Brain Teasers Melbourne

February MathsJam

Come talk maths over a drink or two and maybe a meal. If you have any mathsy puzzles, games or toys, bring 'em along. There'll be a puzzle sheet to solve if you wish, but it's not competitive. No maths background necessary, all welcome. Email melbourne@mathsjam.com to join our mailing list for monthly puzzle sheets. The event is very informal so don't worry if you can't arrive exactly at 7:30pm or have forgotten to RSVP (but please do RSVP if you can!).

Unleash the Rhythm: Brazilian Drumming Classes with O’Ziriguidum Escola de Samba

Dive headfirst into the vibrant world of Brazilian drumming with O'Ziriguidum Escola de Samba. Whether you're a seasoned percussionist or just starting out, we promise there’s a beat for everyone to catch here.We’re not just any drumming group; we’re a community! Founded by the renowned Mark Grunden (yeah, the maestro from Bad Boys Batucada), O'Ziriguidum (pronounced Aussie-riggy-doom) is all about pounding out those powerful rhythms that make you feel like you're right in the heart of Brazil. From samba to samba reggae, we'll cover it all. Our tools of the trade? Traditional Brazilian instruments, spruced up with some vocals here and there, just to keep things spicy! We’re a mix of energy and ages, backgrounds and beats, all mashed up into one dynamic bundle. We love making music, but hanging out and supporting local events and causes hold a special place in our hearts too. So, joining us means you get to jam, make friends, and help out – all at once! Every Thursday (during our school terms), our crew whips up an electrifying Brazilian drumming workshop. And guess what? We want YOU to come and play along. Don’t worry about hitting a wrong note; it’s all part of the fun and learning process. Plus, you'll get the inside scoop on all the bloopers and triumphs we face as a group (spoiler alert: it’s always a wild ride). **Our 2026 school term dates:** * Term 1: Thursday 5 February – Thursday 2 April * Term 2: Thursday 23 April – Thursday 25 June * Term 3: Thursday 16 July – Thursday 17 September * Term 4: Thursday 8 October – Thursday 17 December **What you'll get** * Under the guidance of Mark Grunden (Bad Boys Batucada, Tumbarumba, etc) and the talented members of O’Ziriguidum, explore the techniques and patterns of traditional Brazilian percussion. * From the celebratory beats of samba to the powerful grooves of samba reggae, you’ll learn it all. We may also hand out some sheets to help you learn at home. * Our drumming sessions are more than just classes; they’re a place to make friends too! * Ready to take the stage? O’Ziriguidum isn’t just about learning; it’s about performing! Join us at community events, street festivals, and more. **What to expect:** Our drumming classes don’t follow a rigid course structure; instead, we learn and evolve throughout the term at a relaxed pace. There’s no fixed content – each class begins with a jam session as everyone arrives, creating an informal and fun environment. After warming up, we dive into learning new songs/breaks or honing specific drumming techniques. You'll have the chance to experiment with various instruments, explore different songs, and refine your drumming skills. The casual nature of our classes provides flexibility, understanding that everyone has a lot going on in their lives. This approach allows us to adapt and enjoy the learning experience together, making it more enjoyable and accommodating for everyone. **No knowledge required, everyone is welcome to attend!** Whether you're a seasoned percussionist or just starting out, we promise there’s a beat for everyone to catch here. You can rock up to any class we host – you don't need to wait for a beginners class or open session. Everyone is welcome, any time. **What to bring:** Bring ear plugs, drinks, and snacks. (Instruments are provided). **Cost:** First class at half price ($10), subsequent classes at $20 or $15 concession. Special member's deal: Buy five classes upfront and get one free. Cash and EFTPOS accepted. **Venue:** Our Lady Help of Christian Hall 49 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East (Hall is located underneath the church). **Access:** Driveway access via 1 Barkly St, opposite Anytime Fitness. Free parking is available on either side of the hall (take first or second right, once entered driveway). Please park with consideration for other cars (i.e. don't block driveway, perpendicular parking only). Convenient access via Tram #96 (Stop #20), Bus #250, #251 (Holden St) or #504 (Park St). Bike parking facilities onsite or inside the hall. Walking access via Nicholson St, take stairs on the right side of church down to the hall, or walk around to the driveway on Barkly Street (opposite Anytime Fitness). **Cancellation/Changes:** Any changes in schedule or venue will be communicated via our social media pages ([Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/oziriguidum) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/oziriguidum.samba)) and WhatsApp community (members access only). **A thing to note:** Don’t let the low RSVP count fool you — most of our community connects outside of Meetup, and we consistently host a friendly group of 10–15 regulars of all skill levels (beginners very welcome!) every single week.

