Casual Gaming Los Angeles

BACK TO SCHOOL! Spades Syndicate September Meetup!

September is that time...back to school, new beginnings, fresh starts, and high spirits. Whether you're coming back after summer or joining us for the first time, this is your chance to find your groove and claim your spot in the Spades Syndicate family. **Rookie or veteran, YOU BELONG HERE MY LOVE!** We're all here to level up, learn from each other, and maybe, *just maybe*, catch someone slipping (in the most respectful way possible). The energy is supportive, the trash talk is light, and the wins? Those are FUN. This is the month to figure out your rhythm, get your good time in, and discover your tribe! \*Remember...food and drink is always included

Board games and brews!

Join Us for Games, Drinks, and Food Looking for a fun, social way to unwind? Come join our board game meetup! We offer a wide variety of games for all kinds of players—whether you’re into strategy, party games, or laugh-out-loud chaos, there’s something here for you. Here are just some of the awesome games we’ll have on hand: ️ Catan - the original game that started it all. A fun way to build and gather resources. - Catan: Game of Thrones – Brotherhood of the Watch - Catan: Starfarers - Catan Expansions Werewolf, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, Clocktower, Avalon, Secret Hitler If you enjoy social deduction and casual gas-lighting then this is the place to play ‍♂️ Magic Maze A silent, real-time co-op game where you guide fantasy heroes through a mall to steal magical gear—without talking! Exploding Kittens Draw cards and try to avoid the Exploding Kitten! Fast, funny, and full of surprise twists. Unstable Unicorns Build your unicorn army and sabotage others in this cute-yet-cutthroat card game of magical destruction. Bang! A hidden-role Wild West game where players shoot, scheme, and try to outwit the Sheriff and outlaws alike. Bananagrams A fast-paced word game where you race to build crossword-style grids. Think Scrabble—but quicker and no turns! Anarchy Pancakes Stack and slap pancakes in a frantic race to match toppings. Perfect for groups and younger players! Neanderthal Poetry Speak only in caveman grunts and gestures to help your teammates guess the right word. Creative and hilarious! ️ Codenames: Pictures Give clever one-word clues to help your team find the right pictures on the board before the other team does. Trial by Trolley A dark and hilarious party game where one player controls a runaway trolley—and everyone else argues over who gets run over. Morally questionable fun! ⸻ And that’s not all—we have even more games than those listed! Our collection is always growing, and we love variety. Got a game you love? Bring it along! Whether it’s a hidden gem or a popular favorite, we’re always happy to try something new. Come for the games, stay for the good vibes and great company

Strategicon (unofficial) Pre-Party!

Strategicon weekend is almost here, so we’re doing the responsible thing: **pre-gaming**. Join us for **THE (unofficial) Strategicon Pre-Party Game Night** at **Three Weavers** on **Thursday, September 3rd at 6PM** — teach-and-plays, open tables, and demos from designers (TBD). **It’s FREE to attend—RSVP to help us plan tables and teaches.** Bring a friend, bring a game, or just bring yourself.

The Rooftop Throwdown

Hello, fellow gamers! **The Rooftop Throwdown** is an inclusive gathering of gamers open to gamers and games of all varieties! The premise is simple, come lounge with us, enjoy the sunset over the city, and meet some of the most passionate gamers this side of California! **Games provided by host:** There will be Two console gaming stations with Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Play Station 4 with games such as Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Overcooked, Gang Beasts, and more! Additionally, there will also be board / card games such as Rivals of Catan, Taco-Cat-Goat-Cheese-Pizza, Joking Hazard, and more! **Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games to share!** Anyone may set up their own gaming console / game at any station not being used. Due to limited power access, if you wish to bring your own display, please reach out to the host for approval first. Anyone who provides a game, console, or equipment to share with others is encouraged to establish their own rules for the safe handling of their items and all participants are expected to respect and abide by those rules. If you are not bringing a console system or game, please bring a controller just in case! **Did someone say POTLUCK??** The host will be providing water, chips, and other snacks. All participants may bring any food items they wish and are encouraged to bring something shareable. Vegan friendly and allergen safe food items can be kept separate if necessary. Ice chests, compostable plates, and reusable cups and utensils will be available. **RSVP lists fill FAST so be sure to get your spot now!** **RSVP Policy:** 45-participant maximum. If you RSVP and do not show you will be noted and will be removed from future RSVP lists until otherwise determined by the host. **IMPORTANT:** For more details about our policies and practices, please read our House Rules by clicking or copy and pasting the link below. ([https://1drv.ms/b/c/11719e91f44edfca/IQB4HNO3YVLfQ7Jr7cbU1FziARIBwxb4TIt1kFUPcbh71oM?e=nQ6miq](https://1drv.ms/b/c/11719e91f44edfca/IQB4HNO3YVLfQ7Jr7cbU1FziARIBwxb4TIt1kFUPcbh71oM?e=nQ6miq)) By participating in any of our events you agree to abide by the policies outlined in this text and in our house rules. Any questions? Please reach out! Donations: We never charge an entrance fee. The joy of bringing people together is priceless! Each event is an opportunity to elevate the experience, and we want to manifest all that limitless potential! We ask all members of the community to consider donating to this effort. With your help we can make each event as fun and memorable as we can handle! Let’s fly! Thank you for reading! -A Flock of Gamers <3

