Author: Ali Shamsi

Happy NYE & Reflections on Game Night

I’m not typically big on reflecting, yet thought I’d step out of character & try one…

HAPPY NEW YEAR Everyone 🤩

I hope all are having a fun, safe & drama-free holiday season! I’m not typically big on reflecting, yet thought I’d step out of character & try one…

I’m so very GRATEFUL for this fab community we’ve built up over the past several years and thankful for your commitment to show up IRL & your help in building a fun, supportive & inclusive village around our shared hobby 🙏🏽

It’s been fantastic to meet so many new folks and a privilege to become friends with so many regulars. I absolutely love looking around on any given game night & seeing so many people smiling & enjoying each other’s company 🥰

Since our little club relaunched in 2018 at The Game Parlour, we’ve been gathering ’round the table nearly every Monday for literal fun & game, so let me also express gratitude to Brian, Benson & the GP staff for serving as our HQ and supporting our shared endeavor.

Finally, many/many thanks to all of our hosts – both regular & adhoc – for recommending/teaching games & welcoming people around your table.

What’s Next for The EGL?

  • Monday game nights continue, with the goal of growing our events to regularly accommodate ~50 guests. We’re actively seeking to grow our club & bring these fun times to more people, so please help spread the word, invite friends, etc!
  • We’ll continue to host periodic pop-up events (as with SFGo club & Lore); if you know of any business or event spaces that might be good partners for our events, please let us know!
  • JUNE 6 (Sat) we plan to host another International Tabletop Day event 🎲
  • JULY 2026 will be EGLs 15th anniversary! The very first EGL gathering happened in summer 2011, hosted by our founder Gordon W at his church’s community room in Duboce Triangle. We’re planning to host an anniversary party in July or August to mark the occasion!

We are actively seeking out event spaces in & around SF to host Tabletop Day & our 15th Anniversary event (to accommodate 70-100 people) so if you have any recommendations please let us know!

What would you like to see?

Finally, where would you like to see this community go/grow? If you have ideas/recs about “what next?” for our little club please reach out via email or find us on discord!

Monday Game Nights in SF

San Francisco’s Euro Gaming League (EGL) hosts weekly game nights, open to the public, on Mondays in San Francisco at a public venue in the inner Sunset.

The EGL is a board game club of fun, easygoing folks who get together to build community through tabletop board & card games. We love welcoming new people to the hobby & our events!

How to Attend Game Nights

Join the EGL’s events page on HEYLO to see our events & RSVP. You are also welcome to join us on Discord to stay abreast of events, ask questions, etc!

RSVP on Heylo

What to Expect at Game Night

Time

Monday game nights run from 6 – 10pm. Different tables may start games at different times but generally everyone will be engaged in a game by 6:15pm so it’s best to be prompt, otherwise you may have to wait around for the second round of games 😕

If you’re new to our game nights, we strongly advise arriving 10 minutes early (parking can be challenging so please plan accordingly) so you can be helped by one of our hosts before things get busy, particularly if you are new to games.

Finally, an RSVP is required to attend, as there’s often a waitlist. We may start admitting folks from the waitlist by ~6:10pm, so late attendees may have their spot given away; for this and the above reasons, please try your best to be prompt.

Cost

There’s no fee to attend Monday game nights, although our regular venue does charge a $7 cover (as of Dec 2025); if that’s an obstacle, we may be able to help.

Food/Drink

Since our venue is a game cafe, outside food & drink (other than water) aren’t allowed. Folks give the fare at The Game Parlour rave reviews, however!

What Games do we Play?

We generally have ~40 guests attending any given Monday game night, distributed among 9+ tables. We have a group of “table hosts” who are well-versed in teaching both classic & modern board games and will be more than happy to introduce you to both our games & people.

We pride ourselves on ensuring folks end up in a game of their preferred complexity level, i.e. that no one is “thrown into the deep end” of strategy games. See the FAQ for more information.

Nervous?

We get it! Showing up to an event for the first time – especially where everyone seems to know everyone else – can be nerve-wracking 😟 … but we hope you’ll give it a shot!

We are always happy for new players to join, as we enjoy building a fun community for folk of all sorts. If you have never played “modern” board games before, just ask someone to direct you to an EGL host, who can guide you into a game of your comfort level from our extensive games library!

Come solo or come with friends – either way you’ll find us to be a warm, welcoming group 😍

Want to host a game?

Folks are welcome to “pitch” a game to the crowd & gauge interest. We do recommend to attend a few game nights before offering up games to get familiar with the crowd & vibe. Additionally we ask everyone who’d like to host a table first review & agree to our “run a game” guidelines.

Can I bring my prototype/unreleased game?

We have had folks bring their in-development games to share & garner feedback. We’re currently formalizing policies for this type of sharing which we expecto to publish in early 2026. In the meantime, please reach out if you’d like to host a table with a yet-to-be-released game.

Questions?

See our FAQ or contact us via email or discord!

Tips for Teaching Board Games

We encourage folks who attend our board game events to share games they know & love … you’ll have a chance to pitch it to the crowd!

