# The Game Room **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=189 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 190 --- ## [Tabletop Simulator: SDMB Board/Card game online meetup](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tabletop-simulator-sdmb-board-card-game-online-meetup/741727)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tabletop-simulator-sdmb-board-card-game-online-meetup/741727 "2016-01-14T05:38:21Z")
Tabletop Simulator is currently $10 on sale on steam, and $7.50 each if you get it in a 4 pack. It’s a sandbox game that gives a framework for being able to create a virtual space for card games, board games, and any sor… --- ## [Magic: the Gathering leaks and suspensions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-the-gathering-leaks-and-suspensions/741131)
**Author:** [@Reyemile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reyemile)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2016, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magic-the-gathering-leaks-and-suspensions/741131 "2016-01-14T01:17:17Z")
Chaos in the community of Magic: the Gathering players and judges. After an investigation into major leaks of cards in an upcoming set, over a dozen judges, including most of the Southeast regional leadership, were suspe… --- ## [Is there an opposite to "Instructional video"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-opposite-to-instructional-video/742892)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-an-opposite-to-instructional-video/742892 "2016-01-13T20:56:33Z")
Laughing our asses off at what a terrible game of racquetball we were playing today, my buddy and I thought that someone could be filming us for a What-not-to-do video. I’m wondering, then, what term would be the opposi… --- ## [Lawrence Phillips accused of murder.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawrence-phillips-accused-of-murder/717648)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawrence-phillips-accused-of-murder/717648 "2016-01-13T19:34:16Z")
Former Nebraska and Rams running back Lawrence Phillips is already in prison for a 31 year sentence for numerous charges, including assault. Now he’s being suspected of murdering his cell mate. What an utter waste of … --- ## [Introducing EA Origin Access (subscription game service for PC) - $4.99/month](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/introducing-ea-origin-access-subscription-game-service-for-pc-4-99-month/742949)
**Author:** [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/introducing-ea-origin-access-subscription-game-service-for-pc-4-99-month/742949 "2016-01-13T16:30:06Z")
Last year (I believe) EA introduced EA Access for Xbox One. It is a subscription service that allows you to play games placed in a “vault” for as much as you want (and these aren’t indie darlings, these are big games), a… --- ## [Why should factual criticism of officiating be fined?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-factual-criticism-of-officiating-be-fined/742840)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-factual-criticism-of-officiating-be-fined/742840 "2016-01-13T07:22:55Z")
False accusations against officials \*(“The refs were bribed”) \*should not be tolerated, but why should truthful criticism (“I was flagged for roughing the passer but if you watch the replay I never even touched the quart… --- ## [Do American stadiums show controversial replays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-american-stadiums-show-controversial-replays/742036)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-american-stadiums-show-controversial-replays/742036 "2016-01-13T03:07:22Z")
I think some soccer replays in other countries are not shown to avoid rioting in the stadium - i.e., Frank Lampard’s non-goal against Germany in 2010. Do American stadiums do this too, or is the officiating error shown i… --- ## [NFL: Touchdown call reversed but still celebration penalty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-touchdown-call-reversed-but-still-celebration-penalty/742669)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2016, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-touchdown-call-reversed-but-still-celebration-penalty/742669 "2016-01-13T01:27:19Z")
Steelers/Bengals. The Steelers recover a fumble and return it for a touchdown. They are flagged for illegal celebration in the end zone. After replay review, the recovering defender was down, so no touchdown. If no t… --- ## [(PC Gaming) Pirates Lament Anti-Piracy Measures](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-gaming-pirates-lament-anti-piracy-measures/742426)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-gaming-pirates-lament-anti-piracy-measures/742426 "2016-01-12T23:15:08Z")
Link here. The upshot is that Denuvo has apparently been very successful in creating piracy countermeasures, to the point of making users at the 3DM forum sad pandas (because they’re Chinese - get it?!). This is intere… --- ## [What's next for the NFC Wildcard Losers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-next-for-the-nfc-wildcard-losers/742847)
**Author:** [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-next-for-the-nfc-wildcard-losers/742847 "2016-01-12T19:50:08Z")
I haven’t seen a whole lot of games from either the Washington team or the Vikings, but I was pretty underwhelmed by both Bridgewater and Cousins. The Vikings seem to have a fairly strong defense, but their offense is o… --- ## [Looking for: Good vs. Evil - Two-player (or two team) video game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-good-vs-evil-two-player-or-two-team-video-game/741210)
