Tag: san francisco

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!

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…

Board Game night with Lore SF

Come out to play in an epic & fantastical night of games & company on TUE 11/11. This popup event is co-hosted by Lore SF and the EGL.

You’re Invited to a Board Game Night at LORE SF, hosted by Lore Speakeasy and the EGL Board Game club. Join us for an evening of strategy, amazing games, social fun & fab people!

When: Tuesday, November 11
Where: Lore Speakeasy & Escape Room (Mission District of SF)
Time: 6:30 pm to 11 pm

RSVP on Heylo

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of modern board games, this is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and discover some of the best new games around. We’ll have a library of popular titles available as well as game ambassadors to help you learn to play said games; you’re also welcome to bring your own favorites to share.

There is no cover to join, but we encourage you to learn more about our event host LORE SF and check out their food & cocktail menu here.

Learn more about your Hosts!

Come for the games, stay for the community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Board Games night in Japantown!

Come out to play in an epic night of games & company on THU 10/02. 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, October 2nd
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)

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…

Tabletop Day – Demos & Playtests

We are proud to host local game designers at our Tabletop Day 2025 event!

We are proud to host these local game designers at our International Tabletop Day event on Sat June 7, 2025!

Schedule of Game Demos

  • 12 – 2 pm: BIOME (Lioness Games)
  • 2 – 3pm: Ugly Pickle | Chronoforms
  • 3pm: RAFFLE prize announcements
  • 3:30-6pm: Lucy in the Dungeon | Ugly Pickle | Chronoforms

Demos of Faekin will take place after the raffle, as based on demand

Faekin

FaeKin is an elegant social deduction game which thrusts you into the role of children born from the forbidden love between the heirs of the Fae Courts of Summer and Winter. In the wake of your parent’s demise and the tumultuous blending of seasons, the Fae realm finds itself in a delightful quandary about what to do with you.

Embracing their whimsical nature, the Fae have devised a game to unravel the fate of you misbegotten shape-shifting offspring, all while determining which season shall reign supreme.

Crown the player in your court with the highest value identity and dagger the player in the opposing court with the highest rank to win the game! Information about a player’s identity is revealed with each duel. Can you trust your own instincts, let alone your fellow Fae?

Lioness Games
Host: Leonie Grundler

biome

Biome is an exciting new board game where conservation meets gameplay. Combine strategic card placements and engine building in this nature themed tableau builder for 1-4 players.

Raise baby animals, feed and protect them, achieve biodiversity, and activate unique flora and fauna abilities to create the best Biome and win the game!

Lioness Games
Host: Leonie Grundler

Ugly Pickle

Ugly Pickle is a competitive, high pressure game built for players who hate to lose. It’s a real time board game which uses a companion app to create dynamic difficulty. For a preview, please see “How to Play Ugly Pickle in 5 minutes” on youtube.

Host: William Bee

Chronofiends

Chronofiends is a cooperative sci-fi board game for 1–4 players where every second counts. A space station has been caught in a shrinking time loop—and only you and your team of quirky, time-touched aliens can set things right. Explore a maze-like station, dodge rampaging aliens, and gather powerful gear as you race to fix the timeline. But be careful: every action costs time, and when the loop resets, things get tougher. Easy to learn, full of surprises, and packed with replayable scenarios, Chronofiends is all about strategy, working together, and unraveling the puzzle!

The game should 90 minutes to learn and play for 3-4 players.

Spacemole Games
Host: Patrick Liddell

Lucy in the Dungeon with Heroes

Lucy in the Dungeon with Heroes (always bring the cook) is a 2 player game of head to head tactics. This game is a dungeon “keeper” (verses dungeon Crawlers) with a light cooking theme but bold, card battle flavors which play out on a compact, 8 x 8 grid (for congested mayhem).

Dungeon crawlers wield their keen minds and blades in a quest for their next meal, while the spilled blood of heroes arouses the dungeon to malicious ecstasy!

Play/learn time: 1-2 hours (30min is all that’s needed to fully grasp the unique and engaging mechanics)

Mousechief
Host: Keith Nemitz

Gift Card Tickets for ITTD 2025

Wondering what the deal is with gift card “tickets” for our International Tabletop Day 2025 event? Read on for details…

Saluhall Market in SF has been kind enough to reserve the “west wing” for our event on Sat June 07. Typically the venue requires a minimum spend of $2.5k in order to reserve this space for a group. Since we’re a nonprofit community organization they have graciously offered us a reduced rate for this event..

What this means is that the attendees of our group (of which we’re expecting 50-70) should collectively spend a minimum negotiated amount on food & drink with Saluhall vendors; any shortfall will need to be made up by our organization!

Your purchase of a “guest ticket” not only guarantees you a seat at one of our reserved tables, but also counts towards this “minimum spend,” allowing us to forecast total attendees and whether or not we’ll need to budget funds for use of the space.

