Deck Building Games San Francisco

Board Game Playtesting at Dogpatch Games (San Francisco)

Welcome to the Golden Gate Gamemakers' board game playtesting event at Dogpatch Games in San Francisco! We meet last Thursdays 6pm-10pm. We are a community of tabletop game designers & board game fanatics who meet monthly at Dogpatch Games (1095 Tennessee St. in San Francisco's Dogpatch district) to playtest each other's prototypes, provide feedback, help each other get published, and most importantly... have fun! Whether you’re game is days away from Kickstarter, or just ideas on a napkin, or you just want to hangout and playtest other prototypes (we LOVE playtesters!)…all are welcome! A few notes if this is your first time joining us: \- Our goal is to provide a community around creating new games\. Every designer will get their prototype to the table\. We give everyone the chance to play games and get their game played\. \- Each designer gets equal time\, which is about one hour\. This includes rules explanations\, gameplay\, and time for feedback\. \- Please arrive on time if you have a game to playtest\. At the beginning of the night each designer will pitch their game to the group\, then breakout into smaller groups\. If you arrive and playtesting has already begun\, we will try to accommodate you later in the evening\. \- If your game requires more than one hour\, or requires a player count of 6 or more\, please contact us ahead of time so we can make arrangements\. \- Please stay for as long as you can to playtest others’ games\. \- When you arrive\, please check in with the cashier and inform them you’re with the San Francisco Board Game Designers\. Dogpatch Games charges customers an hourly fee \(monthly subscriptions are available\)\, but we have negotiated **a flat rate of $12 per person you'll need to pay for the evening**. \- Dogpatch Games does not yet sell food or drink\, but outside food is very welcomed\. There are many great options within a couple blocks\. \- Street parking is readily available nearby\. Or take BART to the Powell Street station and transfer to San Francisco Muni “T”\-line and take that eastbound to 20th & 3rd Ave stop\. Dogpatch Games is then one block away\. \- Please no “blind playtesting”\. You must teach your game yourself and not require playtesters to read rules during the event\. \- This is an event for playtesting your game and gathering feedback\, and not promoting your upcoming Kickstarter campaign\. \- Reach out to Phil Schwarzmann \(phillip\.schwarzmann@gmail\.com\) or for any questions\. Looking forward to seeing you there!! Phil [See GGG's full code of conduct here.](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/) Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at [meetup.com/playgoldengate](meetup.com/playgoldengate)

Open Board Gaming !

We play and teach games every Thursday [at](https://www.itsyourmoveoakland.com/)[ Its Your Move Games](https://www.itsyourmoveoakland.com/clubs) until 11pm. The cost is $5. Drop in any time from 7:00pm to 10:30pm or so and you're sure to find something to play! Bring your games from home or use any of the games from our extensive used game library. We often have many tables going on at once for lots of variety. The earlier part of the evening is ideal for families with kids. We play all sorts of board games and card games on Thursday nights, but also: We are at[ 7th West](https://www.7thwest.com/) Every Wednesday night with a nice sized board game library. There is no cover charge there and they have Pin Ball machines a great menu and a large patio for smoking. Got a favorite game you'd like to find others to play? Bring it along! Let us know in advance if possible so we can help with recruiting players. In addition to these Thursday Meetups and the ones linked above, there are yet more game-specific events for adults and youth over the course of each week, including Scrabble, youth Pathfinder, youth chess and youth Go classes/play, so check out our full schedule here (http://www.meetup.com/oaklandgames/pages/Event_schedule/). There's more to come, so be sure to stay in touch! We request a donation of $3 to help offset the cost of keeping the store open so late every Friday. Hope to see you soon! \-\- Chris Specker and Will Kreber \(owner/managers\)

Magic the Gathering Casual Players Meetup - Every Sunday!

