# The Game Room **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=7 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 8 --- ## [Fastest human powered sports (no gravity assist)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fastest-human-powered-sports-no-gravity-assist/1027771)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2026, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fastest-human-powered-sports-no-gravity-assist/1027771 "2026-02-23T19:34:56Z")
So no skiing. From a standing start over an official distance, no demonstration events. This is what I have so far. Running 100 meters in 9.58 seconds - speed 10.43 m/s, 23.35 mph. Skating 1000 meters in 1:05.37 - sp… --- ## [I solved a London Times cryptic finally](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-solved-a-london-times-cryptic-finally/1024024)
**Author:** [@suranyi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/suranyi)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2026, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-solved-a-london-times-cryptic-finally/1024024 "2026-02-21T12:28:19Z")
I’ve been solving cryptic crosswords my whole adult life. American ones, e.g. the ones made by Cox and Rathvon. Generally I can do them without too much difficulty. For the last year or so I’ve been working on British p… --- ## [Why don't Canadians do better in the Winter Olympics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-canadians-do-better-in-the-winter-olympics/1027698)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2026, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-canadians-do-better-in-the-winter-olympics/1027698 "2026-02-20T20:17:20Z")
They should have plenty of athletes and places to train. The northern Europeans blow them away. --- ## [Cities: Skylines II is out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cities-skylines-ii-is-out/992032)
**Author:** [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2026, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cities-skylines-ii-is-out/992032 "2026-02-19T03:32:39Z")
For PC at least. :wink: Such a busy time for games right now. There are so many I want to play! Especially after the last couple years have had some very lean seasons for interesting things. But I ordered CS2 a while a… --- ## [MLB: pitch framing should have been abolished when it first started](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-pitch-framing-should-have-been-abolished-when-it-first-started/1027790)
**Author:** [@hideousidiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hideousidiot)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-pitch-framing-should-have-been-abolished-when-it-first-started/1027790 "2026-02-18T21:11:43Z")
Why didn’t umpires refuse to be played by catchers framing strikes? Seems to me they could instruct catchers not to move their gloves into the strike zone (except to throw out runners attempting to steal). 1st violation … --- ## [NFL Coaching Carousel 2025-2026 edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374)
**Author:** [@OldManLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldManLogan)\ **Replies:** 252\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374 "2026-02-18T17:44:47Z")
Black Monday is here and the coaches are starting to drop. As I’m typing, there are currently six positions opened. Two happened earlier in the season with the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans. Four from yesterday/to… --- ## [No Olympic Ski Jumping for Women? (Thread started in 2010)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-olympic-ski-jumping-for-women-thread-started-in-2010/528961)
**Author:** [@notfrommensa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notfrommensa)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-olympic-ski-jumping-for-women-thread-started-in-2010/528961 "2026-02-18T15:31:39Z")
This morning edition of ESPN’s Outside the Lines had story women ski jumpers failed attempt to get an Olympic event. Printed story here. Ski-jumping is one of my favorite events, and quite frankly I never realized that… --- ## [Other examples of big refereeing calls that both sides hate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-examples-of-big-refereeing-calls-that-both-sides-hate/1027755)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-examples-of-big-refereeing-calls-that-both-sides-hate/1027755 "2026-02-17T18:56:14Z")
There was a fairly bonkers end to last week’s English premiership match between Man City and Liverpool…. tl:dr(ish) version the Liverpool were losing 2-1 and their goalkeeper came forward for a set piece leaving the g… --- ## [Road to Empress 1 - becoming Wu Zeitan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-to-empress-1-becoming-wu-zeitan/1027752)
**Author:** [@aruvqan\_myers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan_myers)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/road-to-empress-1-becoming-wu-zeitan/1027752 "2026-02-17T18:03:11Z")
Road to Empress 1 So, this popped into my Steam recommendations, and I gave it a shot. I have always loved Ancient Japan and China, and have done a fair amount of reading so it seemed a great suggestion. I had a game i… --- ## [Hot and Cold on Reddit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-and-cold-on-reddit/1027699)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hot-and-cold-on-reddit/1027699 "2026-02-17T17:29:27Z")
