We are all so very conditioned to play board games to the end. Most games have some sort of end game trigger and a form of end game scoring. They want us to play them all the way through. Yet, when a player’s win is all but guaranteed, continuing to the end seems pointless. The enjoyment of a game often matters more than strictly following the rules. Adapting play to the situation and the group’s mood can keep board gaming fun and engaging. I want to look at this in some more detail and explore why so many of us insist on playing to the very end.
Read the full topic discussion article here: https://tabletopgamesblog.com/2025/09/23/to-the-bitter-end-board-games-dont-have-to-finish-topic-discussion/
Useful Links
Music
Intro Music: Bomber (Sting) by Riot (https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/)
Royalty Free Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: SZZLWUJHVBUPJ80V
Artist: : Vital
Music by Bensound
License code: ZBROHOHA7CPSHBMA
Artist: : The Fable
Music: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: AFAL3NFGWYHRDT21
Artist: : Lunar Years
Support
If you want to support this podcast financially, please check out the links below:
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopgamesblog
(Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash)