# The Game Room **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=8 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 9 --- ## [Most impressive championships by opponent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-impressive-championships-by-opponent/1026633)
**Author:** [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-impressive-championships-by-opponent/1026633 "2026-01-21T17:53:28Z")
The concept of strength of schedule is that beating a better opponent is more impressive. I started thinking about who has the most impressive championship wins, purely based on how impressive their opponents were. Any … --- ## [Anyone care to explain to a non-sports fan how you found the Bears-Packers (or any other televised game) entertaining to watch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-care-to-explain-to-a-non-sports-fan-how-you-found-the-bears-packers-or-any-other-televised-game-entertaining-to-watch/1026562)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2026, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-care-to-explain-to-a-non-sports-fan-how-you-found-the-bears-packers-or-any-other-televised-game-entertaining-to-watch/1026562 "2026-01-21T00:07:02Z")
I understand this all comes down to personal preferences. I enjoy making and listening to bluegrass music, which I imagine many of you would consider torture. But last night, for whatever reason, my wife decided she wa… --- ## [Why isn't "QUO" an accepted Scrabble word?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-quo-an-accepted-scrabble-word/241789)
**Author:** [@Askia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askia)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2026, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-quo-an-accepted-scrabble-word/241789 "2026-01-20T20:51:18Z")
As in, “Quid Pro Quo” and “Status Quo”. I’ve been winning word challenges for years by just citing those two phrases – often without anyone checking the dictionary – and because I thought it was a legitimate word. Only … --- ## ["Ghost" skiers \[TV coverage\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghost-skiers-tv-coverage/1026829)
**Author:** [@3AxisCtrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3AxisCtrl)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ghost-skiers-tv-coverage/1026829 "2026-01-20T01:33:25Z")
I was recently watching some video of downhill skiing, and I realized the coverage was missing something: a “ghost” skier alongside a real one. The scheme was to show the currently active skier along with a recorded & t… --- ## [Least secure job in the NFL teams?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/least-secure-job-in-the-nfl-teams/1026827)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/least-secure-job-in-the-nfl-teams/1026827 "2026-01-19T21:57:19Z")
It’s that time of year for teams to fire the coaches in hopes of improving their record. I must admit I don’t pay that much attention to exactly what coaches. So which coaches have the least tenure? --- ## [How do you like my idea for simplifying sports coverage on TV: one app for every league, pay for individual games a la carte](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-like-my-idea-for-simplifying-sports-coverage-on-tv-one-app-for-every-league-pay-for-individual-games-a-la-carte/1026798)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-like-my-idea-for-simplifying-sports-coverage-on-tv-one-app-for-every-league-pay-for-individual-games-a-la-carte/1026798 "2026-01-19T20:23:08Z")
I’ve come up with a shockingly simple solution to the problem of some sports games being on this streaming app, some on that streaming app, some on broadcast TV, all within the same league. It also solves the problem of … --- ## [Phone games that pay you money - how does that work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-games-that-pay-you-money-how-does-that-work/1026804)
**Author:** [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-games-that-pay-you-money-how-does-that-work/1026804 "2026-01-19T01:16:36Z")
Or I guess I should ask, how is it supposed to work? Since I’m sure it’s a scam. Every so often I’ll get an ad on my phone for some sort of game that is allegedly free, has no ads, and pays you to play. Seems like a gua… --- ## [NBA betting scandal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-betting-scandal/1024248)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2026, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nba-betting-scandal/1024248 "2026-01-19T00:40:59Z")
Oops. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, a former NBA star and head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, were arrested on Thursday in connection with a federal gambling-related investigation, two senio… --- ## [Tennis 2026](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2026/1026805)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tennis-2026/1026805 "2026-01-18T21:02:18Z")
Australian Open for 2026 is underway and I find myself watching: Federer-Agassi vs Rafter-Hewitt A very fun exhibition. Agassi correctly pointed out that the only non-hall-of-famer is actually Federer at this point. Ha… --- ## [Android tablet/Google Play recommendations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-tablet-google-play-recommendations/1024271)
**Author:** [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2026, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/android-tablet-google-play-recommendations/1024271 "2026-01-18T05:13:42Z")
Recently I ordered a new Fire tablet online (after I learned Best Buy hadn’t had any for sale for ages, this despite literally the entire line being on open display…I really don’t get modern capitalism at all). I got it … --- ## [Looking for a pc doohickey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-pc-doohickey/1026695)