Anyone is welcome to pitch a game, the only real requirement our club has is that if you’re going to host & teach a game that you be well-versed in the rules – please avoid narrating out of a rule book to your table … that’s no fun for anyone 😑

This video by Shut up & Sit Down is one of the best how-to’s on the art of teaching a game, definitely worthy of a watch (20m) if you find yourself often running/teaching games.

When pitching your game

Try your best to include the following details & convey the info relatively quickly:

  • How long will it take to learn?
  • How long will it take to to play/complete the game?
  • Approximate complexity level (eg, Quacks is ~ 2/5; Terra Mystics is 4/5, etc)
  • Theme/plot: what are players doing, what’s our primary goal?
  • Main mechanics (eg, resource management, worker placement, engine/tableau builder, set collection, etc.)

Again, try your best to keep your game pitch to a minute; few have the patience for a short story 😉

Warning Signs

Our club prides itself on ensuring that folks end up at games that are commensurate with their skill level – we do our best to avoid throwing new to the hobby guests into the deep end 😵

Ask folks at your table for their experience with modern board games and assess whether they’re really ready for that game of Terra Mystica you’re about to throw down.

When in doubt, ask them to check in with, or better yet introduce them, to one of the EGL showrunners.

Remember – as you’re teaching/playing, look around the table and assess! As table host, your primary goal should be to ensure that everyone at your table is engaged & enjoying themselves … focus around the table first, and on how well you’re doing in the game second 🥈 😉

Dealing with AP

Analysis Paralysis – a board game bane we all have to deal with! It can be super frustrating to have someone take overlong to take their turn.

Here’s some tips to help nip AP in the bud:

  1. Screen your players: as noted above, don’t throw new to games guests into the deep end.
  2. Learning Game: right after the teach, especially for mid-weight & heavier games, state that everyone should consider this session a learning game; don’t overthink your move, let’s keep the game going.
  3. Lead by example: keep your turns moving, perhaps narrate as you go to help reinforce how the game play, but be brisk 😏 and keep the game moving!

Additional Considerations

  1. Try to show up early so we can get you a table & you can start setting up
  2. Most of the things you need to know for the pitch are available on BoardGameGeek: playtime, complexity (i.e., “weight”), game mechanics, etc.

Finally – be bold! Watch the shux video, but remember that teaching board games is a skill like anything else – you’re going to get better at it with practice. You can also learn from watching others teach – our regular hosts can provide great insight, just by watching how they teach games at EGL game nights! 🎲

EGL board game night is growing

🎉 HUGE Game Night News: EGL Board Games Club is growing 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce that Game Parlour is giving us access to the entire main gaming space for our regular Monday games night!

This means, starting this coming MONDAY, 12/01, we can happily host up to 50 guests … forget the waitlist 🤩 🥳

More tables means more games, more groups, and more chances to join in every week!

ARE YOU NEW to game night? This is your chance! If you’ve been thinking about joining us, please take the plunge this coming Monday 12/01. Our crew is a warm, welcoming and easygoing group of friends who love two things: playing games and introducing new guests to the fun. You’ll fit right in!

RSVP for Mon 12/01

Come out for a fab night of games and socializing … we can’t wait to see you around the table!

The EGL Team

More seats at Monday Game Nights!

Great news — more seats coming to EGL’s Monday Game Nights!

We know many have been frustrated with getting stuck on the waitlist for our Monday game nights 😖 You’re not alone — events have been filling fast, and we totally understand how disappointing it can be when you want to play but can’t get a spot.

That’s why we’re really happy to share some good news: The Game Parlour is expanding… and so is our capacity! 🎲✨

Our Monday night venue is adding an annex next door – Side Quest. More space & tables means the EGL is able to increase our Monday night capacity to nearly 50 attendees! That’s a huge jump and should make the RSVP process much smoother for everyone 🤩

More tables means more games, more groups, and more chances to join in every week!

When?

We expect to be able to accommodate more guests in early December 2025; join us on Heylo (EGL’s new events platform) to RSVP to events!

Join EGL on HEylo

We’re so grateful for your patience and enthusiasm — your support is exactly what makes this community so special. We can’t wait to welcome more of you back to game nights!

If you have questions or just want to share which games you’re excited to play with a bigger crowd, feel free to contact us via email or discord.

Looking forward to seeing you around the table on Monday nights!
The EGL Team

The EGL is leaving Meetup

Hello SF gamers & friends!

EGL Board Games is leaving Meetup — please join us on Heylo to stay informed about upcoming game nights and special events!

Join EGL on Heylo

Although our community has organized via Meetup for over a decade (the very first EGL was in July 2011; since then we’ve grown to 1600 members!) recent changes to the platform have forced us to abandon our presence there.

To that end, we are dissolving The EGL group on Meetup; if you want to keep getting invites, RSVPing, and joining our game nights, you’ll need to follow us there.

Can’t use Heylo? You can also stay informed through:

  • Mailing List: Stay in the know about special tabletop gaming events hosted by the EGL! (direct link: https://twodogs.kit.com/egl )
  • Visit/bookmark our website www.sfegl.com
  • Discord: our community uses discord to arranged games for Monday game nights, arrange other events and just chat about all things game-related.
Why join the mailing list?