Tricky Tuesday @ The Peacock Inn

Welcome to the **Tricky Tuesday** Meet Up! This is a smaller event in most respects - smaller capacity, smaller games - but still the same sized fun! Come join us to learn a new game and meet some new people. * This event was created primarily to play and explore **modern** **trick taking games** and **smaller card games** which can be played on more limited table space. * As this is a smaller event, please note it is a bit more casual. Find the group at the table/s, come over and join - we're a welcoming bunch. * Please **bring some games** to this event if you can and be prepared to teach them if you do. **There are** **no games available at the venue** but I will always bring a few. Please consider others when coming and in the lead up to the event. We want as many people there as possible. If you are unable to attend mark yourself as such as soon as you can so others can be notified and attend. There's an FAQ below but if you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out. Your tricky friend, Dave **FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS** **What is a trick taking game? Good question you handsome person.** * Generally speaking, a trick taking game is a card game which is played in a series of rounds known as ***tricks***. * Each trick is evaluated to determine a winner or ***taker*** of that trick and then will usually start - or ***lead*** *-* the next trick. * The goal is usually tied to either winning or losing a number of tricks. This may also come in the form of you guessing how many tricks you will win - known as a ***bid***. * Some games may have a suit that always wins - known as a ***trump***. * Most trick taking games are **competitive** needing between 3-5 players, others are **cooperative**, there are also solo and two-player trick taking games as well! * Popular trick taking/trick taking adjacent games you may have heard of: [The Crew](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/324856/the-crew-mission-deep-sea), [Skull King](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/150145/skull-king), [Cat in the Box](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/345972/cat-in-the-box-deluxe-edition), [Scout](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/291453/scout), [Fox in the Forest](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/221965/the-fox-in-the-forest), the classic games of [Spades](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/592/spades) and [Hearts](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/6887/hearts), **What makes a Trick Taking game fun?** * There's so much to trick taking games! They're generally quick to teach, quick to play, have interesting decision spaces, and a wide variety of novelty. Even the classics though can be played thousands of times without getting tiresome. Part of the fun is in the interaction with others, assessing their moves and countering them, and how to win (or lose) at the right times. You have to stay on your toes, adapt frequently, and keep tabs on the other players, what they have played, and what they may play next! **Do I need to know how to play/have played a trick taking game before?** * Not at all, but it is good to understand the basics and general terminology so you can pick things up a bit easier on the night. You can check out [this video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O7QyhKmCsk) for a bit of a general breakdown . **Is this event free?** * Yes, but please support the venue by purchasing a drink or two. **I'm on the waitlist can I still come?** * Unfortunately, no. We have limited capacity and must abide by it. **I don't have a game to bring, is that okay?** * Generally it will be okay, but it is encouraged to bring and share a game where you can! You can always bring a standard deck of cards or tarot cards and learn a card game or two as well! **Can I bring a guest?** * Unfortunately, unless they have signed up too it won't be possible. We have a strict limit on guests and the event would fill up too quickly otherwise. **How do I get to the venue?** * The 86 Tram is your best bet and has a stop pretty much right outside of the venue. * There are two train stations (Westgarth and Northcote) which are within walking distance. * Parking is available in the area but can get busy. If you don't mind a little walk there is parking down the adjacent street. **Dave, I worry you will win all the games we play. Such an intelligent and beautiful man, you must be a master of the tricks, is this true?** * Firstly - thank-you for the kind words, but secondly - no. I suck at trick taking games and lose more than I win. Yet, I enjoy them for their variety, high interaction, and quick nature regardless. You will be fine if you don't take things too seriously. It's about fun and meeting people... (but if you do beat me too often I will ban you from the group and venue...).