**Author:** [@bauble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bauble)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-pc-doohickey/1026695 "2026-01-15T22:37:40Z")
Putting this in the Game Room, thinking that gamers might be more familiar with what I’m talking about (many apologies if that’s wrong): On my last computer, I had an nVidia 2080 video card with an EVGA PowerLink (I don… --- ## [Sports fandoms that go together (or don't)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-fandoms-that-go-together-or-dont/656182)
**Author:** [@installLSC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/installLSC)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sports-fandoms-that-go-together-or-dont/656182 "2026-01-15T09:09:52Z")
I sometimes browse the HF board forums, a hockey message board. I note a lot of posters really love to slam basketball. Why? And more importantly, what sports tend to be followed by the same people? And which rarely … --- ## [Heated Rivalry.. Won't someone think of the sportsball!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heated-rivalry-wont-someone-think-of-the-sportsball/1026677)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2026, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heated-rivalry-wont-someone-think-of-the-sportsball/1026677 "2026-01-15T02:02:52Z")
(in Games Room as interested in IRL sports side not what happens in the show) So there is lots of buzz around this Heated Rivalry, HBO show online. As I understand it, the premise is two star ice hockey players on oppos… --- ## [Flight sim controllers: Yokes, sticks, HOTAS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flight-sim-controllers-yokes-sticks-hotas/1026313)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flight-sim-controllers-yokes-sticks-hotas/1026313 "2026-01-13T18:04:05Z")
We last had a similar thread about this 10-20 years ago: yoke vs stick But that was more about design tradeoffs in real-world aircraft, things like legroom and panel space. In the sim & gaming world, where they’re all … --- ## [In US football, why do we never see the "chains" come out to measure if a first down was made?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-us-football-why-do-we-never-see-the-chains-come-out-to-measure-if-a-first-down-was-made/1026584)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-us-football-why-do-we-never-see-the-chains-come-out-to-measure-if-a-first-down-was-made/1026584 "2026-01-13T16:14:15Z")
Title kinda says it all: Growing up I recall seeing the measuring sticks come out from sidelines in US football games to see if a first down was made. It was a pretty common thing to see happen. I realized watching ga… --- ## [Mass Effect Legendary - my thoughts while I play these games (spoilers as I play)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-effect-legendary-my-thoughts-while-i-play-these-games-spoilers-as-i-play/941984)
**Author:** [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Replies:** 683\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mass-effect-legendary-my-thoughts-while-i-play-these-games-spoilers-as-i-play/941984 "2026-01-13T15:47:29Z")
I should begin playing tomorrow afternoon since the game releases around 11AM my time. I am pre-loading it now and will try to put a few hours in over the next few days. I am 100% unspoiled, so please don’t spoil ahead … --- ## [How dramatically would baseball change if you eliminated foul territory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dramatically-would-baseball-change-if-you-eliminated-foul-territory/1026602)
**Author:** [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-dramatically-would-baseball-change-if-you-eliminated-foul-territory/1026602 "2026-01-13T04:06:47Z")
Let’s create a stadium where the stands crowd up right next to the foul lines, give or take a few feet to allow for first- and third-base basepaths, as well as the batter’s boxes. We are going to all but eliminate caugh… --- ## [The 2025-26 Steelers March to the Super Bowl Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-26-steelers-march-to-the-super-bowl-thread/1022818)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2026, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2025-26-steelers-march-to-the-super-bowl-thread/1022818 "2026-01-13T01:27:36Z")
Football is upon us, and so it is time for me to compose my annual essay about how my beloved Steelers are going to win a 7th championship, only to have absolutely none of it come true. But, as always, fanaticism trumps … --- ## [Why don't football stadiums have dugouts like baseball fields?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-football-stadiums-have-dugouts-like-baseball-fields/1026600)
**Author:** [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2026, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-football-stadiums-have-dugouts-like-baseball-fields/1026600 "2026-01-12T22:01:26Z")
It’s cold in the fall and all the players get are those heated seats. --- ## [Dumb question about LA vs Carolina](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-question-about-la-vs-carolina/1026545)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2026, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dumb-question-about-la-vs-carolina/1026545 "2026-01-11T04:36:48Z")
