WHAT IS CRITICAL MASS?

Critical Mass is a group of gamers who meet regularly to play a wide variety of games. The group is open for anyone to join. Just PM me or post on this forum if you want to be involved. Bring along any friends who might be interested in seeing what great games are all about. All are welcome.
Feel free to bring any games you (or others) might want to play. If you want to play a particular game from the groups combined resources (see Geeklist link below) just PM the person who owns it.
The use of the hall is still only $1 each (thanks to Indooroopilly Uniting Church). Some people bring their own drinks and food but there are usually $1 cans of soft drink and sometimes a few $1.50 snacks available.

Critical Mass is now an affiliated member group of Eurogamesfest.
See http://www.eurogamesfest.com/

WHEN IS CRITICAL MASS?
Critical Mass Games Nights are generally on the 1st and 3rd Friday nights of each month during school terms from 7pm to 11pm ish.
Critical Mass Day of Games events are held during school holidays on Saturday all day, 10am til 10pm ish, instead of the preceding Friday nights.

This years calendar is as follows:


Saturday 5th Jan....CM Day of Games 10am - 10 pm
Saturday 19th Jan...CM Day of Games 10am - 10 pm
Friday 1st Feb......CM Games Night 7pm- 11pm
Friday 15th Feb.....CM Games Night 7pm- 11pm
Friday 7th Mar......CM Games Night 7pm- 11pm
Thursday 20th Mar.....CM Games Night 7pm- 11pm
Saturday 5th Apr....CM Day of Games 10am - 10 pm
Friday 18th Apr.....CM Games Night 7pm- 11pm
Friday 2nd May......CM Games Night 7pm- 11pm
Friday 16th May.....CM Games Night 7pm- 11pm
Friday 6th June.....CM Games Night 7pm- 11pm
Friday 20th June....CM Games Night 7pm- 11pm
Saturday 5th July...CM Day of Games at Gen Con 10am - 5pm
Continuing at Indooroopilly Uniting Churh Hall 6pm - 11:30pm
Friday 18th July....CM Games Night 7pm - 11pm
Friday 1st Aug......CM Games Night 7pm - 11pm
Friday 15th Aug.....CM Games Night 7pm - 11pm
Friday 5th Sept.....CM Games Night 7pm - 11pm
Friday 19th Sept....CM Games Night 7pm - 11pm
Saturday 4th Oct....CM Day of Games 10am - 10 pm
Friday 17th Oct.....CM Games Night 7pm - 11pm
Friday 31st Oct.....CM Games Night 7pm - 11pm *
Friday 14th Nov.....CM Games Night 7pm - 11pm *
Friday 28th Nov.....CM Games Night 7pm - 11pm *
Saturday 13th Dec...CM Day of Games 10am - 10 pm *

* note adjusted dates to avoid the Christmas period are not the usual 1st and 3rd weekend.

The summaries of past games nights can be found just below.

WHERE IS CRITICAL MASS?
The group meets at Indooroopilly Uniting Church hall (directly opposite the food court/Pig and Whistle at Indooroopilly shops).
Address 74 Station Road Indooroopilly.
Parking is available at Indooroopilly Uniting Church off Musgrave Road.


WHAT GAMES ARE AT CRITICAL MASS?

Our group has hundreds of the best games in our combined resources.
Our Friday games nights tend to predominantly revolve around euros with more short games than long ones. When all day events start I'm sure the games played will open up to include longer games.
Here is a geeklist of all games available for Critical Mass events. Members please add your games here: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/19600


WHO IS GAMING AT CRITICAL MASS?

The group includes girls and guys and the age range is about 8 to 45. I think our group has included all kinds of demographics except grandparents, and gamers from the continents of Africa or South America (oh...and Antarctica).

Here is a geeklist of Critical Mass members. Members please submit one game entry with links to anything about you that you would like to showcase (eg user profile, blog, BGG submissions you are proud of etc) to the Geeklist at: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/19602

PAST GAMES NIGHTS
I am not going to keep up with games night summaries. The system wasn't realy working since many games were not getting recorded-indeed some players weren't paying or recording their attendance either. I haven't had the strong impression that this post is being read much anyway.


Critical Mass - Eurogamesfest Brisbane (Indooroopilly) April 7th 2007
Gamers: 29
Aaron S, Aaron T, Andrew H, Danny F, Eric H, Gabby D, Harley F, John F, Justin W, Mark G, Matt J, Matthew (?), Mike W, Mikey H, Ola, Pam D, Paul D, Paul K, Peter D, Steven D, Zoe D

Welcome to our 7 new players: Ben S, Dylan K, Dean (QUGS), Jared (QUGS), Lucy D, Nick P, Rebecca D