SF Casual MTG Players may be found upstairs in the back at The Richmond Republic Draught House 642 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118 (415) 702-6069 4pm - 10pm People usually start showing up around 4-5 pm. ***** We play many different variants of multiplayer magic. We usually play Duels Star (sometimes called Pentagonal) Anti-Star (New format!) Commander Tiny Leaders Emperor 2-Headed Giant (or more!) Left-right Attack Assassin Team variants of each of the above! Crazy fun. And More! Hear what others have to say about the Magic meetup! "It sucks. These guys bring these crazy-ass decks that always beat my tournament-caliber builds." --Bill "Don't go. These morons think they know how to play magic, but my legacy goblin deck can kill em all. I just have to remember to bring it next time." --Bob "I brought a vintage deck filled with proxy moxes. I won even before my opponents got to take their first turn! How cool is that! Of course, the next game I waited around while everyone destroyed everything i had in quick succession. But that's ok, I had fun!" --Amy If you are looking for websites to help you with deck ideas for casual magic, here are a few that are highly recommended: Magic Deck Vortex (http://www.magicdeckvortex.com) Essential Magic (http://www.essentialmagic.com/) Especially check out the combos page...highly useful for breaking things not meant to be broken. TappedOut (http://tappedout.net/) MTG Salvation (http://www.mtgsalvation.com/) Especially check out their rumors forum here (http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27). This is where you will find out about upcoming cards and sets and other interesting tidbits. See you at SF Casual Magic Sundays!

Pride Play (LGBTQ+ Game Day)

Gamescape is excited to have a celebratory space for queer+ folks to get together and play board games. The goal of Pride Play is to build community and provide a space to have fun! Games will start at 11:30AM and run until 3:30PM. Name tags will be provided, so please get to know one another and socialize! \*Registration in advance is required, or you can sign-up on-site. Register at the link here: [https://www.gamescapesf.store/product/pride-play-lgbtq-game-day-6-6-26/QHJEWFMXTSFBLAR3VPJHNWXH](https://www.gamescapesf.store/product/pride-play-lgbtq-game-day-6-6-26/QHJEWFMXTSFBLAR3VPJHNWXH)

Board Game Design Deep Dive - 3rd Wednesdays San Francisco

Join us at Gamescape SF on 3rd Wednesdays for a night of gaming and design discussion. This Month's Topic: Trick-Taking These games tend to have players play cards from their hand to the table in a series of rounds, or “tricks” which are each evaluated separately to determine a "winner". Most tricks are won with a high card, sometimes using the concept of a trump suit which takes priority. Most trick takers make plaeyrs "follow suit" restricting the cards they play on their turn to a suit established earlier that round. Popular games in this category include: * The Crew * The Lord of the Rings Trick Taking Game * Skull King * Arcs * For Northwood * Sail **IMPORTANT:** This is a limited capacity event. You must RSVP on the [Gamescape website](https://www.gamescapesf.store/product/monthly-game-deep-dive-abstract-strategies-hosted-by-golden-gate-gamemakers/TANAUWXQBYSA5LEKSR4ZEBLR) to guarantee a space and pay the $5 event fee. Design Deep Dive is an event where we will be playing published games within a certain scope (a specific mechanic, genre, designer, etc) and discussing the design and experience of those games. There will be a selection of games provided as options, and attendees may also bring their own games to share if they fit the month's topic. We are assessing published games, no playtesting allowed for this event. The event is led by a regular host to greet and coordinate, as well as a rotating "Dive Instructor" that will provide a short presentation and guide discussions on the monthly topic. This is a fantastic and unique opportunity to play fun games while breaking down what makes them fun. No experience in designing or playtesting is needed. Organizer: Chaz Glassmaker [See GGG's full Code of Conduct here](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/). Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at [meetup.com/playgoldengate](https://www.meetup.com/playgoldengate).

Game Night Fun with Just Spades!

Join us for an entertaining evening filled with strategic gameplay and fun times at our upcoming Just Spades event! Whether you're a seasoned Spades player or new to the game, all are welcome to come and enjoy a night of card games and socializing with fellow enthusiasts. Connect with new friends, test your skills in a friendly atmosphere, and experience the thrill of playing Spades in a vibrant gaming community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to have a fantastic time filled with laughter, competition, and memorable moments. Let's gather, shuffle the deck, and make the most of our game night with Just Spades!

Play Gin Rummy!