September 2026 - Paper Hero's Games Playtesting!

**Players and game designers wanted for this open house style event!** Hey everyone, Chris here! I'm going to be hosting a Saturday playtesting event at Paper Hero's Games in Santa Monica again, and both players and designers are wanted! **DESIGNER SIGN UP**: If you have a game to test during session one or two signup here: **Fill out the form here-** [First Play LA Designer Sign-Up](https://cute-eustoma-3f9.notion.site/327da376473e82b195b2016c1fefe564?pvs=105) Note there is a 1 hour session and a 2 hour session. Your game will be assigned to whichever session is more suitable. Very short games (20min or less) should be brought to Open Play instead. *Please note new members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game.* **SCHEDULE:** Game days have 3 segments. **You do not need to come for the whole day!** However, if you are testing your own game you should stay and test at least one other designer's game as well. **OPEN PLAY TESTING** 2:00pm - 3:00 pm This is unstructured play time, ideal for very short games (20min or less), or games requiring 1-2 players. If you're a designer check in with me and then grab an available table and let people know you are looking for players. If you're a player, just sit down at a game and play! **SESSION ONE** 3:15pm - 4:15pm **SESSION TWO** 4:30pm - 6:30pm Scheduled sessions are the core of First Play! There is a 1 hour session and a 2 hour session. Before each session designers will be asked to give an 'elevator pitch' of their game, after which players can decide which game they want to play. Sessions are ideal for games that are 20-90 minutes. After play, be sure to leave time to give and receive feedback! **SPECIAL NOTES**: No fee to play, and you're welcome to stay and play until the store closes at 10PM. Please read these guides, especially if you are new to design or playtesting- **[How to do better playtesting!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-do-better-playtesting-1c9a3d4ed35b807b9f6ff643b5635885)** **[How to explain rules for your confusing game prototype!](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/How-to-explain-rules-for-your-confusing-game-prototype-1d3a3d4ed35b80c683e7e4f6953e8545)** **Code of Conduct Rules** 1. Be kind. 2. Seriously, be even more kind than you think you need to be. 3. Read the guidelines for giving and receiving feedback. 4. Respect the rules of our venues (Geeky Teas, Paper Heroes, Odyssey, etc). We will continue to be welcome as long as we continue to be good guests. 5. New members must come to First Play as a playtester at least once before having the opportunity to run a game. 6. If you have RSVP'd to run a game, show up for your time slot. If you do not show up for your time slot, you will get a strike against you. Three strikes and moderators will discuss next steps with you about if you will be allowed to continue running games. 7. Be respectful of other community members- give as much as you receive. Playtest other peoples' games, not just your own. 8. In the case of an unresolvable or continuing conflict, please let a moderator know so we can determine next steps. 9. You will receive a warning if a legitimate complaint is lodged against you. In the case of a continuous issue, a group of at least 3 moderators will discuss and determine next steps. Consistent bad behavior will lead to a group ban. **See you soon!** **Have questions?** For FAQ's, please see here - [First Play FAQ’s](https://gorgeous-mule-37d.notion.site/First-Play-FAQ-s-1d5a3d4ed35b809eadb7c5c72359521b) For a specific question please email: \*chris@eternalstudios.com\* For community conversations join the Cardboard Alchemy Discord: [https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT](https://discord.gg/2pYk3TT) \- find the \#first\-play\-la\-chat channel\!