Games: 38
TransEuropa- Aaron S (9), Mikey H (7), Ben S (6), Harley F (5), Andrew H (3), John F (0)
Puerto Rico- Ben S (54), Nick (40), Aaron (28)
Firy Tale- Andrew H (1), Aaron (2), Nick (3)
On the Underground- Danny F (1), John F (2), Matt J (3), Mikey H (4)
Hey That's My Fish- Matt J (W), Danny F, Matt J, Mikey H
Hey That's My Fish- Mikey H (W), Dean, Danny F, John F, Justin W, Jared
Undercover- Jared (W), Dean, Danny F, John F, Justin W, Mikey H
Undercover- Mikey H (W), Dean, Danny F, John F, Justin W, Jared
Ra- Jared (W), Aaron, Matthew
Ra- Aaron (1), Jared (2), Matthew (3)
For Sale- Matthew (60), Jared (55), Harley (46), John (45), Aaron (44)
Guillotine- Aaron (1), Jared (2), Matthew (3)
Family Business- Matthew (1), Aaron (2), Jared (3)
Hey That's My Fish- John (W), Justin
Hey That's My Fish- John (W), Justin
Carcassonne- Eric H (W), Dean, Michael, Jared
Star Wars Epic Duels- Good wins Eric, Dean, Michael, Jared
Ralroad Tycoon- Peter D (25), Andrew H (21), Paul K (20), Mike W (20), Danny F (14), Justin W (11)
Mystery Rummy Al Capone- John F and Harley F
Set- John F (W), Justin W, Harley F, Ben S
Tikal- Andrew H (1), Matt J (2), Ben S (3)
Ra- Matt J (49), Danny F (43), Mikey H (34)
Pirate's Cove- Matt J and Eric H (1), Michael (2), Danny F (3)
Star Wars Epic Duels- Good/Bad 2 games (?) Eric H, Harley F, Michael, Danny F
Portable Adventure- Mikey H (1), Andrew H, John F, Harley F
Hey That's My Fish- Gabby D and John F (W), Harley F, Danny F
Give me the Brain- Danny F (W), Harley F, John F, Gabby D
San Marco- Andrew H (1), Justin W, John F, Ben S
Fearsome Floors- Danny F (W), Becky, Lucy, Dylan, Peter, Paul, Matt
TransEuropa- Becky (W), Lucy, Dylan, Peter, Paul
Betrayal at the House on the Hill- Ben (W), Aaron, Matt, Mark, Harley
Blokus- Ben (1), Aaron (2), Matt (3), Harley (4)
Thurn and Taxis- Mark (W), Matt, Aaron, Ben
Thurn and Taxis- Ben (W), Mikey, Justin, Danny
Villa Poletti x3- Justin, Eric, Harley, John, Danny



Critical Mass - Eurogamesfest Brisbane (Indooroopilly) March 16th 2007
Gamers: 17
Paul K, Justin W, Phil J, Scott D, Dallas M, Andrew H, Mark G, Mike W, Eric H, Keith, Harley F, John F, Bhuva, Kevin O, Ann D, Daniel, Frances

Games: 19?
Ricochet Robots- Players drifted in and out but included- Andrew H, Mark G, Mike W, Eric H, Keith, Harley F, Paul K, Phil J. This game fit its purpose well. Get everyone into a game as soon as they arrive and split off for other games when the right numbers of players are available.
Hansa- Justin W (41), Phil J (40), Paul K (32), Scott D (25)
Trans Europa- John F, Frances, Andrew H, Bhuva, Daniel
Emerald- Kevin O (40), Eric H (29), Ann D (22)
Bluff- Mark G, Mike W, Harley F, Keith
Slam Dunk- Phil J & Paul K (25), Scott D (20), Justin W (19)
Attika- John F (W), Bhuva, Frances, Daniel
Trans Europa- Justin W (13), Paul K & Scott D (0)- a perfect score for Justin!
Trans Europa- Paul K (4), Justin W (2), Dallas M (1), Scott D (0)
Taj Mahal- Mike W (1), Andrew H (2), Keith (3), Harley F (4), Mark G (5) - Andrew taught everyone the how to play the game while Mike taught everyone how to play with the game.
Industria- Kevin O (54), Eric H (44), Phil J (38), Ann D (23)
Blokus Trigon- John F (W), Bhuva, Frances, Daniel
Fairy Tale- Mike W (1), Andrew H (2), Keith (3), Harley F (4), Mark G (5)
Ark of the Covenant- Paul K (75), Justin W (72), Dallas M (67), Scott D (57)
Spin and Trap x 2- John F & Bhuva (one win eah)
Fairy Tale- Andrew H (1), Mark G (2), Mike W (3), Harley F (4), Keith (5)
Bluff- Dallas (W), Paul K, Justin W, Scott D
Bluff- Harley (1), Keith (2), Mark G (3), Andrew H (4), Mike W (5) - Mike and Andrew played with the game while Keith Mark and Harley played the game.



