There’s a term in gaming for the feeling of having too many options and trying to figure out the best one: analysis paralysis. It can lead to frustration in other players when someone takes too long deciding what move to make—though what “too long” is depends on the game and the players and everyone’s energy levels. I have experienced analysis paralysis many times while gaming, though I think mine shows up more when the game is unfamiliar to me, and I’m trying to remember what my options even are!

While I don’t want to take away the fun of math-ing out the best option for a turn, sometimes the answer to paralysis is to just do something, anything. Something is simply anything that’s not nothing. That something can change the board-state just enough to loosen the paralysis. And, man, I feel like I need that something in my life outside games, too. There are so many hard things happening in the world, close to home and globally, and it feels impossible to find a way in to make things better. Too many options! I used to say, “We work with what we have now, we do what is in front of us, we care for those we've been given care for, and we call that enough.”

What’s in front of you right now? Who have you been given care for? What’s something (anything that’s not nothing) that you can do to loosen your own paralysis?

Alice C., board game librarian

Play Barbecubes!

Continuing in our tour of brand new games from GenCon, it’s Barbecubes from Alley Cat Games! From the same designer and artist as bar-favorite Tinderblox, Barbecubes is also a dexterity game, this time seeing players place various meats onto the grill without knocking others into the coals. And, yes, it’s still with terrible tweezers—they couldn’t make it easy, now, could they? It’s a sweet little game with a tiny footprint and big table presence. Check it out next time you’re here!

Try our classic Smashburger!

Speaking of grilling, have you had our smashburger? It’s a fresh 4oz patty, cooked to maillard perfection with crisp lettuce and tomato, melty cheese, sharp onions, tangy house sauce, all on a toasted bun and served with a side of your choice. It’ll sustain you through many rounds of Barbecubes or Magical Athlete!