THE GATEWAY
PATCHWORK
Make some warm memories together with this tile-laying treat
Words by Matthew Vernall
Sometimes, it can be easier to get one friend to sit down for a board game than two or three. Maybe you’re looking for a quiet night in with a loved one, or someone who knows about your interest in gaming has asked if you can show them something simple. Whilst it’s tempting to reach for the checkerboard a play a classic game of Draughts or Chess, both games can come with baggage: past experiences of overly competitive relatives, maybe there’s even an anxiety from not knowing all the rules but still being coerced into playing a game that they’d just lose at.
Patchwork presents an opportunity to meet on equal ground. Like any good board game, it’s still possible to learn its many quirks and strategies, but the starting point is still significantly more welcoming than most. It helps that Patchwork is a comforting theme, which immediately looks intriguing when setup that also speeds up as you play, ensuring the endgame doesn’t become a drawnout stalemate. So please get comfortable, maybe grab a blanket and a hot drink, as you get ready to piece together some great gaming memories with Patchwork.