Critical Mass - Eurogamesfest Brisbane (Indooroopilly) March 2nd 2007
Gamers: 18
Justin W, Michael H, John F, Bhuva, Harley F, Paul K, Kevin O, Ann D, Andrew R, Nigel E, Caroline E, Andrew H, Aaron S, Michael W, Dallas, Keith, Danny F, Scott D

Welcome to new players- Dallas M and Keith

Games:15
Taj Mahal- Andrew H (1), Justin W (2), Caroline E (3), Nigel E (4), Mike W (5) Ratings: Caroline-complex initially but just gotta stay awake, Andrew a very good first impression I look forward to playing this more. 9
Slam Dunk- Paul K (36), Aaron S (25), Harley F (15), Mikey H (11) Ratings: Paul 8, Mikey 5
Mexica- Harley F (85), Paul K (75), Aaron S (74), Mikey H (70)
Fische Flippen Frikedellen- John F (W), Bhuva, Andrew R, Kevin O, Ann D
Ingenious x 2- Danny F (W/L), Keith (L/W) )Ratings: Danny- Ingenious is a great game
Ra- Aaron S (55), Paul K (52), Danny F (40), Keith (22)Ratings: Keith and Danny 9, Paul and Aaron 8
Ricochet Robots- Andrew H (1), Nigel (2), Carolie E, Harley F (longest solution-18 moves), Justin W, Dallas Ratings: Caroline- Fun quiet thinking, Dallas REALLY likes it, Andrew- Not as much fun as I remembered but still good. I need to try 2nd ed. 7
For Sale- Dallas M (W) & Harley F (W), Caroline E, Nigel E, Mike W Ratings: Dallas REALLY likes this too
For Sale- Nigel E (W), Harley F, Dallas M, Mike W
Ingenious x 2- Andrew H (W/L), Justin W (L/W)Ratings: Andrew Better than I remembered it last. 7
Citadels- Aaron S (30), Keith (26), Danny F (22), Paul K (21)
China- Ann D (38), Kevin O (37), John (36), Bhuva (35)
Fairy Tale- Andrew H (1), Nigel E (2), Mike W, Justin W, Harley FRatings: Andrew- still a solid favorite filler. 8



Critical Mass - Eurogamesfest Brisbane (Indooroopilly) February 16th 2007
Gamers: 16
Andrew H, Matthew J, John F, Bhuva, Daniel, Paul K, Justin W, Nigel E, Mike W, Aaron S, Aaron T, Yukka T, Sam, Andrew R, Danny F, Scott D

Welcome to the new players- Daniel, Frances, Sam, Andrew R, Danny F and Scott D (some of whom started on earlier nights that were not recorded)

Games: 13
Samurai- Andrew H (1), Matt J (2), Aaron T (3), Aaron S (4)
Coloretto- Scott D & Paul K (26), Daniel (25), Nigel (24)
San Juan- Danny F (W), Mike W, John F, Bhuva
El Grande- Andrew H (1), Danny F (2), Nigel E & Andrew R (3), Scott D (5)
Amun Re- Paul K (1), Aaron S (2), Matt J & Justin W (3), Aaron T (5)
Bluff x 2- Aaron T (1,4), Danny F (2,3), Andrew R (3,2), Nigel E (4,1)
Cartegena- Danny F (W), Mike W, John F, Bhuva, Sam
Mystery at the Abbey- John F (W), Danny F, Mike W, Bhuva, Sam
Non Merci- Aaron S (1), Paul K (2), Aaron T (3)
Battlelore- Matt J (W), Justin W
Hive x 2- Andrew H (W,L), Danny F (L,W)

Was there another Hive game between Danny and Mike?




Games nights summaries for Critical Mass (May 6 2005 - February 2 2007)
CRITICAL MASS I: We happy few
Friday 6th of May 2005

We had a great night with most of the group wanting to make the event fortnightly. We will see. 14 people came and played a variety of games. Most of the games played have been logged in as session reports.

Those who were game:
Critical Mass Andrew H
Friendless John F
Harley F
Kracken Ken L
Phoeniix Mark W
Stephen R
Ben S
Jukka T
Murray W
Leister Dan L
Dan N
Myles R
David C
Mike C

Games played included:
Samurai
Citadels
Pirate's Cove
LOTR Confrontation
Carribean
Fish eat Fish
Domain
Star Wars-Epic Duels

CRITICAL MASS II: The Invasion of the Michaels
Friday 3rd of June 2005

It was always going to be hard to live up to the excitement and absolutely exceeded expectations of how well the first night went but we gave it a fair shake. I did not get to talk to everyone afterwards this time but my impression was that a good time was had by all. We opened with a Birthday present for Harley from dear old Dad John (Friendless) and then got right into the games. Most of the games played will be logged as session reports (note to self- I must remember to bring a notepad and pen so I can write decent accounts like John).

Who was there:
Critical Mass Andrew H
Friendless John F
Harley F (happy Birthday little dude. Enjoy Elfenland)
Leister Dan L
Kracken Ken L
Phoeniix Mark W
Murray W
Nigel E
Myles R
Jai W
David C
Michael B
Michael C
Michael M
Michael W

What we played:
Samurai
Tigris and Euprates
Citadels
Betrayal at the House on the Hill
Odin's Ravens
Nodwick
Gloom
Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation

Critical Mass III: Gameaholics Anonymous
Friday 1st of July 2005

Hi my name is Andrew and it has been 7 hours since I last had a game. I can't wait to fall off the wagon again.