Stay informed about news, pop-up & anniversary events, such as:

Remember that event RSVPs for all future events will be handled via HEYLO so we hope you will join us there!

Speaking of news – we understand that it has been frustrating for many that want to attend but find themselves waitlisted; the good news is that our Monday game night venue, The Game Parlour, is expanding so we expect to be able to increase our weekly game night’s event capacity by ~60% in the very near future!)

Questions?

Contact our team via info@sfegl.com

We’re here to help…

Hello EGL members…

With everything going on right now in the world, we recognize that financial difficulties may be affecting members of our club. If you (or someone you know) is in such a situation, EGL would like to offer some small help.

Our parent organization (Two Dogs Barking, a 501c3 non-profit) can cover your entry fee at Game Parlour for our Monday night events; we want to make sure that all are able to come out and join our community.

Just let us know, don’t hesitate to reach out via email, message an admin on Heylo, or speak with one of our hosts (Ali, Charles, JC) prior to an event.

Finally, if you’d like to help donate towards this effort, you can make a tax-deductible donation here or contact us to discuss.

Thank to all of you for supporting our group … we wouldn’t have this fantastic community without its members!

Board Game night in Japantown!

Come out to play in an epic night of games & company on THU 12/04. This popup event is co-hosted by the SF Go Club and the EGL.

Come out to play in an epic night of games & company, co-hosted by the SF Go Club and the EGL Board Game group!

When: Thursday, December 4
Where: 22 Peace Plaza (Japantown, SF)
Time: 6pm to 10pm

RSVP on Heylo

Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to game nights, this is the perfect opportunity to meet others in the community and dive into a wide variety of games. We’ll be offering a a mix of everything from party to classic strategy games as well as arguably the o.g. of board games, “GO.”

Bring your own games to share, or simply show up ready to learn and play … this night will be all about having fun and connecting with your community.

Game options will include:

  • Go: Members of the SF Go Club will be on hand to teach new players and play with all skill levels.
  • Modern Board Games: the EGL Board Game crew will have a selection of popular titles (everything from party to strategic faire)

Find more information on the types of games here.

Don’t miss out on a night of fun, strategy and good company. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Learn more about your hosts below…

Board Game night with SF Go Club

Details of our game night co-hosted by the SF Go Club.

We’re looking forward to seeing you for our upcoming night of epic games & company, co-hosted by the SF Go Club and the EGL Board Game group!

Venue Notes

This location, graciously provided by the SF Go Club, is an indoor venue. Remember that the entrance is just outside the Hotel Kabuki; as you’re facing the hotel lobby (in parking lot) from outside, turn to the right and enter the mall to proceed to Suite 501.

Outside food & drink are allowed, but PLEASE be mindful to clean up after yourselves & keep the space tidy. Additionally, please bring napkins to wipe hands before interacting with game components; our hosts are generously providing games from their personal libraries, so we ask that you please treat all games/components with care.

What are the Games?

Your hosts will be providing a wide selection of games to learn & play at this event; we pride ourselves on helping folks (esp. new players) find games that will fit their comfort level.

See the full board game library here

We plan to have games arranged by the following “themes” to make it easy to pick what you’re interested in:

2 Player Duels

2 player (PvP) games, e.g., GO, 7 wonders duel, Jaipur, etc

Strategy Central

Light-to-midweight euro games, e.g. Azul, Nova Luna, Finca, Mille Fiore, Cat in the Box

Party Corner

Lighter weight, fast to learn & play (and often raucous) games, e.g., Hanabi, The Gang, Anomia, Monikers

We’re looking forward to seeing you for a night of fun, strategy and good company!

Finally, please remember that RSVP is required for this event.

Learn more about your hosts below…

Tabletop Day Raffle Prizes

Attendees at our Tabletop Day event can participate in our prize raffle and select among many different games & board game accessories!

See our raffle prize bundles here.

How do I get a Raffle ticket?

  • All attendees who have RSVP’d will obtain one complimentary raffle ticket
  • Additional tickets will be available for sale at the event

Additionally, attendees purchasing a Saluhall food vendor gift certificate by 5/26 will obtain an additional free raffle ticket for every $10 in value spent.

When is the raffle? Do I have to be there?

  • Drawing of winning raffle tickets will start at 3pm on the day of the event
  • One must be present to be eligible to win & collect a prize!
  • Prizes are first won, first served (from the pool of available prizes left)

What are the Prizes?

Prizes will include items such as:

…as well as board games, like the following!

  • Mezen
  • Biome (deluxe!)
  • Queendomino
  • Smallworld
  • Kingdom Builder
  • Gravwell
  • Mysterium
  • Floresta
  • Kraftwagen Age of Engineering
  • Epoch
  • FaeKin (pre-production sample!)
  • Pillars of the Earth
  • Swordcrafters
  • …and many more!

The full list of raffle prizes/bundles is now available.

Thank you to our sponsors for contributing prizes, event space & games for the game library!

All raffle proceeds will benefit Two Dogs Barking, a 501c3 non-profit
with a mission to build community in San Francisco.