# The Game Room **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=139 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 140 --- ## [Russia banned from 2018 Olympics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-banned-from-2018-olympics/803654)
**Author:** [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2017, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-banned-from-2018-olympics/803654 "2017-12-07T10:30:58Z")
Wow. --- ## [NFL Week 13](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-13/803154)
**Author:** [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2017, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-13/803154 "2017-12-06T04:18:17Z")
Week 13 kicks off tonight, so here are your odds for this week. Thursday, 11/30 8:25 PM EST : Washington ( 1 ) at Dallas Sunday, 12/3 1:00 PM EST : Minnesota ( 3 ) at Atlanta ( -3 ) 1:00 PM EST : Detroit ( 3 ) at Ba… --- ## [Tell me about the Nintendo Switch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-the-nintendo-switch/803445)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2017, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-the-nintendo-switch/803445 "2017-12-04T22:33:13Z")
We are thinking of getting the kids a Switch for Christmas but I do not fully understand its pros and cons. We are quite sure a PS4 or Xbox 360 would not be worth it; those platforms concentrate on killing games and spo… --- ## [College Football Playoff Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-football-playoff-thread/803069)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2017, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-football-playoff-thread/803069 "2017-12-04T20:21:50Z")
I know the final four won’t be decided to next week but I figure some of th talk can start now. In if Win Clemson #1 Auburn #2 Oklahoma #3 Wisconsin #4 #5 I want to start this with a rant about Alabama getting in,… --- ## [Assassin's Creed Syndicate - my highly belated comments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assassins-creed-syndicate-my-highly-belated-comments/803318)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2017, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assassins-creed-syndicate-my-highly-belated-comments/803318 "2017-12-04T11:48:34Z")
We’re three AC games into the current generation (not counting that three-Vita game portover), and I notice that only Origins has gotten any real discussion here. I know Syndicate’s been out for a while, but it took me a… --- ## [Help me buy a PS4 game for my son?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-ps4-game-for-my-son/802630)
**Author:** [@Blisters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blisters)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2017, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-buy-a-ps4-game-for-my-son/802630 "2017-12-03T03:10:52Z")
Thanks for any suggestions you can provide. My son is eleven, and we’d like to find a game we can play together. We’ve played Knack (both) as well as Brothers. I’m not much of a gamer, so I get overwhelmed when I try and… --- ## [UK gambling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-gambling/803247)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-gambling/803247 "2017-12-02T19:36:51Z")
I’m in London until Monday. First of all, what’s the difference between a fruit machine and a slot machine?I see these complicated looking fruit machines in just about every pub. How do I place a sports bet? I’m looking… --- ## [2018 Death Pool: Discussion about Rules Changes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-death-pool-discussion-about-rules-changes/801328)
**Author:** [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2017, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2018-death-pool-discussion-about-rules-changes/801328 "2017-12-02T06:15:31Z")
Having taken over mid-season for Idle Thoughts, and having since gotten the blessing from Baker, Death Mistress (Extraordinaire) to run the 2018 Death Pool from start-to-finish. Previous history has involved a pre-pool … --- ## [City of Heroes is gone 5 years now....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-of-heroes-is-gone-5-years-now/803271)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2017, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/city-of-heroes-is-gone-5-years-now/803271 "2017-12-01T20:36:12Z")
…as of yesterday and I still miss it. There hasn’t been another game with so much customization available and fun and varied combat that was easy to play but still complex. Only the graphics were a bit lacking and they … --- ## [Have You Ever Wanted To Be a Baseball General Manager?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-be-a-baseball-general-manager/802764)
**Author:** [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2017, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-wanted-to-be-a-baseball-general-manager/802764 "2017-12-01T04:03:15Z")
The Unofficial SDMB OOTP (Out of the Park) League has an opening. We’re an easy-going league which has been going on for 15 years (seriously, we started the league in this thread, which I started 15 years ago tomorrow) … --- ## [NFL Week 12](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-12/802558)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2017, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-12/802558 "2017-11-30T17:45:27Z")
