A foggy graveyard, rattling dice, and a familiar voice rising from the crypt—Jared’s back, and we’re cracking open a night of stories that blend family life, hobby joy, and the kind of plans that keep a gaming calendar buzzing. We kick off with life updates, a very sweaty “fall” in Alabama, and a detour into adaptive spooky video games that learn your habits and dial up the tension. From there, we trade kitchen war stories about a pizza stone gone rogue and the humble fixes that turn hosting fails into crowd-pleasing rituals—because great game nights are built on good vibes, not perfect pies.

Energy spikes with a trip to the academy football showdown, reunions with old friends, and the charge of meeting people who use their platforms to give back. That momentum carries into a Pennsylvania board game sprint where trick-taking marathons share the table with the riotous charm of Magical Athlete. It’s chaos, asymmetry, and laugh-out-loud moments, the kind that make “run it back” an easy call. We also unpack Vegas memories and a video craps rollercoaster that mirrors the arc of a long game session: variance, patience, and the thrill of closing strong.

The heart of the episode looks forward. We break down World Series of Board Gaming for competitive focus and Dice Tower West for non-stop open gaming and vendor buzz, offering a clear guide for choosing your next convention. With family-friendly travel in mind and a direct flight on the horizon, we sketch a plan that balances rings, reunions, and ridiculous party games. And we want your input: help Jared spend his gift certificate wisely. What single game should anchor his next round of plays—travel-friendly party chaos, a clever trick-taker, or a midweight classic that sings at four? Subscribe, drop your recommendation, and share this with a friend who needs a reason to get a game to the table tonight.

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