**Author:** [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-good-vs-evil-two-player-or-two-team-video-game/741210 "2016-01-12T15:58:59Z")
I don’t know if such a game exists, but if so, please point me to it! I’m looking for a game that would be two players against each other. Clear roles for each side, and very much diametrically opposed to each other (S… --- ## [The Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 poll and thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-baseball-hall-of-fame-class-of-2016-poll-and-thread/737147)
**Author:** [@NDP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NDP)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2016, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-baseball-hall-of-fame-class-of-2016-poll-and-thread/737147 "2016-01-12T00:27:09Z")
The BBWAA has released the 2016 ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame. You know the drill. Pick who think deserves entry in the poll and discuss whether a specific candidate belongs or not. I’ll come in with my votes a… --- ## [Chess Question: What is a good rule of thumb as to when you may and may not check a king?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-question-what-is-a-good-rule-of-thumb-as-to-when-you-may-and-may-not-check-a-king/742322)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2016, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-question-what-is-a-good-rule-of-thumb-as-to-when-you-may-and-may-not-check-a-king/742322 "2016-01-11T18:28:17Z")
Hi As a beginner chess player, I’m never sure as to when I may put a king in check. When may I and when may I not put a king in check by moving my queen, castle or bishop beside the king?. I’m also confused about when… --- ## [St. Louis Cardinals under FBI investigation for hacking Astros' computers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-louis-cardinals-under-fbi-investigation-for-hacking-astros-computers/722676)
**Author:** [@chizzuk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chizzuk)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2016, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/st-louis-cardinals-under-fbi-investigation-for-hacking-astros-computers/722676 "2016-01-11T16:22:03Z")
From the New York Times: This is pretty crazy. Setting aside for a second the legal implications of corporate espionage, what might MLB do to the Cardinals? --- ## [Can you have a game of solitaire where no moves are possible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-have-a-game-of-solitaire-where-no-moves-are-possible/742722)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2016, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-have-a-game-of-solitaire-where-no-moves-are-possible/742722 "2016-01-11T12:47:09Z")
Assuming you play Klondike solitaire where you pull 3 cards at once, can you have a game where 0 moves are possible and no matter how many times you replay the deck nothing happens? What about if you play in a way where… --- ## [Question on an NFL rule](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-an-nfl-rule/742635)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2016, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-on-an-nfl-rule/742635 "2016-01-11T00:27:42Z")
I’ve thought about this a few times watching kickoffs. Ball is kicked deep into the endzone. The receiver when he puts his foot back to kneel down steps out of bounds. Safety or touchback? --- ## [Lamar Odom found unconscious in a Nevada Brothel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lamar-odom-found-unconscious-in-a-nevada-brothel/734605)
**Author:** [@Honey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Honey)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2016, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lamar-odom-found-unconscious-in-a-nevada-brothel/734605 "2016-01-10T03:57:41Z")
I’m hoping for the best, but it doesn’t look good. Link --- ## [Life lessons your favorite sports teams taught you](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-lessons-your-favorite-sports-teams-taught-you/742347)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2016, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-lessons-your-favorite-sports-teams-taught-you/742347 "2016-01-09T21:04:11Z")
We’ve all seen our favorite teams go through ups and downs. What philosophical points have you drawn from it? Mine are: You can’t afford to show mercy, especially in the playoffs. An opponent can still come back from… --- ## [Olympic Weightlifting Moves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympic-weightlifting-moves/742203)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2016, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/olympic-weightlifting-moves/742203 "2016-01-08T17:55:23Z")
So I’ve just joined a cross-fit gym, and I gotta say, I freaking HATE the movements that involve “squat and jumps,” i.e. the clean and snatch. I find it very frustrating because I’m not a coordinated person and these mov… --- ## [NFL Week 17](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-17/741816)
**Author:** [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2016, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-17/741816 "2016-01-08T02:30:59Z")
All games Sunday. 1:00 PMEST : Baltimore ( 7 ) at Cincinnati ( -7 ) —- T: — 1:00 PMEST : New Orleans ( 4 ) at Atlanta ( -4 ) —- T: 52 1:00 PMEST : New England ( -9 ) at Miami ( 9 ) —- T: — 1:00 PMEST : Detroit ( 1 ) … --- ## [Who are refs talking to in a football game?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-refs-talking-to-in-a-football-game/742342)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-refs-talking-to-in-a-football-game/742342 "2016-01-07T12:49:44Z")