School and Uni holidays changed the complexion of CM considerably this month with an almost entirely different group joining in the fun.
The slightly smaller group meant there were only two games played at a time and the fact that the ends of the games were staggered meant that we essentially played as two different groups all night. From the post game talk I know everyone had a good time and that the gaming society in Brisbane probably only has two degrees of separation- and that is the point of CM- eliminating one degree and merging the circles of friends/gamers.

The Gameaholics:
Andrew Critical Mass
John Friendless
Michael W The Axe
Nigel E
Michael C

welcome to new comers
Darren O
Eric
Paul
Zoe
Gabby
Nick G
Travis H

Games addictions:
Guillotine
Citadels
Medici
Bluff
Hex
Ticket to Ride
Pirate's Cove

Critical Mass IV: New Games All Round the Table
Friday 5th of August 2005

At least 5 of the games played this month were new to CM. First one group tried out Castle for the first time and another returned to Medici which was so enjoyed last month. We then shuffled up to play Primordial soup (for the first time) and Shadows over Camelot (1st time for all except one player). Three groups then formed to play Modern Art, Gloom or Fearsome Floors and Hamster Roll.
This month saw the group whittled down considerably as people had to pull out at the last minute. Too bad. Maybe next time.

Gamers:
Andrew Critical Mass
John Friendless
Harley
Michael W The Axe
Michael C
Darren O
Eric
Jukka
Dan Leister

New player:
Ben

Brief Cameos:
Paul
Pam
Zoe
Gabby
Stevie

Games:
Castle
Medici
Shadows over Camelot
Primordial Soup
Fearsome Floors
Hamster Roll
Gloom
Modern Art

Critical Mass V: New Gamers, New Games
Friday 2nd of September 2005

What a phenomenal games night! The group seems to be finding new gamers every month. This month's much bigger turn out (24 of us!) resulted from more QUGS members coming along and some new gamers from a varity of other connections. The small world / two degrees of separation feeling continues with several of the new players being aquaintances from years ago who I never knew played euros. The number of different games available to play also grew correspondingly with many of the players coming along for the first time being experienced gamers with their own collections. After talking to the other players at the end of the night, I can safely conclude that a very good time was had by all (Stephen's looming homework assignment aside) and many of those new to our group plan to make our first Friday of the month games a regular event on their calendars.

Old habits:
Andrew H Critical Mass
Ken Kracken
Dan Leister
John Friendless
Harley
Darren
Nigel
Travis Wraith
Mike C
Michael The Axe
Eric
Paul
Gabby
Zoe
Murray

New tricks:
Wayne Ozvortex
Ben C
David A
Angela
Stephen
Paul OZGamer
Daniel Myopia
Geoffrey
Paul smee62

With Angela and Stephen joining us (with uncle David), we had 5 younger players (Harley, Gabby and Zoe are regulars). Maybe we can work on inviting some of our wives/girlfriends female friends, and the older generation in the future.

Old Favorites:
Citadels
Bluff
Medici
Ticket to Ride x 2
Guillotine x 2

New Games (for Critical Mass Games Nights anyway):
Andromeda
Struggle of Empires
Space Hulk
Web of Power
Robo Rally

Session reports may be forthcoming...anyone who wants to add one feel free.

Critical Mass VI: Footy finals? What footy finals?
Friday 7th of October 2005

We had another great night of games and fun. 21 players, including 6 people new to the Critical Mass games nights, converged on the old church hall to try out some new games and old favourites. I did not get to talk to many people this time because of the staggered finish times of games but the first try at both A game of Thrones and Memoir '44 both seemed to go well

The run on side:
Andrew Critical Mass
John Friendless
Harley Harley22
Dan Leister
Ken Kracken
Paul Ozgamer
Darren O
Paul paulidale
Gabby D
Zoe D
Daniel myopia
David Pryllin
Michael The Axe
Nigel E
David C

New signings:
David B
Jai W
Eric S
Simon L
Peter D
Terry M

The Game plan:
Guillotine
Samurai
A Game of Thrones
Memoir '44 (Overlord)
Munchkin
Hex Hex
Pirate's Cove
Monsters Menace America
Ticket to Ride
Maginor
Bluff

Maybe a few others
Session reports may be forthcoming.

Critical Mass VII: Never Bored Games
Friday the 4th of November 2005

Another month of great gaming. 16 of us got together to try out some quite a few new games including some recently aquired from Essen (Eric and John Smee62. The evening started with a large group playing mini-carabande/pitchcar to whoops of laughter and cheers, before the evening settled into the other kinds of games that we enjoy.

I'm Excited:
Andrew Critical Mass
John Friendless
Harley22
Paul Ozgamer
Peter
Ken Kracken
Jukka T
John Smee62
Wayne Ozvortex
Michael The Axe
Paul Paulidale
Gabby D
Zoe D
Darren O

Catching the enthusiasm:
Shane N
Matthew (Darren's Nephew?)

