# The Game Room **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=19 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 20 --- ## [Please recommend a path to learning chess](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-path-to-learning-chess/991867)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2025, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-recommend-a-path-to-learning-chess/991867 "2025-02-04T16:16:49Z")
I learned the chess rules and moves in the 1990s. I bought a chess set with a vinyl chess mat. I purchased Sargon on my PC. I upgraded it once. I never grasped strategy and thinking five moves ahead. I went to the local… --- ## [Kids rec sports question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-rec-sports-question/1013844)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2025, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-rec-sports-question/1013844 "2025-02-04T00:56:54Z")
My 10 yr old niece plays in a park district basketball program. Either 10-11 yr old or 4th-5th grade girls. They played their first game yesterday. The other team was a team from a parochial school that was allowed to… --- ## [Freecell addicts: What are your winning percentage and streaks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freecell-addicts-what-are-your-winning-percentage-and-streaks/90541)
**Author:** [@pldennison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pldennison)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2025, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freecell-addicts-what-are-your-winning-percentage-and-streaks/90541 "2025-02-02T22:45:51Z")
I know you’re out there, fellow Freecell freaks. You just can’t stop playing. So what are your stats? Share with the group! My percentage right now is 62%: 511 wins, 309 losses. My longest winning streak is 14 games in… --- ## ["Just a bit outside", Bob Uecker has died](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-a-bit-outside-bob-uecker-has-died/1013055)
**Author:** [@Edward\_The\_Head](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Edward_The_Head)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2025, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-a-bit-outside-bob-uecker-has-died/1013055 "2025-01-30T00:13:00Z")
I debated if it should go here or in CS, but I figured he was more a sports guy. Bob Uecker has died at the age of 90. --- ## [Do sports leagues benefit more from having refs favor the high-profile teams and players, or less?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-sports-leagues-benefit-more-from-having-refs-favor-the-high-profile-teams-and-players-or-less/1013463)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2025, 12:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-sports-leagues-benefit-more-from-having-refs-favor-the-high-profile-teams-and-players-or-less/1013463 "2025-01-29T12:41:37Z")
Note: This thread is not specifically about the Kansas City Chiefs. However, they are the team that seems to be getting the most accusations of being favored by the refs these days. In many sports leagues, there are con… --- ## [Team Fortress 2 Classic, a Team Fortress 2 mod that reimagines its 2008/2009 era](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/team-fortress-2-classic-a-team-fortress-2-mod-that-reimagines-its-2008-2009-era/1010134)
**Author:** [@CorpusNeptune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CorpusNeptune)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2025, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/team-fortress-2-classic-a-team-fortress-2-mod-that-reimagines-its-2008-2009-era/1010134 "2025-01-28T17:57:01Z")
I’m sure there are some oldheads here that would be interested in this. As I’m sure some of you know by now, Team Fortress 2 nowadays is a shell of its former self. Hats, loot crates, over 100 maps…it’s basically become… --- ## [SI Sportsperson of the Year 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/si-sportsperson-of-the-year-2024/1005571)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2025, 1:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/si-sportsperson-of-the-year-2024/1005571 "2025-01-28T13:25:28Z")
Now that the Olympics are over, it’s time to start that discussion… If you ask me, based on what SI has done in the past, the choice seems obvious, and the only choice is whether it’s one person or two: Patrick Mahome… --- ## [The Simpsons: Tapped Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-simpsons-tapped-out/643231)
**Author:** [@Hockey\_Monkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hockey_Monkey)\ **Replies:** 6536\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2025, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-simpsons-tapped-out/643231 "2025-01-26T15:37:08Z")
I’ve got to confess a new addiction. I’m busily rebuilding Springfield in The Simpsons: Tapped Out on my iPad. It’s a free game and if you are a Simpsons fan, you will really enjoy it. Anyone else playing? Have any f… --- ## [Mariano Rivera accused of ignoring sexual abuse at his ministry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mariano-rivera-accused-of-ignoring-sexual-abuse-at-his-ministry/1013218)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2025, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mariano-rivera-accused-of-ignoring-sexual-abuse-at-his-ministry/1013218 "2025-01-24T13:52:13Z")
https://www.gnvinfo.com/former-ny-yankee-pastor-mariano-rivera-sued-for-intimidating-child-in-gainesville-2/ The victim is identified as Jane Doe… Clara Rivera convinced Doe’s mom to allow her daughter to attend the Ig… --- ## ['Kingmakers' PC game - travel back in time to 1400AD with modern weapons to save the future...groovy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kingmakers-pc-game-travel-back-in-time-to-1400ad-with-modern-weapons-to-save-the-future-groovy/1012856)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2025, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kingmakers-pc-game-travel-back-in-time-to-1400ad-with-modern-weapons-to-save-the-future-groovy/1012856 "2025-01-24T00:20:14Z")
I have no words… --- ## [College Football 2024](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-football-2024/998326)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 377\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2025, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-football-2024/998326 "2025-01-23T04:05:20Z")
It does seem a little early to start the 2024 college football thread, but the NCAA has announced its proposed rule changes, which need to be approved by the Playing Rules Oversight Panel on April 18. There will be a tw… --- ## [Super Pocket Atari Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-pocket-atari-edition/1013165)
**Author:** [@Quimby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quimby)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2025, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-pocket-atari-edition/1013165 "2025-01-22T14:00:11Z")
I saw this on Facebook and bought a copy and it is pretty cool. It’s a Game boy basically but filled with Atari and Arcade games. It has Adventure which was my favorite Atari game of all time and I have played it a ton a… --- ## [Who is the worst player to win Super Bowl MVP?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-worst-player-to-win-super-bowl-mvp/1012930)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2025, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-worst-player-to-win-super-bowl-mvp/1012930 "2025-01-21T14:01:44Z")
By this I don’t mean the worst pick, the most mediocre performance by someone they gave the award to. I mean the player who, other than that amazing Super Bowl, was the most unimpressive player over the course of his ca… --- ## [The Stanley Parable - video game....kind of](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-stanley-parable-video-game-kind-of/673081)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2025, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-stanley-parable-video-game-kind-of/673081 "2025-01-21T00:10:18Z")
Wow, it has taken us awhile to get a thread on this one, eh? Yeah, so…it’s definitely different. I played it a couple weeks ago and I’ve managed to find just about every ending the game offers. It’s really only a 2 hou… --- ## [Disposable Stadium Syndrome](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disposable-stadium-syndrome/1005613)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2025, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disposable-stadium-syndrome/1005613 "2025-01-19T18:02:22Z")
…strikes again, after claiming stadiums in Atlanta and Arlington, this time in Cleveland, maybe: Digging deeper, the replacement for old Municipal Stadium was simply plopped onto the original footprint of MS, with lit… --- ## [Questions about the end of 'Half Life 2' (spoilers for a 20 year old video game)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-end-of-half-life-2-spoilers-for-a-20-year-old-video-game/1013011)
**Author:** [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2025, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-the-end-of-half-life-2-spoilers-for-a-20-year-old-video-game/1013011 "2025-01-19T16:46:19Z")
So I picked up ‘Half Life 2’ on sale for a buck over the holidays, and just finished it last night. I was never much of a gamer until just a few years ago-- that is, I was an arcade rat in the 80s, but totally missed th… --- ## [Educational game modelling early 20th Century alliances](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educational-game-modelling-early-20th-century-alliances/1013104)
**Author:** [@Andy\_L](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andy_L)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2025, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educational-game-modelling-early-20th-century-alliances/1013104 "2025-01-19T00:07:06Z")
Back in 1979 in middle school, my history class did an activity where the class divided into teams, each representing a fictional nation with a certain amount of military power (army/navy). The teams could form alliances… --- ## [Little Jack Hoffman's TD....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-jack-hoffmans-td/655190)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2025, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/little-jack-hoffmans-td/655190 "2025-01-16T04:17:46Z")
This was on CNN yesterday, and I saw it a couple days ago, and I don’t know why I feel compelled to share what’s almost a cliche with a sports team/players “adopting” or otherwise bringing a small amount of joy into a te… --- ## [Can I stream NFL on Peacock in Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-stream-nfl-on-peacock-in-canada/1012941)
**Author:** [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2025, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-stream-nfl-on-peacock-in-canada/1012941 "2025-01-15T17:18:04Z")
Title says it all, though specifically Quebec I know that some European sports are limited by provider & country; IOW, if you want to watch the Tour de France in the US, it doesn’t matter that you have Eurovision, you m… --- ## [What's with the absurd pricing of some auction items in World of Warcraft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-absurd-pricing-of-some-auction-items-in-world-of-warcraft/1012918)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2025, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-absurd-pricing-of-some-auction-items-in-world-of-warcraft/1012918 "2025-01-15T01:24:39Z")
