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People tend to be drawn to a lot of different forms of games. Some like games where they can switch off and not really have to think too much whereas other people want to test their brains somewhat.
While word and table games have options for all kinds of players to get their teeth into, it is definitely true that more people who are drawn to cerebral games that require some thought will be more likely to play both word and table games. This is a generalization but there is usually thought involved in both. The games aren’t like those that test reactions (normally) and instead, they test a player’s thinking – with luck sometimes thrown in.
A Balance Between Luck and Skill
It is rare that a game is purely based on a skill with no luck thrown in. A lot of popular table games and word games alike walk this fine balance.
Look at the way baccarat is played. It has quite a lot of fortune and the way that the cards are drawn makes the most difference to how the game is played. The only real strategy and skill are relevant during the betting rounds and strategies people might implement. When people play live baccarat online they are reacting to the dealer and the randomness (luck) of how the game pans out. They can still make decisions based on how they think the game is going to pan out.
Baccarat is largely a game of fortune. There are others that exist on this fine line. Blackjack might be another of the most famous. Though strategy doesn’t play a part in terms of affecting the cards that come out, players do have to think about the hands they want to pursue and whether they want to hit or stand on the current total. Blackjack has strategy guides based on the strength of a player’s hand.
If we compare this to word games we see some similarities. Wordle is one of the top examples with millions of players. It is easy to assume that this is totally skill but this really is not the case. If the target word is “share” and a player starts by typing the word “spare” then they have really lucked out! Strategy and intelligence play a part as well as the knowledge of how the game works but there are also a lot of examples of fortune coming into play. Some people choose the same starting word every time or try to implement interesting ways to find the hidden word but ultimately there might be a bit of luck. Wordle has captivated a lot of people over recent years!
Wordle’s year in review also showcases the way that players are interacting and words that are particularly tough. The game is surprisingly context when you consider the fact it is just guessing a short word.
Customization and Replayability
Another reason word and tabletop games are so beloved is their potential for infinite customization. Each game can feel new depending on the players and settings. Games like Scrabble and Boggle allow for endless word combinations and unique outcomes depending on the players’ vocabulary and choices.
Tabletop games often offer various scenarios. Table games may refer to board games which are known for being replayable but also things like poker. A lot of players can play poker their whole lives and rarely are two hands even similar. Simple rules and a simple concept can still be replayable.
Word and tabletop games also both benefit from house rules. These rules add a personal touch making the game special to a group of players and providing a reason to return to it repeatedly.
Many board gamers will modify rules to speed up gameplay or increase the difficulty level and the same goes for word games. These personalized adaptations keep things fresh and fun, ensuring that players never tire of their favorite games. Some people play Monopoly where the Free Parking space is a spot to collect free money – this is a house rule but it is one around 75% of people are known to use!
A Strong Community
Word and tabletop games both enjoy dedicated fanbases and competitive scenes. Scrabble has international tournaments with players dedicated to mastering the game’s intricacies and obscure vocabulary. Poker is also played across the globe in many locations and there are lots of websites and communities online that can provide a way for people to talk about the game and even discuss strategy.
Wordle and Sedecordle are other examples of games discussed online with a community of players reaching out to each other.
Word games and table games are sometimes intrinsically linked. Scrabble probably qualifies as both a word game and a table game. There are loads of different varieties and ways of playing these games and crossover pretty much wherever you look for it!