Board not Bored:
Samurai
Mini-carabande
Power Grid
Tikal
Web of Power
Diamante
Vinci
Cartagena
Amazonas

Some session reports may be forthcoming. other write ups are found further on in this forum on new posts.

Critical Mass VIII: Schools out for Summer
Friday the 2nd of December 2005

School holidays started for me and many others on this glorious day. What better way to celebrate than to have a games night. So we did. This games night was a little bit disorganised based on the fact that we were left without keys for our usual room. The ballet hall was fine but despite its extra size actually had less (and less good) tables. Packing up also had its challenges.

The turnout was very good and continues to include new gamers.

New players:
Werna A
Duncan
Nathan S
Rob F
Andrew T

The cheering students:
Harley22
Ken Kracken
Zoe
Gabby struck down with chickenpox
Daniel myopia
David pryllin
Jukka T

The cheering even louder teachers:
Andrew Critical Mass
Michael C
Michael The Axe

The envious workers:
John Friendless
Dan Leister
Paulidale
Nigel E
Darren O
David C
Paul OzGamer
Peter D
Murray W
Miles R

Games to play while celebrating:
For Sale
Bluff (Liar's Dice)
Tikal
Power Grid
Louis XIV
Ticket to Ride
Dungeonville
San Juan
Samurai
Carcassonne


Critical Mass IX: New Years Games
Friday the 6th of January 2006

A new year, a time to make new resolutions, break old habits and start life afresh...what? no way. Let's keep gaming. It's time to play all those Christmas present games.

He's making a list, and checking it twice,
Going to find out who's coming to play,
Critical Mass is gaming this month.

Nice:
Andrew H
Eric
Jukka
Harley
John F
Werner
David C
Nigel
Mick W
Mick M
Kevin
Ben
Darren
Cameron
Hans
David A
Daniel E

Naughty:
All the other slackers

Games played:
Caylus
Tikal
Saboteur
Guillotine
Samurai
For Sale
Pirate's Cove
+ what else guys?


Critical Mass X: y=mx+c? NO! CM X = Y
Friday the 3rd of February 2006

Y? because it's fun, intellectual engagement with a great bunch of people.
After anticipating a big group but being really slack about sending out the heads up we ended up with a quiet little gathering of 11. James from my work finally came along bringing 2 friends. They all intend on returning. We have very few people who have only come once.

Surds:
Andrew
Kevin
John
Harley
David C
Dan
Jukka T
Nigel E

Absurds:
James L
Paul
Will


Cricket Match XI: Euro vs Australia
Friday the 3rd of March 2006

The most recent innings for Critical Mass was quite a corker. After looking like we were going to be locked out everything else went as planned (well nearly but you can't win them all.)
New players continue to join and the group contiues to grow in its BGGeek proportions.

The old campaigners:
Andrew H Critical Mass
Kevin Cyberkev63
John Smee62
John Friendless
Harley Harley22
Michael The Axe
Michael The Real Cujo
Paul OzGamer
Dan Leister
Paul Paulidale
David Pryllin
Eric
Darren
Nigel
Zoe
Gabby
David C
Peter

Returning to the side after a 6 month spell:
Geoffrey

New Caps:
Phil Jacko_P
Justin jwalduck

Games played:
Geschenkt
6 Nimmt
Ingenious
Tikal
Blokus x 2
Razzia
Hex Hex
Kung-Fu Fighting
Cosmic Encounters
Power Grid
Coloretto


Critical Mass XII: A year in the Gaming
Friday the 7th of April 2006

Happy Birthday Critical Mass
A number of new players joined some of the regulars for a rowdy and rousing gathering to celebrate 12 months of Critical Mass Games Nights. The laughs, cheers and jeers started with Pitchcar as eight of us jostled for position on the first formula 1 track I've ever seen to include jumps . The group grew and divided so that the 18 of us were playing at 4 tables.
After receiving a present- Fairy Tale- from Ken (Kracken) in the mail I was keen to get it on the table and see what people thaught of it. So far everyone likes it. In fact The Axe in particular loved it. And at 10 minutes for play time with a bunch of tough decisions and gambles to be made...plus the opportunity to screw up the oppositions plans, What is not to love. We got through quite a few games of this one.

The Party Crowd:
Andrew H Critical Mass
John Friendless
Harley Harley22
Michael The Axe
Michael The Real Cujo
Paul OzGamer
Phil Jacko_P
Paul Paulidale
Zoe
Gabby
Eric
David C
Peter
Andrew T

New faces:
Michael Mikey
Elspeth
Aaron T
Nick S

Party Games:
Pitchcar + expansion
Caylus
Fairy Tale
Gloom
Guillotine

Hmmm ... I didn't get to see a lot of what was going on so what else was everyone playing?