I’ve noticed while shopping the AH that from time to time there will be a wide discrepancy in prices, with the higher price points absurdly high. For example, say I need This Reagent. A few sellers are offering it for 20… --- ## [You can play baseball at ANY ballpark in history—what do you pick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-can-play-baseball-at-any-ballpark-in-history-what-do-you-pick/721882)
**Author:** [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2025, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-can-play-baseball-at-any-ballpark-in-history-what-do-you-pick/721882 "2025-01-14T01:02:49Z")
I’m not really a sports guy—and this question is inspired by a Star Trek episode—but it’s been stewing for awhile, and I thought I’d finally get around to asking it. Anyway, the setup: You’re putting together an amateur… --- ## [The 2024-25 Steelers Probably Won’t Make The Super Bowl Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2024-25-steelers-probably-won-t-make-the-super-bowl-thread/1006955)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2025, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2024-25-steelers-probably-won-t-make-the-super-bowl-thread/1006955 "2025-01-12T20:28:54Z")
So last year’s thread sank out of a combination of disinterest from the rest of you, which I can hardly blame you for as this is more or less self-aggrandizing, and a lack of participation from myself, which is unusual b… --- ## [I can't play my games offline?! (Epic)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-play-my-games-offline-epic/1012848)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2025, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-cant-play-my-games-offline-epic/1012848 "2025-01-12T14:24:11Z")
So I’ve resigned myself to the fact that these days, every game requires some sort of launcher that in most cases seems to have been coded by an overworked intern on their lunchbreak while listening to Aqua’s Barbie Girl … --- ## [SDMB NFL Pick 'em and survival leagues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-nfl-pick-em-and-survival-leagues/1006324)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2025, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-nfl-pick-em-and-survival-leagues/1006324 "2025-01-11T18:47:57Z")
Last year’s thread which I will mostly just be repeating here. Those of you who played last year should have an invite in your e-mail or you can sign up through the information in the thread. Survival leagues don’t have… --- ## [Egregious fan interference at MLB game - why not lifetime ban?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egregious-fan-interference-at-mlb-game-why-not-lifetime-ban/1009471)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2025, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/egregious-fan-interference-at-mlb-game-why-not-lifetime-ban/1009471 "2025-01-11T07:58:43Z")
So, this happened: I understand ejecting a fan who gets enthusiastic about catching a towering fly ball and leaning out into the field a bit, not paying attention to the player who would otherwise be making the play. … --- ## [NFL 2024-25: Week 18](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-18/1012397)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2025, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-18/1012397 "2025-01-10T20:13:12Z")
In the AFC, the Chiefs locked up the top seed with a convincing victory over the Steelers, and the Bills pummeled the Jets to clinch the second seed. The Ravens easily handled the Texans, and now need to defeat Clevelan… --- ## [Djokovic's Medical Exemption](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/djokovics-medical-exemption/957283)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 324\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2025, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/djokovics-medical-exemption/957283 "2025-01-10T14:40:26Z")
Novak Djokovic is probably unvaccinated, and has to be vaxxed in order to compete in the Australian Open, unless he gets a medical exemption. So, he got a medical exemption and the Open will let him compete. Not so fas… --- ## [2024 SDMB Celebrity Death Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940)
**Author:** [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Replies:** 2425\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2025, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2024-sdmb-celebrity-death-pool/993940 "2025-01-10T04:05:36Z")
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!! The Rules: You pick 13 celebrities (that’s thirteen, not ten) whom you predict will die within the calendar year 2024. If any of your celebrities dies, you score 100 point… --- ## [NFL 2024-25: Week 16](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2025, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-2024-25-week-16/1011755 "2025-01-06T20:11:05Z")
The Bills served notice that they are now the undisputed Super Bowl favorites by winning at Detroit 48-42. Buffalo became just the second team in NFL history to score 40+ points and allow 40+ points in consecutive games… --- ## [FYI: Awesome Games Done Quick 2025 is currently happening (benefitting the Prevent Cancer Foundation)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fyi-awesome-games-done-quick-2025-is-currently-happening-benefitting-the-prevent-cancer-foundation/1012597)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2025, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fyi-awesome-games-done-quick-2025-is-currently-happening-benefitting-the-prevent-cancer-foundation/1012597 "2025-01-05T22:31:42Z")
Awesome Games Done Quick is a Twitch stream of people speed running various games. It is done to support The Prevent Cancer Foundation [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=20)