Late as always Thursday MIN 30 @ DET 23 LAC @ DAL NYG @ WAS Sunday early CLE @ CIN CAR @ NYJ TEN @ IND TB @ ATL MIA @ NE CHI @ PHI BUF @ KC Sunday late SEA @ SF DEN @ OAK NO @ LAR JAX @ ARI SNF GB @ PI… --- ## [Doki Doki Literature Club](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doki-doki-literature-club/800178)
**Author:** [@Rysto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rysto)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2017, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doki-doki-literature-club/800178 "2017-11-30T16:20:21Z")
Yes, I know, it sounds insipid, but give me a chance to sell this. Doki Doki Literature Club is a game I stumbled across the other day. It’s free on Steam, and the author has a tip jar if you decide you like the game … --- ## [Iran vs. Israel at FIFA World Cup, what would happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-vs-israel-at-fifa-world-cup-what-would-happen/803121)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 30, 2017, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-vs-israel-at-fifa-world-cup-what-would-happen/803121 "2017-11-30T08:19:23Z")
According to this article, Iran forbids its athletes from playing against Israel. So suppose this were the FIFA World Cup, and both countries were in, and Iran had to play Israel in the knockout round…say, the Round of … --- ## [The logistics of being a professional athlete](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-logistics-of-being-a-professional-athlete/802976)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2017, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-logistics-of-being-a-professional-athlete/802976 "2017-11-29T22:15:30Z")
I’m curious about the day-to-day of pro athletes. I used to travel a lot for work, and it was a huge pain in my butt. Catching planes, hotel stays, rental cars, shopping in strange cities for basics, etc. There were perk… --- ## ["I liked the episode where..." Game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-liked-the-episode-where-game/802658)
**Author:** [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2017, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-liked-the-episode-where-game/802658 "2017-11-29T18:55:39Z")
You have to describe the episode you like in such a manner that no one could possible tell which one it was. I’ll give some examples. I liked the episode of Star Trek TOS with the guy with pointy ears in a blue shirt. R… --- ## [College Basketball 2017-2018](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-basketball-2017-2018/801261)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2017, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-basketball-2017-2018/801261 "2017-11-29T17:01:49Z")
Here’s a thread to discuss the NCAA men’s college basketball season. Obviously, we can break it up into monthly threads if the interest is there. These early games are always weird. West Virginia vs Texas A&M sounds lik… --- ## [Josh Gordon SI article](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/josh-gordon-si-article/803042)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 29, 2017, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/josh-gordon-si-article/803042 "2017-11-29T14:08:00Z")
https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/11/28/josh-gordon-interview-cleveland-browns-nfl Josh Gordon is one of the biggest wastes of athletic talent. Reading the article, it shows how he was able to be a successful athlete even wit… --- ## [Explain this marble game scoring system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-marble-game-scoring-system/801897)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2017, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-this-marble-game-scoring-system/801897 "2017-11-28T21:23:49Z")
My grandson loves to watch all the marbles in this complex marble run. The young man has a scoring system (his own or a regular kid’s game?) that I just can’t figure out. He gives sort of an explanation in the beginning … --- ## [Looking to buy a Nintendo Switch. Better to buy on Black Friday or Cyber-Monday?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-to-buy-a-nintendo-switch-better-to-buy-on-black-friday-or-cyber-monday/802589)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2017, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-to-buy-a-nintendo-switch-better-to-buy-on-black-friday-or-cyber-monday/802589 "2017-11-27T15:22:05Z")
Near as I can tell the Switch will not be on sale but games and accessories probably will be. Better to buy today (Black Friday) or wait till Cyber Monday? --- ## [Time to upgrade to an XboxOne?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-upgrade-to-an-xboxone/802208)
**Author:** [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2017, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-upgrade-to-an-xboxone/802208 "2017-11-27T10:54:30Z")
I’m thinking of using holiday sales to upgrade from my current Xbox360 to an XboxOne. For those in the know, does that seem like a wise idea at this time? I currently use the Xbox for Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime strea… --- ## [CFL playoffs : road to the Grey Cup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cfl-playoffs-road-to-the-grey-cup/801470)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 27, 2017, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cfl-playoffs-road-to-the-grey-cup/801470 "2017-11-27T00:42:44Z")
