event there were more than 500 games traded. The deadline to participate in this math trade is 9/17. If you're interested, please message Susan or visit the math trade event site on BoardGameGeek.
Not open - Game session: Flamecraft at the Bowie LibraryBowie Branch Library, PGCMLS, Bowie, MD
Let's get together for a game of Flamecraft.
In Flamecraft, players take on the role of Flamekeepers, gathering items, placing artisan dragons and casting enchantments to enhance the shops of the town. Your reputation will grow as you aid the dragons and shopkeepers, and the player with the most reputation wins. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours learning and playing your first game.
If you'd like to learn more about Flamecraft before the event, here's a link to the rulebook. There are also several videos available on YouTube, such as this video by Board Game Tutorials.
We'll be on the second floor of the library on the far side of the computer workstations. Look for a stack of games and the Meetup sign.
(The game for this event was originally Doctor Who: Nemesis, and then Andrew changed it to Flamecraft.)
- Congress of Gamers Board Game Convention - Day 1 of 2Rockville Senior Center, Rockville, MD
** This is a courtesy informational post about a local gaming event. **
Convention website: http://emsps.com/cog/fall/
Congress of Gamers is a 2-day convention held three times a year in Rockville, Maryland. The convention features:
- game library
- large open gaming rooms
- Play-2-Win games (try one out and you could win a copy),
- tournament games,
- scheduled social games like Werewolf and Avalon,
- an auction store with 1500 new and used games for sale,
- and more.
Weekend badges are $30 at the door. Discounts are available for pre-registration, single day badges, and youth badges.
There is plenty of free parking at the Senior Center where the event is held.
Convention website: http://emsps.com/cog/fall/