Anybody else playing this? I am having the worst time getting a handle on how it works. Even after knowing the answers, I look at my guesses and cannot fathom how one was closer than the other. Anybody have insight as… --- ## [How do countries find their Olympic athletes? How do Olympic teams work in general?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-countries-find-their-olympic-athletes-how-do-olympic-teams-work-in-general/1027605)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-countries-find-their-olympic-athletes-how-do-olympic-teams-work-in-general/1027605 "2026-02-17T15:58:47Z")
Beware: Astounding ignorance ahead. I don’t really follow sports (of any kind). The Olympics seem like a mix of different sports categorized by season (?), like right now they’re all winter sports, including many I’ve n… --- ## [Super Bowl LX](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-bowl-lx/1027508)
**Author:** [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Replies:** 300\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2026, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/super-bowl-lx/1027508 "2026-02-16T09:58:33Z")
All right I don’t see a thread so here’s one. Green Day opens, after introducing a delegation of MVP old-timers. --- ## [A couple of questions about the luge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-questions-about-the-luge/1027665)
**Author:** [@RollOutTheBarrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RollOutTheBarrel)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2026, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-couple-of-questions-about-the-luge/1027665 "2026-02-14T17:28:59Z")
How do lugers know when to steer? It seems like they would have very limited visibility. Is there a machine analogous to a Zamboni that resurfaces the ice? --- ## [23rd Annual Super Bowl Early Picks Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/23rd-annual-super-bowl-early-picks-thread/1026369)
**Author:** [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2026, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/23rd-annual-super-bowl-early-picks-thread/1026369 "2026-02-14T16:27:05Z")
The playoff teams are set, so it’s time for our annual contest – can you predict the Super Bowl a month before the game and join our list of champions?: Year 1 : Trillionaire Year 2 : Uncommon Sense Year 3 : Airman Do… --- ## [Chess: King and rook vs king and knight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-king-and-rook-vs-king-and-knight/1027608)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2026, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-king-and-rook-vs-king-and-knight/1027608 "2026-02-13T03:29:38Z")
I just watched a TikTok video of 2 players rated in the 1700-1800 range. It was a king and rook against a king and knight. The player with the rook was unable to win the knight or the game. With perfect play on both side… --- ## [The Olympics and Shop My Exchange](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-olympics-and-shop-my-exchange/1027429)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2026, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-olympics-and-shop-my-exchange/1027429 "2026-02-12T08:54:53Z")
NBC Sports has partnered with the military’s ShopMyExchange.com site to provide live streaming of Olympic events. All that’s required is to have ShopMyExchange.com account and a free account on NBCOlympics.com. If you’re… --- ## [Knights of Balmarrow Discord roleplay follow-along thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knights-of-balmarrow-discord-roleplay-follow-along-thread/1027223)
**Author:** [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2026, 7:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/knights-of-balmarrow-discord-roleplay-follow-along-thread/1027223 "2026-02-11T07:56:46Z")
A little more than two years ago, I met someone named Sean on a Discord RP server. He answered my want ad for someone to join me in a new original world of swords and shields, magic, war, and exploration called Knights o… --- ## [NFL Playoff Thread 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 600\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2026, 6:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372 "2026-02-09T06:41:06Z")
Seattle served notice on Saturday that they are the Super Bowl favorites with a dominating defensive performance against the 49ers, a 13-3 win that probably wasn’t as close as the score would indicate. Tampa Bay stayed a… --- ## [What has happened to Bridge Base Online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-happened-to-bridge-base-online/1027302)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2026, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-has-happened-to-bridge-base-online/1027302 "2026-02-05T03:16:34Z")
I like playing bridge online - either with friends or robots. I’ve used Bridge Base Online for years: bridgebase.com But now when I try to login a new screen appears, which seems to consist entirely of adverts and dow… --- ## [Upcoming game releases you're looking forward to (2026-)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upcoming-game-releases-youre-looking-forward-to-2026/1025820)
**Author:** [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2026, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/upcoming-game-releases-youre-looking-forward-to-2026/1025820 "2026-02-04T18:07:50Z")
Anyone have upcoming games that you are are looking forward to? For me it’s the upcoming Bond game: it looks basically like a reskinned Hitman, which is fine by me. Also the recently announced Tomb Raider games for 202… --- ## [Sports in school is cool...and?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-in-school-is-cool-and/1026687)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2026, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-in-school-is-cool-and/1026687 "2026-02-03T23:13:28Z")
