Games cafe

(07) 550-7571
286, LiXin Rd, Kaohsiung city
Hours: 10:30 am-10 pm
(Closed Monday.)
Credit cards not accepted.

--- By Sean Cooper Translated by Monica Lin

Sometimes, there's nothing better to do on a lazy Saturday afternoon or weekday night then calling some friends and playing a great board game. The Games Cafe is here to help.

Open since June 2006, the Games Cafe is a nice place to find western-style food and snacks, play interesting and unique games, and purchase those same games to take home and enjoy.

Located on a quiet corner of LinSen Road, Games Cafe has numerous imported board games (in English) many of which are German game of the year winners, and most all of which are open for free play. Favorites include Settlers of Catan (plus all expansions), St. Petersburg, Carcassonne, Rummikub and Thurn and Taxis. These are clever games of building, exploring, co-operating and yes, even a little backstabbing and cross-dealing. There are also great games for kids, such as Viva Topo, Zicke Zacke and Amazing Labyrinth, a personal favorite.

The Owner, Tobey Tamber, is a real game authority, having won many international gaming competitions around the world, and along with his wife and partner Joanne Tamber, are always there to teach new players about their games, many of which have little or no English requirements. And if you build up an appetite, you can enjoy a custom-made sandwich, bagel or even a caramel apple, a unique dessert treat consisting of a tangy green apple covered in soft caramel with marshmallow, mixed nut or fruit loops coating. On Tuesdays, they hold a gaming lunch--come in, join a game, and all drinks are free. They also hold game tournaments in store with prizes, and if you think you have what it takes, you can travel to Taipei and compete in the national Settlers of Catan tournament for a chance to win an all expense paid trip to Germany to compete in the world championships.

Joanne, Taiwanese by birth, told me how meeting Tobey and discovering great games unknown to many in Taiwan has not only improved her English, but also taught her things she never knew before, especially how to beat Tobey.