The Game Meister of Kingfield

Thanks to Richard Tatge, his family home on the corner of 40th and Pillsbury is always a contender for wildest Halloween decor and most dazzling holiday lights display on the block.

What his neighbors may not know is that Richard has hosted weekly board game parties for some thirty-seven years and, if you attend, he's the one to beat.

Tatge, as colorful as his house in tie-dyed shirts and fanciful hats, started out by playing the classic dungeon role-playing games with a group of friends who would take turns hosting the gatherings. Eventually he became the default host just because he had more games than any of the others—six thousand at last count

Why do people from many walks of life keep coming back to challenge the game meister? Inclusiveness, said Tatge, is his secret, although games featuring everything from battles among ancient civilizations and gods to Sasquatches and flapjacks certainly helps.

"Seeing everybody has a good time, that everyone has a chance to play, having munchies available, and showing people new games," Tatge said. "It's fun to get people into something they'll enjoy. I don't have to play myself if everyone has fun."

Tatge said he's drawn to games because they" provide an excellent opportunity to socialize, a way to keep your mind alert and active—and a way of working off tensions harmlessly."

After a moment's thought he added, "and they increase imagination, always running to new and different things."

Tatge invites those interested in joining the games to stop by on a Friday evening to 4002 Pillsbury Avenue South. If you do join in you're sure to discover many new games and have a great time in the process.

If you're looking to get into board games, or just looking to expand your horizons, Tatge recommends you check out these games:

• "Ingenious" and "Alhambra" - both enjoyable board games for two to four players
• "Corsari" (a game of pirates)
• "Fluxx" (a game of random rules)
• "Zar" (Uno on steroids)