Does being on a sports team in school better prepare you, compared to those that don’t, job-wise, social interaction-wise, marriage-wise etc.? Are there studies that support any of these ideas that do not come from spor… --- ## [Looks like Kraft isn't getting into the HOF ahead of Belichick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looks-like-kraft-isnt-getting-into-the-hof-ahead-of-belichick/1027338)
**Author:** [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2026, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looks-like-kraft-isnt-getting-into-the-hof-ahead-of-belichick/1027338 "2026-02-03T15:17:23Z")
Sources: Robert Kraft not voted for Hall of Fame Class of '26 - ESPN I have such mixed feelings of schadenfreude and disbelief on this one. Despite living in Pats land (and my son being a big fan) and really enjoying th… --- ## [In the EFL, How are financial penalties dealt with regarding player misconduct on and off the field?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-efl-how-are-financial-penalties-dealt-with-regarding-player-misconduct-on-and-off-the-field/1027257)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2026, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-efl-how-are-financial-penalties-dealt-with-regarding-player-misconduct-on-and-off-the-field/1027257 "2026-02-02T14:21:22Z")
This was quite the game! It included some pretty obvious player misconduct, the equivalent of which would get, say, an NFL player, a not-insignificant fine- from the league. Maybe from their team as well. For example, a … --- ## [2026 Baseball Hall of Fame Voting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-baseball-hall-of-fame-voting/1025197)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2026, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-baseball-hall-of-fame-voting/1025197 "2026-02-01T14:11:49Z")
Who would you vote for? On the ballot: (Name, Years on ballot, voting % last year if applicable) Carlos Beltran, 4, 70.3% I guess Beltran will make it. He piled up a lot of numbers (without ever leading the league in… --- ## [Make up a football formula](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-up-a-football-formula/1027204)
**Author:** [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/make-up-a-football-formula/1027204 "2026-02-01T02:04:42Z")
In Europe, the top football club competition is the Champions League. It’s very popular, both in countries entering and spectators watching. 36 clubs from 17 countries qualified for the initial group stage, as shown he… --- ## [Has anyone here played the new PC game "Clair Obscur"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-played-the-new-pc-game-clair-obscur/1017564)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-anyone-here-played-the-new-pc-game-clair-obscur/1017564 "2026-01-30T22:05:15Z")
I really want to try this game but I am not quite sure. I HATE (hate hate hate) twitch games. Games that you need to be super-fast on the button push at the exact right time to get anything done. This is the reason I … --- ## [Minute Cryptic - another word game, quite different!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minute-cryptic-another-word-game-quite-different/1024901)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minute-cryptic-another-word-game-quite-different/1024901 "2026-01-30T20:15:48Z")
Minute Cryptic - a new(ish) word game I stole a description from elsewhere: “Minute Cryptic is a bite-sized cryptic crossword designed to be solved in just a few minutes. Each puzzle features a small grid and clever, w… --- ## [Around the world in (just over) 40 days - under sail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/around-the-world-in-just-over-40-days-under-sail/1027012)
**Author:** [@3AxisCtrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3AxisCtrl)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2026, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/around-the-world-in-just-over-40-days-under-sail/1027012 "2026-01-25T19:39:50Z")
Accomplished by Sodebo, a 105-ft trimaran. The time was 40:10:46 over 45,568 km, for an average speed of 54 kph / 33.5 mph / 29.17 kts. This beat the previous (2017) record by over 12 hours. A time under 40 days looke… --- ## [NFL Week 18](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-18/1026169)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2026, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-18/1026169 "2026-01-23T01:27:18Z")
On Thursday, the Lions ushered themselves out of the playoffs, committing six turnovers in a loss to the Vikings. Later that day, the Broncos scored a late touchdown to defeat the Chiefs in Arrowhead. That win took on … --- ## [Chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dies at age 29](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-grandmaster-daniel-naroditsky-dies-at-age-29/1024156)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2026, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chess-grandmaster-daniel-naroditsky-dies-at-age-29/1024156 "2026-01-22T15:50:12Z")
WTF!?!?!?!? He posted this video 3 days ago. You will hear the voice of your coach no matter what activity you do so make sure it’s a calm voice of helpful aid. Danya was and is my inner Chess voice. He was a fantast… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=8)