Potluck, board games, karoke

Indie RPG Game Night (Geeky Teas)

WHAT IS THIS EVENT? At **Indie RPG Night** we gather to play story games and independent role-playing games (RPGs). These games are similar to role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) but tend to be simpler to learn, and have more shared narrative control for all players. WHO IS THIS FOR? Any experience level is welcome, with no prior knowledge required. Almost all games are meant to be played in a single night (sometimes called *one-shots* or *episodic*), so no regular attendance is necessary. WHAT GAMES DO WE PLAY? We play games that allow us to come together to have a good time telling a story collaboratively. We do not generally play games with a win condition. Some games we play have a game master (GM) and players, similar to D&D. Other games are “GM-less” or "GM-ful", and have no game master, where the rules of the game have us share narrative authority so we all have similar control over the story. Some examples include: * Apocalypse World * Blades in the Dark * Dream Askew * Fiasco * For The Queen * The Quiet Year * Microscope WHAT GAMES DO WE AVOID? We avoid role-playing games that may require players to have prior knowledge of rules (which is often the case with RPGs such as D&D). Many of us love board and card games, however this is not the event for those games. Note that some story games have elements that may look like board and card games, however we play games that share our goal of coming together to collaboratively tell a story. Although some board games have narrative elements (such as Above and Below), or can be played in a narrative manner (such as Arkham Horror), these do not meet our criteria. If you have any doubts, please talk to one of the organizers. It is also important that games played conform to our Community Standards (https://bit.ly/StoryGamesLA-CommunityStandards). WHERE AND WHEN IS THE EVENT? Locations vary so check the meetup event for the current location. On this night we play at **Geeky Teas & Games** in Burbank. We plan to meet up starting at 6pm, and pitch games promptly at 6:30pm. The venue closes at 10pm. Games tend to normally last 2-4 hours. Note that Geeky Teas requires a $8 cover fee that you pay directly to them upon entry to the venue. HOW DO I ATTEND? If you plan on attending, please RSVP here. We have tables reserved but space may be limited, so we will prioritize people who RSVP if we end up having too many folks. We will try to accommodate everyone best as possible. If your plans change, please update your RSVP as early as possible so we have an accurate count. You should not need to bring anything with you, however always feel free to bring writing utensils, dice, note cards, and so on. WHAT ARE THE RULES? We try to provide an inclusive space, and do not tolerate harassment or prejudice of any kind, including that based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or disabilities. By attending and participating you are agreeing to abide by our Community Standards (https://bit.ly/StoryGamesLA-CommunityStandards). If you have any issues, please contact one of the meetup organizers at any time, either during the meetup or afterwards. We use the X-card and other RPG communication and safety tools, which we write about in our Community Standards document, and review when our events start. HOW CAN I RUN A GAME? If you are new to the group and the events, we ask that you play the first few times to get a feel for the games we play, and for the environment and our community. If have done so, and wish to run a game, please get in touch with the meetup organizers either at the event, or in the **Story Games LA** **Discord** ([https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv](https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv)). After doing so, you simply need to bring the materials needed to play: rules, printouts, notecards or blank paper, tokens, printouts, and so on. We may have some of these items, but may not have what you need. HOW CAN I BE A PART OF THE COMMUNITY? The best place to participate with our community prior to or outside of the events is to join the **Story Games LA** **Discord** ([https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv](https://discord.com/invite/qbPzyRYBQv)). This is also where we sometimes host our online events.

Boardgames and French Toast🍞!

🎲 Bring Your Own Board Game (optional)! Open 24/7 so come hang out, meet new people, and enjoy a chill game night at Denny’s.🍳🥞✨ Whether you’re a serious board gamer or just here for the vibes, everyone is welcome! 💛 We’ll have some games available, but feel free to bring a favorite you’d like to share! **Most importantly**, bring **positive energy** ✨ and be respectful and kind so everyone can have a fun and comfortable time together. ☺️🫶🏽 Parking is free in the Denny’s Lot and there is no minimum charge 💸🔥 for the event. However please pay your orders at the front when you leave 🙏🏿🙌🏿.