Critical Mass XIIB: Critical Mass goes superstitious
Friday the 5th of May 2006

What luck! The 13th 2nd 12th CM games night was one of the best ever with 26 gamers including quite a few new players and the return of some prodigal regulars. It was also good to see a number of ladies join the group.
Despite a distinct lack of four-leafed clover and rabbits feet (no comment about the lucky socks ) the 13th gathering was a lot of fun for all present.
The first ever Critical Mass Games Night was a year and one day ago.

The lucky ones:
Andrew Critical Mass
John Friendless
Harley Harley22
Michael The Axe
Michael The Real Cujo
Paul OzGamer
Michael Mikey
Kevin Cyberkev63
David Pryllin
Dan Leister
Wayne Ozvortex
John Smee62
David C
Aaron T
Nigel E
Jukka T
Nick S
James L (huh hmmm you forgot to sign on and pay your $1)

New faces:
Michael H
Marianne K
Caroline E
Mark
Mickey J
Kevin
Natalie (huh hmmm you forgot to sign on and pay your $1... but blame James)

Games played:
Fairy Tale
Poison
Ingenious
Pirate's Cove
Bang + Dodge City
Cash and Guns
Kung Fu Fighting
Zertz
Basaar
Fische Fluppen Frikadellen
Cape Horn
Cosmic Encounter (AH)
Web of Power
Amun Re ...


Critical Mass XIV: The Warm up for Albury
Friday the 2nd of June 2006

Australia's games expo in Albury is on the 10th and 11th so we prepared the Critical Mass Games Night contingent by sending them off with a big night of gaming.
We continue to see new faces and it is also very good to see our demographics continuing to broaden with our 3 regular under 10's as well as the young and beautiful and old and wrinkly (put yourself in whichever group you think you belong to), 6 girls (always likely to be outnumbered but at least it is no longer the boys night out), and several nationalities/cultural backgrounds- 4 of the 6 inhabited continents-including people from North America, Europe, Asia as well as common or garden variety Australians.
If all the gamers who have been a part of CM games nights come on the same month we would definitely need more space...even if it was just the players who have come a few times before. I will contact the Church about potential solutions. PM me if you have any suggestions.

The send off comittee:
Andrew Critical Mass
John Friendless
Harley Harley22
Michael The Axe
Michael The Real Cujo
Paul OzGamer
Kevin Cyberkev63
David Pryllin
Mark thunderbirdsix
Paul paulidale
Justin jwalduck
Michael mikey
David C
Aaron T
Nigel E
Marianne K
Caroline E
Kevin B
Eric
Phil J
Zoe
Gabby
Peter D

Welcome new gamers
Ching C (the long awaited return since pre-CM games nights)
Maurite

Games, games, games:

Bluff
For Sale
Caylus
Tikal
Pitchcar
Kung Fu Fighting
Fluxx
Hex Hex
Bausack
Citadels
Santiago
Through the Desert
Cartagena
Balloon Race
... plus many others I'm sure (what else was played everyone?)


Critical Mass XV: Games Revolution
Friday the 7th of July 2006

With the school holidays once more many of the regulars were away, some to go gaming in Melbourne. We did have a revolution...but no berets, striped shirts, garlic strings and outraaaaageous accents. Not even a game of Guillotine or Louis XIV. The group has become a twice a month event. New gamers continue to join and tonight I realised that there was not a single person playing who I knew before CM started. Iguess that tell me two things: BGG and Critical Mass games nights are good ways to make new friends and... I should encourage my old friends to get back into gaming.

The revolutionaries:
Critical Mass Andrew H
Mikey Michael H
jwalduck Justin W
Pryllin David A
OzGamer Paul K
Spinbot Peter D
thunderbirdsix Mark G
Smee62 John H
Nick S
Kevin B
James L
Nigel E
Caroline
Marianne

New blood:
craznar Chris B
Badhoe Lapdance Brett W
jagafeh Jason G
Louise E-W
Doug M

Games played:
Cloretto
Colossal Arena
Ticket to Ride: Europe
Mini-Zoomers (who brought this one?)
Citadels
Fist of Dragonstones
Australia
Caylus
Pirate's Cove
Hansa


Critical Mass XVI
Friday the 21stof July 2006

As the first of the mid-month games nights the outcome was a bit of an unknown. We had a great night with 19 gamers (including 5 new people) and lots of games. Ricochet Robots was an excellent way to start the night as it allowed the few people who were there at 7 to start a game with no worries about what others would do when they arrived... they would join in. Tonight was a night of loud light games (laughing, cheering and the Bluff dice cup cacophony) except Chess, Medici and Ricochet Robots which produced some strained silences and many a furrowed brow.

The regulars:
Critical Mass Andrew H
Friendless John F
Harley22 Harley F
Cyberkev63 Kevin O
Jacko_P Phil J
OzGamer Paul K
thunderbirdsix Mark G
Paulidale Paul D
arnoldrimmer Eric H
Zoe
Gabby
James L
Aaron T
Kevin B

New gamers:
BoglyEmily
Claire
Stella
Pam
Steven

Games played:
Ricochet Robots
Citadels
Medici
Bluff (many games)
Sucking Vacuum
Transfer Chess
Frank's Zoo
Chess
+ ? What else was played?