Rams are 12-5. Panthers are 8-9 (losing record, BTW) YTF are they playing the playoff game in Carolina? --- ## [D&D 2024, looking good](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-2024-looking-good/1026283)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2026, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-d-2024-looking-good/1026283 "2026-01-05T20:29:21Z")
I have read and re-read the new 2024 Players HandBook, and I have to say i really like it. A true upgrade, not “just another edition”, since everything from 5e is usable. For Christmas I got the new Forgotten Realms, H… --- ## [2025 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-sports-illustrated-sportsperson-of-the-year/1022983)
**Author:** [@That\_Don\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/That_Don_Guy)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2026, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-sports-illustrated-sportsperson-of-the-year/1022983 "2026-01-05T06:52:01Z")
It’s that time of year again…time for my annual SOTY post. This year, however, nobody really stands out. Maybe if, somehow, the Dodgers win the World Series, they give it to Shohei Ohtani, but he doesn’t have the standou… --- ## [Arc Raiders](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arc-raiders/1024974)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2026, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arc-raiders/1024974 "2026-01-05T01:38:55Z")
Arc Raiders is a PVPVE extraction game that released 2 weeks and a half weeks ago. It has been wildly successful peaking at 700,000+ players regularly on steam and growing in addition people playing on console. The pre… --- ## [2026 SDMB Celebrity Still-Dead Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-sdmb-celebrity-still-dead-pool/1026128)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2026-sdmb-celebrity-still-dead-pool/1026128 "2026-01-03T22:15:46Z")
Old business: as the current year passes into the shadows, the Judging Panel is close to wrapping up the final rankings out of the thousands of entrants in the 2025 Pool; results to be anounced on January 1st, or soon af… --- ## [Massachusetts Gaming Commission tells DraftKings: you screwed up, you pay up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/massachusetts-gaming-commission-tells-draftkings-you-screwed-up-you-pay-up/1025866)
**Author:** [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/massachusetts-gaming-commission-tells-draftkings-you-screwed-up-you-pay-up/1025866 "2026-01-03T20:09:35Z")
Oops! A Massachusetts bettor discovered an error in the system at DraftKings and took full advantage. During this year’s ALCS, bettors could bet on the hit total for the Blue Jays Nathan Lukes.. A savvy bettor figured… --- ## [2025 Celebrity Still-Dead Pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-celebrity-still-dead-pool/1011094)
**Author:** [@Hatchie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hatchie)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2025-celebrity-still-dead-pool/1011094 "2026-01-03T10:22:08Z")
There’s the Celebrity Death Pool and the Celebrity Life Pool - perhaps you’ve participated in these and been disappointed, since you got few or no hits, while others who pile on with the easy picks always seem to rack up… --- ## [Quordle, for people who find Wordle to be too easy!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quordle-for-people-who-find-wordle-to-be-too-easy/980931)
**Author:** [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Replies:** 2859\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2026, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quordle-for-people-who-find-wordle-to-be-too-easy/980931 "2026-01-03T04:48:12Z")
Daily Quordle 409 :red\_square::nine: :five::seven: :yellow\_square::white\_large\_square::white\_large\_square::white\_large\_square::white\_large\_square: :yellow\_square::white\_large\_square::white\_large\_square:… --- ## [NYT Faces Game](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyt-faces-game/1026165)
**Author:** [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2026, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyt-faces-game/1026165 "2026-01-01T07:17:02Z")
Not sure if this gift link will work. But if it does, how many of these prominent 2025 faces can you recognize? --- ## [Loving this Kickstarter Game! (posted with permission of the moderators)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loving-this-kickstarter-game-posted-with-permission-of-the-moderators/1025591)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2026, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loving-this-kickstarter-game-posted-with-permission-of-the-moderators/1025591 "2026-01-01T01:39:23Z")
I found a Kickstarter for a game about a television show, and I have contributed to it! It is for the \*Mystery Science Theater 3000 Game", and not only am I in at the $180 level, it has already hit the fully funded level… --- ## [You are the CEO of an MLS expansion team; how do you handle things (name, fan culture, etc.)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-the-ceo-of-an-mls-expansion-team-how-do-you-handle-things-name-fan-culture-etc/1026120)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2025, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-the-ceo-of-an-mls-expansion-team-how-do-you-handle-things-name-fan-culture-etc/1026120 "2025-12-31T12:29:11Z")
It looks like the next MLS expansion franchise is probably going to go to Indianapolis. Imagine you are the CEO, Grand Poobah, and God-King of the franchise; meaning, you have 100% control over everything. First, how do… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/the-game-room/17.md?page=9)