Trainscendence Comedy Club - Stand-Up (in a rooftop train)

**Trainscendence Comedy Club - Comedy.. on a Rooftop... in a Train** Come join us for a night of laughter at **Trainscendence**! Each show so far has sold out!! Have you ever been to a stand-up comedy show in a train carriage in the sky? oh, you have? nice.. Our comedy club features hilarious stand-up comedians ready to tickle your funny bone. Get ready for a night of non-stop jokes and good times. Trainscendence Comedy Club in the newest and most unique Comedy Club in the Melbourne scene, this burgeoning new venue will have you lost in curiousity and imagination. Come along and have a drink at the bar or hang out in the trainscendental lounge while you wait for your show! Grab your tickets now and get ready to laugh until your sides hurt! Only $10 [Book tickets here](https://momence.com/l/b8h1b9D2)

Calling All Smarty Pants! Trivia Night at a popular venue in BRIGHTON! 🦊🦊🦊

Thursday night Rainbow Boardgames - Marché Board Games Cafe

Join your fellow LGBTQIA+ folks for a social evening of board games at Marché Board Games Cafe. We have access to the games library at the cafe. If you have a game that you want to share, please feel free to bring it along. We play all sorts of games - card games, party games, strategy games - and we're happy to teach new players. Groups for games usually form between 6:30-6:45, so it's important to try arrive on time to ensure you're allocated to a game/group. Anyone arriving late may have to wait for a game if all groups have started. The cafe has drinks and food available. Check out their menu here: https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf We only accept payment at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This means you will need to pay the booking amount via PayPal at the time of booking to confirm your spot. If you can't make it to the event, please ensure you get in touch by messaging the event hosts or emailing rainbowbg.melbourne@gmail.com at least one day before the event, and we can reverse your payment via PayPal. The cafe does NOT have a liquor licence. Consuming alcohol on the premises is illegal, and will result in any members being banned from future events. See you on Thursday!

1. Glitter nail polish vs the Evil Maid, the Story 2. I put CVE in your CVE

**\*\* NEW VENUE \*\*** Room 080.02.002 at RMIT (Building 80) - 445 Swanston St, Melbourne **\*\* NEW VENUE \*\*** **Glitter nail polish vs the Evil Maid, the Story - @hoodiePony** The Evil Maid attack vs the Glitter nail polish tamper evident seal; recommended by many as one of the best defences in detecting tampering. But, what if it isn’t as infallible as we think it is? What if, a real maid could learn and do it without any lengthy specialised training? In this story, we’ll do a speedrun of the techniques used to bypass tamper evident seals and how the previously impossible to bypass Glitter Nail Polish seal was bypassed. It's an introduction to the field of tamper evident seals bypass. **I heard you like CVEs, so I put CVE in your CVE! Speaker: @Snyff (Pentesterlab.com)** Too many people read a CVE to populate a risk register and decide when, or if, they should patch. What’s the fun in that? In this talk, we will do the opposite. We will take the patch diff, understand what it tries to block, then try to bypass it. **Streaming** If you can't attend the event in person the talks will be streamed in the "ruxmon-stream" voice channel in the Ruxcon Discord in the day of the event! (join now by clicking here: [https://discord.gg/g2CpEbkXmM](https://discord.gg/g2CpEbkXmM)

Bentleigh Social Trivia Night

Trivia night at the Bentleigh social!

Trivia and Dinner NORTH FITZROY

Tigerland Trumpsters

6pm start. $2 gold coin entry per person. Please order dinner at the bar when you arrive and let the staff know you are with the card group in the Dining Room. Meals are served around 7:15pm. Happy Hour drinks are available until 7pm. After a dinner break we shuffle the teams around so you get to meet, and play with new people. Games are played as 4 handed wherever possible, but an occasional 3,5 or 6 handed game is required based on the number of attendees. If you are a beginner or have minimal experience playing 500, please let your host know before starting a game, and feel free to ask them any question. Ahead of the event you might like to download one of the 500 card game apps on your phone to get familiar with the game. There are also some Youtube videos.

Confidence Workshop - FAST FUN LEARNING

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive workshop - Become ultra-confident Whys is Smashing different? Passion!!! 1\. Fast\-paced\, energized and exciting meets 2\. We practice **bold, confident** and **dynamic** leadership! 3. **Everyone talks** multiple times during super-interactive workshops every meet - Plus the chance to speak on the big stage for those that are keen 4. **FAST LEARNING** **Free parking** close-by: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the meet starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing leadership & teamwork Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Origami and Chocolate

Join us for a relaxing time of folding together at the Ratio chocolate factory in Brunswick! Bring a fun origami project to fold and share, all while sipping on delectable hot chocolate! Standard origami paper will be provided. We just ask for a gold coin to help with group expenses.