Critical Mass XVII: International Edition
Friday the 4th of August 2006

Last nights games night was truly outstanding. The hall was almost overflowing with gamers and games. Kolumel from USA, doctortuxedo from Canada and Shingoi from Israel all managed to make it along helping to bring our biggest ever attendance to 32 gamers. Even a guy called Abraham wandered in off the street to see what was happening. I sure picked the wrong night to be running late with setting up. It looks like we will have to set up more tables for future games nights since our normal 5 just wasn't enough.

International guests:
Kolumel Ted L
doctortuxedo John H
Shingoi Shingo I

The regulars:
Critical Mass Andrew H
Friendless John F
Harley22 Harley F
Cyberkev63 Kevin O
Jacko_P Phil J
OzGamer Paul K
thunderbirdsix Mark G
The Real Cujo Mike C
The Axe Mike W
Leister Dan L
Cyberkev63 Kevin O
jwalduck Justin W
Mikey Mike H
Spinbot Peter D
Craznar Chris B
Badhoe Lapdance Brett W
Louise E-W
Nigel E
James L
Natalie W
Aaron T
Kevin B
Stella
Ching C
David C
Marianne K

New gamers:
Oddur
Aaron S
Ann D


Games played:
Coloretto
Evo
Kung Fu Fighting
Medici
Warlock
Cosmic Encounter
Louis XIV
Pirate's Cove
Mermaid... something
Bluff
Hare and the Tortoise
Andromeda
Queen's Necklace
Saboteur
For Sale
Cloud 9
+ ? What else was played?


Critical Mass XVIII
Friday the 18th of August 2006

It turns out Paul (OzGamer) was right. The smallest group we have had in months. But I for one had a fantastic time, so good I fogot to check if everyone who was there had written down their names, but I think we had 15 people. I got to play El Grande and I loved it. I suspect it will be my favourite game for quite some time. Plus having the Decennial edition I can always add on expansions when the basic game needs more variety.

Also I brought along my neighbour, John D, and he loved the games night. He wants to come back for more.

It was good to meet Matt (Dupytren) too and I suspect we will be seeing more of him as well.

I got to game with Kevin B and Aaron S (aaronseeber) as well and though we had met briefly before I don't think we had played any games together.

Sadly Shingo will be leaving but I hope he gets to come back to Brisbane to live which is definitely on the cards later on if work and life pan out the right way.

Chris (Craznar) definitely did well at Citadels (dominating win) and El Grande (very close second). Maybe he has a new second favourite game after last night (after Cosmic Encounter of course)?

John F (Friendless) is still barking mad... or at least barking when Dogville hit the table.

Thanks also to Peter of Presents of Mind for coming along and giving all the gamers a $5 gift card.

Who was there?
Andrew (Critical Mass)
John (Friendless)
Harley (Harley22)
Justin (jwalduck)
Matt (Dupytren)
Aaron (aaronseeber)
Chris (Craznar)
Shingo (Shingoi)
Mike (The Axe)
Kevin B
David C
Peter
Marianne
John D
????? I think one more person as well ?????

Games Played:
Bluff
Kung Fu Fighting
Hive
Dogville
Cleopatra and the Society of Architects
El Grande
Citadels
Emerald
Tongiaki
Any others?



Critical Mass XIX
Friday the 1st of September 2006

A funny thing happened on my way to the games night...well actually it wasn't funny at all. John F had a minor crisis and needed to spend all night driving to the Sunshine Coast and back...needless to say NOT what he had planned for the evening. Shingo also had some travel problems on the way only to find his ride home was gone. Thanks to David C for stepping in to the breach there. Otherwise I trust everyone had an enjoyable night of games. It was good to meet (though briefly in some cases) some new gamers too.


Critical Mass Andrew H
Mikey Michael H
The Axe Michael W
Leister Dan L
thunderbirdsix Mark G
Friendless John F
Harley22 Harley F
jwalduck Justin W
Shingoi Shingo I
OzGamer Paul K
Craznar Chris B
Nigel E
Kevin B
Aaron T
David C
Nick S
Marianne K


New Gamers
abodi Samuel H
Levi H
Kylie R
Gary H

Games
Kung Fu Fighting
Settlers of Catan (1st time in the clubs 1.5 years)
Clans
Samurai
El Grande
Emerald
Ra
Ticket to Ride
?what else?


Critical Mass XX
Friday the 15th of September 2006

The quiet third Fridays pattern continued with a smaller but by no means less enjoyable games night. I really will have to start logging what games were played in a more effective way because I am having trouble even remembering what I played. This is the first games night with no new gamers ever I think.

Gamers:
Critical Mass Andrew
Craznar Chris
Dupytren Matt
Friendless John
Harley22 Harley
Gary
The Real Cujo Mike
j walduck Justin
Paulidale Paul
Pam D
Zoe D
Gabby D
Steven D
arnoldrimmer Eric
The Axe Mike
Aaron T

Games:
Ra
El Grande
Cosmic Encounter
Kung Fu Fighting
Clans
Evo
Guillotine
Give me the Brain
??? I will need a lot of help here ???