Purchase Saluhall Gift Card

When purchasing a gift card, you must use the same email address which you RSVP’d with so that we can identify & credit your order against the minimum spend and award you a raffle ticket, if eligible.

Remember, the full value of all gift card tickets can be used at Saluhall Market vendors for food & drink (with the exception of Momo Noodles).

Questions? Feel free to email us info@sfegl.com.

International Tabletop Day 2025

Join San Francisco’s Euro-Gaming League (EGL) for a day of board game fun on Saturday June 7, 2025 to celebrate International Tabletop Day! We are hosting a “Board Game Day” open house to foster in-person community via the enjoyment of tabletop games – newcomers and veteran gamers are all welcome!

Register here for
Tabletop Day 2025

Date & Time: Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 12-6pm

Location: The event will be held at Saluhall Market in downtown San Francisco.

Admission: This a free event, but a) please register to attend below and b) secure your seat via gift card ticket (strongly recommended).

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: for each $10 in gift card value purchased byMay 26you will receive a complimentary raffle ticket for one of our fab prizes!

All ages are welcome, though most game tables will best be suited for ages 10+ and children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

What to Expect?

Both experienced gamers as well those new to games are invited! Game ambassadors from the EGL will be available to host & teach games, and we will also provide a board game library. Feel free to bring any games that you are interested in playing!

​As ever, our hosts’ primary goal is to ensure a fun, safe & inclusive environment for all participants.

Schedule & Events

​The event will be held on Sat June 7 from noon to 6pm in an open house format – drop-in when you can and stay as long as you’re available, no commitments!

Learn new games: Gaming experts will be on hand to teach and play games – no rule book dissertations here!

​Keep it light? You’ll find game options from light party games to more strategic Euro-faire. We pride ourselves on helping folks find games that match their comfort level so no need to sit through a long, complex game if you prefer a faster, lighter game 🙂

​Raffle for prizes: Registered attendees receive a raffle ticket for fantastic prizes including board games, game bags, and gift certificates! Raffle tickets will also be available the day of the event.

Special Guests: Local board game designers will be on hand to demo their latest (as well as soon-to-be-released!) games!

​​Community: Meet other gaming enthusiasts and make new friends in an open & welcoming environment.

In our increasingly digital world, face-to-face interaction & shared experiences are more important than ever. Gathering around games can provide a wonderful platform to combat social isolation & build community!

Want to help? This will be an excellent opportunity to introduce new folks to this hobby we all love! We’re asking folks in the board game community to volunteer to help run the event – sign up here!

Interested in sponsoring? We’d love to have local retailers and game publishers help us promote this community-building event; please see here for details.

  • Venue: West Wing of Saluhall
  • Venue: West Wing of Saluhall
  • Venue: West Wing of Saluhall
Who is the EGL?

The EGL is a community group that has been organizing board game events in San Francisco for over a decade. The group was founded in 2010 by local pastor Gordon Wohlers with the mission of building local community through the joy of tabletop games.

We’re passionate about bringing people together, fostering connection & community through the medium of tabletop gaming.

sponsors

This event is hosted by Two Dogs Barking, a 501c3 nonprofit organization on a mission to cultivate a thriving, connected & diverse local community through the enjoyment of shared activities.

Thank you to our sponsors for for helping make this event happen!

Board games Mondays with the EGL

Hi, folks! A reminder that the EGL (euro-gaming league) gathers weekly to play euro & other types of board games at the Game Parlour, 6pm every Monday. If you haven’t come out in a while, we’d love to see you again!

Our group is always welcoming to new folks, whether experienced board gamers or not. No need to bring any games, nor spend a half hour reading rules … the Game Parlour has a huge library of board games and our members are always happy to recommend and teach a variety of games!

Remember that our focus is on building community while introducing folks to the modern breed of fun, engaging games (‘not your father’s Monopoly’), so we hope you’ll join us any given Monday for a night full of fun games & fab people =)

See & RSVP to upcoming events at link on the sidebar.

HaitiCon mini-convention in SF – 6/14 & 15

Haiticon’s 6th Annual Board Gaming Mini-Con is June 14-15 in San Francisco!

Haiticon’s 6th Annual Board Gaming Mini-Con is June 14-15 in San Francisco! Enjoy pre-release demos from your favorite designers, an open gaming library, board game auction & raffle with rare prizes, an exclusive Werewolf event … with 100% of proceeds benefiting Ti Kay, the free TB/HIV clinic in Haiti.

Bring your friends, make new friends, have fun, and feel good about supporting a great cause! Pics, tix and info at www.haiticonsf.org.

The first 10 people in our group to buy tickets on-line can use discount code HC2019EGL to get 15% off!


HaitiCon Dates/Times
– Fri June 14, 7pm-11:30pm
– Sat June 15, Noon-11:30pm

Location: 65 Dorland Street

Features
Board Game Library and Open Gaming
Pre-Release Game Demos with the Designer
Board Game Auction
Raffle Prizes
Dedicated Werewolf Rooms
Food & Drinks