Saskatchewan working hard to become the Eastern team? Whatever works! Riders 31, Ottawa 14 with 9 minutes to go in the Eastern Semi-Final. One spectacular rushing TD for 74 yards on a hand-off. Couple of turn-overs. --- ## [An old review of "Outside", the first massively-multiplayer online role-playing game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-old-review-of-outside-the-first-massively-multiplayer-online-role-playing-game/802726)
**Author:** [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2017, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-old-review-of-outside-the-first-massively-multiplayer-online-role-playing-game/802726 "2017-11-26T20:27:13Z")
I stumbled across this following a link from TV Tropes. :slight\_smile: Best thing since the “Plot Holes in World War 2” thread! --- ## [Anyone play OOTP Baseball?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-play-ootp-baseball/798999)
**Author:** [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2017, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-play-ootp-baseball/798999 "2017-11-26T17:31:48Z")
What are some of the strangest events you’ve seen? In Football Manager I’ve seen a player push a ref and take a 6 month break, but that doesn’t compare to OOTP. I’ve seen a player retire cause his dying brother needs h… --- ## [Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp - ongoing discussion thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animal-crossing-pocket-camp-ongoing-discussion-thread/802696)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2017, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animal-crossing-pocket-camp-ongoing-discussion-thread/802696 "2017-11-26T02:13:37Z")
I know we had a “heads up” thread, but the game is out all around the world now and my daughter has created her camp and the games is up and running. I haven’t played an Animal Crossing since the Gamecube one, but this … --- ## [PA NFL stadiums](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pa-nfl-stadiums/801145)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2017, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pa-nfl-stadiums/801145 "2017-11-26T02:12:14Z")
I have been told that the NFL stadiums in PA have paid back the taxpayers for the money to build them. Is this true and how do I even find this out? --- ## [NHL: November 2017](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-november-2017/800716)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2017, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nhl-november-2017/800716 "2017-11-25T23:52:31Z")
A full night of action in the NHL tonight, and it started early with an afternoon match up where I finally got see a Vegas Golden Knights game. They beat Ottawa 5-4, using a 4th string goalie that would barely be an AHL … --- ## [Thanksgiving Football](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanksgiving-football/802447)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2017, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thanksgiving-football/802447 "2017-11-25T05:36:07Z")
Looks like we may have at least one compelling matchup tomorrow (or maybe they all will be, who knows?), with the Vikings and Lions going after it in a divisional battle. I expect to see a lot of offense in that one. I t… --- ## [A Question about MLB pitchers.......](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-mlb-pitchers/802621)
**Author:** [@Lickety\_Split\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lickety_Split_1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 25, 2017, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-mlb-pitchers/802621 "2017-11-25T04:33:56Z")
I have wondered why it is that I have never seen an MLB pitcher who changes his delivery occasionally during the game. I don’t mean changing to pitching from the stretch when runners are on base, of course. Or even sligh… --- ## [Baseball's expansion to 32 teams?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseballs-expansion-to-32-teams/802192)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [November 24, 2017, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseballs-expansion-to-32-teams/802192 "2017-11-24T04:16:49Z")
So apparently this is going to happen and getting to 32 teams is not the worst thing as it simplifies the leagues at least. Thankfully this will not happen too soon as MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred insists the league wil… --- ## [NFL Week 11](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-11/801853)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2017, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-11/801853 "2017-11-23T02:24:21Z")
TNF TEN 17 @ PIT 40 Sunday early JAX @ CLE TB @ MIA BAL @ GB DET @ CHI LAR @ MIN ARI @ HOU KC @ NYG WAS @ NO Sunday late BUF @ LAC CIN @ DEN NE @ OAK SNF PHI @ DAL MNF ATL @ SEA [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=138) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=140)