Pop in and play gin rummy with SF Card Players! Whether you're a beginner or seasoned pro, this event is perfect for anyone looking to socialize and get in on friendly competition. Come alone or bring a friend – all are welcome. We have plenty of playing cards, notebooks and pens, but you're welcome to bring your own if you like. These are the house rules we'll play with: https://bicyclecards.com/how-to-play/gin-rummy

Board Game Playtesting at Victory Point Cafe Berkeley - 3rd Mondays

Come to Victory Point Cafe in Berkeley to playtest some games in development! This event is twice a month, 1st Wednesdays and 3rd Mondays, and exists as two separate listings on our meetup. This is a relaxed chance to try new board / card / tabletop games, get feedback on your own prototypes, and learn about the game industry. Designers and interested players welcome, no experience needed. Please be courteous to other designers and stay to test their games if you are bringing your own prototype to be tested. Drop in and out any time and participate as much as you'd like, and just observing is fine too. RSVPing is appreciated but not required. Organizers: Glenn and Velgus * COST - Participants may pay the regular $12/person reserved gaming fee or waive it by buying at least two menu items from the cafe. Pay or start a tab at the front counter upon entering. * PARKING - Street meters should be free from 6pm onwards. There is free street parking on the street behind the venue and on surrounding streets during the day and evening. * BART - Downtown Berkeley BART station is a straight 8-minute walk away. [See GGG's full Code of Conduct here](https://goldengategamemakers.com/Code_Of_Conduct/). Up-to-date details and our many other events can be found at [meetup.com/playgoldengate](https://www.meetup.com/playgoldengate).

Free Mah Jongg open play

Free drop in game play every Tuesday at 12:00. American mahjong style. Currently it is for players who know how to play. No instruction at this time.

Cheers to 8 Years! Our Last Night at Trumer Pils

SF Euchre: 3rd Tuesdays @ Rudi's

Hey Gang! Come join us for **SF EUCHRE** twice a month on the **1st & 3rd Tuesdays** at **Rudi's Sports Bar**! Rudi's is located near the corner of 16th Street & Valencia just a short walk from the 16th Street Mission BART Station and several MUNI lines. Happy Hour until 6pm. [https://www.rudissf.com/](https://www.rudissf.com/) **RSVP 'Yes' to let us know you're coming!** Hope to see you there! Feel free to ping with any questions! **Links to all our Socials:** [https://linktr.ee/sfoaklandeuchre](https://linktr.ee/sfoaklandeuchre)

KublaCon Prime - Board Game Convention and Protospiel

[KublaCon Prime](https://kublacon.com/) board game convention is happening Memorial Day weekend, and with it the KublaCon Protospiel! Join in for 4-days of fun at the Bay Area's largest board game convention. Tabletop Games of All Kinds! * Board, Card, Miniature, Historical, and more! * RPGs and LARPs * D&D, Pathfinder, Starfinder organized play * Seminars and Panels * Paint and Take, Painting Classes * Seminars and Panels * Special Events * Protospiel Playtesting * Vendor Hall * Flea Market * Raffles and Giveaways * Huge Game Library The convention continues non-stop Friday 12pm - Monday 4pm. **COST** \- You MUST have a KublaCon badge to enter the convention\, which can be purchased online in advance or on site as long as the con doesn't sell out\. The Protospiel is a convention event that requires no additional cost\. **Additional Protospiel Information:** Running nearly the whole con in the Harbor Ballroom! The Protospiel is a mostly open format, drop in and out for designers and players anytime. This is an excellent opportunity to try new board / card / tabletop games in development, get feedback on your own prototypes, meet others in the game industry, and learn how games are made, all in a relaxed supportive atmosphere. Designers, publishers, and interested players welcome, no experience needed! This is a popular event! We have had 100 participants in the room at our peak, and are expecting 50+ designers with games of all sorts. Tables are shared among the designers, and if at capacity designers will have to vacate their table after a session so everyone can get their tests in. Designers are expected to give as much as they get and playtest others's games as well. **We are also having several tables dedicated to scheduled playtests** that will appear on the convention schedule, which you can submit on the convention website and search for by selecting the Protospiel category. As an additional incentive to play test games, for each game you test you will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win some fabulous board game prizes! KublaCon Protospiel Team: Scott Caputo, Velgus, and friends. There are special events that run alongside the Protospiel. Check back for more information close to the con.