Whether you’re considering the rise in online casinos, the gamification of apps, or the influx of entertainment options, it’s clear that hosting a game night can be a huge win for you and your friends. Whether you go with a digital game, board game, or any other offering, you need to understand some steps that’ll make it a successful night.
Hosting can be a big responsibility, but the satisfaction is worthwhile when you see the people you love having a good time. Keep reading for words of advice when planning a game night.
Decide on the games and setting
Before anything, figure out what games your guests will enjoy. Bingo is an excellent game for a group setting. It’s a game built for large groups and can host as many people as you invite.
It’s also a versatile game since you can play it online or grab some bingo cards and host bingo under the same roof. Certain websites offer free bingo to play, with live hosts and chat. Companies today let players log in using standalone apps or website access. You can go with this setup for a remote party, or play the physical game if you’re inviting people over.
A murder mystery dinner party is an intriguing option that lets people play along with the theme and dress the part. You can also host a casino night featuring roulette, poker, blackjack, and other options. Choose some crowd-pleasers, pick the ideal location, and send out some invites so that you can get a headcount for who is showing up.
Respect and enforce the rules
Having an understanding of the game rules is arguably the most important thing to bear in mind for your game night.
If you’re hosting a bingo night, familiarise yourself with the rules of the game so that you know how to break ties and handle other nuanced points. If you’re hosting a casino night, consider hiring professional dealers or appointing people to serve as independent, impartial dealers and casino hosts.
Send the rules of the game out in advance for people to see and understand. This way, everyone is on the same page once the games kick off.
Carve out more time than you think you need
Choose a game night where everyone’s schedules are wide open. Start the game early enough in the day or night to let it potentially go on for hours without rushing. The reason for this is that you never really can tell how long a match will go on.
It might involve an open-ended game like Monopoly, or a game like bingo that can go on for as many cards as people would like to play. If you’re hosting a chess tournament, you may as well be prepared to block out the rest of the night, because a single match can become a showdown of wits that lasts for hours. A murder mystery dinner party can go on for an indefinite amount of time if you don’t put a cap on it.
Keep plenty of food, music, and other accommodations available so that eliminated players and people just watching are taken care of. It’s a social gathering at the end of the day, so keep tabs on every part of being a good host. Begin with the tips above and start planning out your next successful game night.