Critical Mass XXI: Craznar to the Rescue
Friday the 6th of October 2006

What a fiasco! 13 gamers standing around outside the church hall locked out and trying to figure out what to do next. Thankfully a good games night at Craznar's place was the final result. Hopefully noone turned up late wondering where everyone had gone... there wouldn't have been space for too many more anyway. Sorry eveyone. It will not happen again.

Gamers overcoming adversity:
Chris B Craznar
Andrew H Critical Mass The shortsighted cause of the problem
John F Friendless
Kevin O Cyberkev63
Marianne
Ola
Darren O
Phil J jackop
Justin W jwalduck
Paul K Ozgamer
Eric H arnoldrimmer Did he make it after all
Mike W The Axe overcome by adversity and went home early.



Critical Mass XXII
Friday the 20th of October 2006

This Friday's games night saw a return to normality with the holidays over and the keys to get into our hall available again. It also saw a big turn out, especially for the usually smaller third Friday, with 26 gamers getting right into the fun.
The range and quality of the games available continues to grow as newer players bring along new contributions to the games pool.
The people are still the best part of our games night and the atmosphere continues to be friendly, welcoming and convivial... although I would like to get back into the habit of personally welcoming people, especially first timers, and making time to chat more.
Ah well so many games, so little time.

The gamers:
Andrew H Critical Mass
Eric H arnoldrimmer
Mark G thunderbirdsix
Marianne K
Matthew J
Michael H Mikey
James L
Ann D
Kevin O cyberkev63
Mike C The Real Cujo
Nick S
Harley M-F Harley22
John F Friendless
David C
Maurite F
Aaron S
Darren O
Peter D Spinbot
Paul K OzGamer
Aaron T
Paul S (temporary lack of recognition here?)

New faces:
Alison J (Matt's girlfriend wife)
Damo M
Bhuva
Ola (well first time with us able to get inside anyway)
Satu

Games played:
Goa
El Grande
Roborally
Kung Fu Fighting
Shear Panic
Fairy Tale (several groups)
Niagara
Clans (several groups)
Reef Encounter
Louis XIV
Tigo
Shear Panic
Lexicon
Bluff
No thanks
Mamma Mia
For Sale



Critical Mass XXIII
Friday the 3rd of November 2006

Session summary pending



Critical Mass XXIV
Friday the 17th of November 2006

A quiet night with 12 gamers but lots of fun. An 11 player game of Diamant (just before Mike C arrived) was a highlight.
El Grande had yet another very close finish with 1st 2nd and 3rd place on consecutive scores.
Kevin managed to snatch a victory from John's unlucky and uncooperative hedgehogs. The last turn alone had a 3/6 chance for John to win and 1/6 for Kevin to win...but it was John who was rolling the die so of course Kevin won.
Runaway victories went to Mike W in Acquire, Justin in Bluff and Andrew in Citadels.

Andrew H
Eric H
Chris B
Aaron S
John F
Marianne
Mike W
Mike C
Aaron T
Phil J
Justin W
Kevin O

Games played:
Citadels
Diamant
"Annoying Hedgehogs"
Kung Fu Fighting
El Grande
Acquire
Bluff


Critical Mass XXV
Friday the 1st of December 2006


Critical Mass XXVI
Friday the 15th of December 2006


Critical Mass cancelled
Friday the 5th of January 2007
Thanks to Cyberkev63 for hosting an aternative games night.


Critical Mass XXVII
Friday the 19th of January 2007

Critical Mass Special Session
Friday the 20th of January 2007

Critical Mass XXVIII
Friday the 2nd of February 2007

I am way behind with session summaries. I guess going to fortnightly games nights is the reason...or my slackness maybe. I will catch up soon but I think the reports will be streamlined down to who was there and what was played.

Additional games nights hosted by members of Critical Mass are organised between CM meets. These are usually smaller due to space restrictions and may be publicly posted or invitation only. Some of these games nights are recorded as Free Radicals on their own forum thread and in session reports.

Some of the following posts seem disjointed because a lot of outdated posts have been deleted. Those which have not may seem like people are having forum discussions with themselves.

Count me in.
Looking forward to trying Samurai , plundering the 7 seas in Pirates Cove, and of course defeating Sauron in Lord Of the Rings .

Gotta love those little faces!

See you all there..

I resent the implication that I am of an indeterminate age! But it is true that my 8yo son is closer in age to many of the members than I am. I am turning 39 in July, but I reckon I only look 37.

Woohoo! I just realised that one of my papers are due on the 10th instead of the 4th which means I can make it anyways! Then again, even if it was still due on the 4th, I'll still be down for the games night as I would make it a point to finish it early! mwahahahahahaha

Games Night rules!
btw, would anybody be bringing Dungeoneer and Gloom? Been meaning to try these games out. Thanks

PS - Forgive me for rambling, it's the withdrawal settling in.