Anji Truffle's Coffee & Chill

Hello fellow gamers! Join us for a cozy **Coffee & Chill** starting at 10am—a slow, easy morning to relax, sip good coffee, and enjoy good company. We’ll have a build-your-own coffee bar with fun syrups and toppings, light brunch treats, a laid-back coloring table, and some board games for anyone who feels like playing. There’s no schedule or pressure—just a warm space to hang out, chat, and enjoy a calm start to the day. Feel free to bring a snack to share if you’d like! And please let us know ahead of time if you have any dietary restrictions so I can plan accordingly. Come as you are, grab a mug, and settle in for a cozy morning together. Located near San Vincente Blvd and Beverly Blvd. Full address to be provided day before the event. Park anywhere in the neighborhood. **Sunday September 20th · 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PDT** The host will be providing various games like: Rivals of Catan, Taco-Cat-Goat-Cheese-Pizza, Cards Against Humanity, Side Effects, Pictionary, and more! Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite games to share! Anyone who brings a game to share with guests is encouraged to establish their own rules for the safe handling of their items and all guests are expected to respect and abide by those rules. **RSVP Policy:** 10-participant maximum. No admission fee, donations appreciated. One guest is allowed per RSVP. If you RSVP please be sure you are free and plan to participate. **IMPORTANT:** For more details about our policies and practices, please read our House Rules by clicking or copy and pasting the link below. [Flock of Gamers - House Rules.pdf](https://1drv.ms/b/c/11719e91f44edfca/IQB4HNO3YVLfQ7Jr7cbU1FziARIBwxb4TIt1kFUPcbh71oM?e=nQ6miq) By participating in any of our events you agree to abide by the policies outlined in this text and in our house rules. Any questions? Please reach out! **Photos:** We take pictures at every event. These pictures are used for the promotion of the community. Please speak with Troy if you would like to receive a photo of you or if you would like them to be deleted. We respect all privacy requests. **Donations:** We never charge an entrance fee. The joy of bringing people together is priceless! Each event is an opportunity to elevate the experience, and we want to manifest all that limitless potential! We ask all members of the community to consider donating to this effort. With your help we can make each event as fun and memorable as we can handle! Let’s fly! Thank you for reading! -A Flock of Gamers <3

DEGEN NIGHT @ DEUCES FULL

Rooftop Cinema

Hello fellow gamers and movie lovers! **ROOFTOP CINEMA** There's nothing quite like movie magic! Come appreciate the art, production, and vision of some of cinema’s most popular and lesser-known classics. Overlooking downtown and over Discord livestream, let’s marvel at the stars and expose our minds to the world’s extensive catalog of unique productions. **Tonight we'll be watching:** Demolition Man (1993) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106697/?ref_=ls_t_7 **Don't forget a snack!** Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite snack or drink, for themselves or to share! Water will be provided by the host. **Meet at –** 226 N Lake St, Rooftop **Tardiness Policy:** Please be present at the venue by no later than **8PM.** At that time we will no longer be granting access to the building. **RSVP Policy:** 20-participant maximum. No admission fee, donations appreciated. One guest is allowed per RSVP. If you RSVP please be sure you are free and plan to participate. **IMPORTANT:** For more details about our policies and practices, including instructions on how to access rooftop events, please read our House Rules by copy and pasting the link below in your browser. [Flock of Gamers - House Rules.pdf](https://1drv.ms/b/c/11719e91f44edfca/IQB4HNO3YVLfQ7Jr7cbU1FziARIBwxb4TIt1kFUPcbh71oM) By participating in any of our events you agree to abide by the policies outlined in this text and in our house rules. Any questions? Please reach out! **Photos:** We take pictures at every event. Please speak with Troy on arrival if you would like to receive a copy of any photo of you or if you would like them to be deleted. We respect all privacy requests. **Donations:** We never charge an entrance fee. The joy of bringing people together is priceless! Each event is an opportunity to elevate the experience, and we want to manifest all that limitless potential! We ask all members of the community to consider donating to this effort. With your help we can make each event as fun and memorable as we can handle! Let’s fly! Thank you for reading! -A Flock of Gamers <3

Let's play putt-putt golf