When you see a ref announcing a call in a football game, they appear to be facing a sideline. Are they addressing the coach of the team that got the penalty? Or do they just address some neutral point? Or is a television… --- ## [Organizational structure of NFL teams - Who do players report to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/organizational-structure-of-nfl-teams-who-do-players-report-to/742228)
**Author:** [@iceiso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iceiso)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2016, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/organizational-structure-of-nfl-teams-who-do-players-report-to/742228 "2016-01-07T02:38:43Z")
With the NFL’s Black Monday recently passed, I had a thought about NFL teams and organizational dysfunction. I found the following link, which focuses mostly on the interaction between Owner, President, GM, and Head Coac… --- ## [2015, pretty good year for Steam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-pretty-good-year-for-steam/742183)
**Author:** [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-pretty-good-year-for-steam/742183 "2016-01-06T16:11:28Z")
Some details at the link above, but looks like 2015 was a damn good year for Steam. Some highlights: \[ul\] \[li\]Over 3,000 new games.\[/li\]\[li\]Concurrent users go from 8 million to 12 million.\[/li\]\[li\]Over 350 million … --- ## [The 2015 Bridge Scandal - a way forward?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2015-bridge-scandal-a-way-forward/742061)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2016, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2015-bridge-scandal-a-way-forward/742061 "2016-01-06T11:17:32Z")
I’m more a social than a good Bridge player, but even I know about the scandal that has rocked the world of Bridge recently. I rather suspect that there’s a Doper or two who play seriously. I’m wondering if in competitio… --- ## [NFL, college football. Who's on first?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-college-football-whos-on-first/741955)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2016, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-college-football-whos-on-first/741955 "2016-01-05T22:57:10Z")
Lets say there are opposing penalties. People have to decide decline or take. Who are these people? Coaches, QB, guy selling hot dogs? How do the officials know who makes the decision? Are the officials given a list… --- ## [I don't understand the game Mornington Crescent.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-the-game-mornington-crescent/741306)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2016, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-understand-the-game-mornington-crescent/741306 "2016-01-05T19:10:23Z")
I mean, I get that it’s naming subways in England…and that it’s acting like everyone is a perfect gentleman and making it out to be like it’s one of the most important discussions in the world, all dressed up with preten… --- ## [How did "The Rock", become so big and popular in the WWF/WWE?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-rock-become-so-big-and-popular-in-the-wwf-wwe/742152)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2016, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-the-rock-become-so-big-and-popular-in-the-wwf-wwe/742152 "2016-01-05T12:23:56Z")
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made in WWF debut in 1996 as Rocky Maiva. In a few months he was pushed heavily and the fans…fucking hated him. “Rocky Sucks” was a constant chant. And, lets face it the guy had terrible angles;… --- ## [The NFL has moved the extra point try back to the 15. Opinions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nfl-has-moved-the-extra-point-try-back-to-the-15-opinions/731009)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2016, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nfl-has-moved-the-extra-point-try-back-to-the-15-opinions/731009 "2016-01-05T12:16:27Z")
I’m all for it. I don’t know what the overall stats are but from the 2 it was just too easy. Now, it’s the equivalent of a 32-33 yard field goal. I’d like to see college follow suit. --- ## [The Chip Kelly Experiment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-chip-kelly-experiment/741831)
**Author:** [@stillownedbysetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stillownedbysetters)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2016, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-chip-kelly-experiment/741831 "2016-01-05T03:28:17Z")
Am I the only one who is a little bummed that the Chip Kelly experiment in Philly bombed? I think the NFL could have used an evolution of its game and the kind of uptempo, razzle dazzle game that Kelly produced on the c… --- ## [NFL Week 16](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-16/741312)
**Author:** [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2016, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-16/741312 "2016-01-04T18:37:39Z")
Thursday, December 24th 8:25 PMEST : San Diego ( 4.5 ) at Oakland ( -4.5 ) —- T: 46.5 Saturday, December 26th 8:25 PMEST : Washington ( 3.5 ) at Philadelphia ( -3.5 ) —- T: 47 Sunday, December 27th 1:00 PMEST : San … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=188) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=190)