If it was a case of choosing a 10-best games of the current millennium, while it is a field deep in potential choices, Tak would certainly vie for a spot in my list.
The game is an interesting one as it grew out of a mention in a fantasy novel; the Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss.
From that inclusion in Rothfuss鈥� book, the author teamed with James Ernest, a game designer with a long resume to create an actual set of playable rules. The result was Tak.
The game was frankly a surprise.
Ernest, while a prolific designer, had never exactly created a game that extended beyond fun to be considered great no matter what parametres put on the definition of greatness.
Rothfuss as a writer had no track record either.
Yet the pair found something special in their collaboration.
Interestingly, Tak, which was released in 2017, has garnered some rather rabid fans, as befits a great game.
A handful of those fans even went as far as to create the US Tak Association in hopes of promoting and growing interest in the game.
Bill Leighton is one of those involved with the Association, and a fan of the game.
Via email I had the opportunity to pepper him with a few questions regarding his passion for Tak, starting with how he was initially introduced to the game, and as a follow-up, what is it about the game that has managed to keep him obviously keenly interested in it?
鈥淚 became aware of the game similarly to a lot of the players: through the Patrick Rothfuss Kingkiller Chronicles in which the game is conceptualized/described,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was checking his blog one day and came across a post about Cheapass Games developing it into an actual board game. Even though it wasn鈥檛 out yet, an online simulator had already been developed at playtak.com, and early players were busy figuring out strategies and meeting like-minded Takkers.
鈥淔rom there I was hooked.鈥�
The hook was that 鈥淭ak is a simple to learn, yet challenging and deep鈥� game, said Leighton, adding 鈥淭ak has held my interest because of its versatility. I can play with my kids, I can play a casual game over a pint, I can play in an intense tournament, or, when life gets busy and I don鈥檛 have time for a game, I can solve the daily puzzle posted on Reddit (r/Tak).鈥�
And Tak allows some inventiveness in terms of sets to play with.
鈥淭here is also the crafty side to Tak. Some players enjoy making boards and pieces almost as much as the game itself,鈥� said Leighton.
There are of course commercial versions from the designer鈥檚 company, but the tale of Tak in Rothfuss鈥� book really does lend itself to homemade sets 小蓝视频 created, although even as an avid bodger of game boards and pieces I have opted to buy a set, although I appreciate Leighton鈥檚 sentiment.
鈥淎nd then there is the community,鈥� said Leighton, continuing his thoughts on why he loves Tak, calling it 鈥渧ery supportive and welcoming. On the Discord or Reddit, you can get advice on the many aspects of the game, or seek out an individual or group to play with.鈥�
But why an association, with the work that effort requires.
鈥淚 believe it鈥檚 the desire to offer that community I mentioned above, as well as making sure that there are opportunities for players to test their mettle against others within a structured setting,鈥� said Leighton.
I was curious how the Internet has played a role in popularizing Tak too?
鈥淥nline play of any sort is a balancing act,鈥� said Leighton. 鈥淚t offers access to players that otherwise would be out of range, but it does take away from the social feeling of an in-person gathering.
鈥淭hat is why we try to encourage both. The USTA offers support to those wishing to start a physical club, as well as organizing online tournaments. Except for this year (due to the pandemic), we also hold educational sessions and tournaments at GenCon and PAX Unplugged.鈥�
So are player numbers growing for Tak?
鈥淣umbers have been steady,鈥� said Leighton. 鈥淲e see spikes in interest after conventions and expect to see a large increase when the Kingkiller Chronicles develops further. That 小蓝视频 said, marketing has never been our forte.鈥�
From a Canadian perspective it鈥檚 a slightly different dynamic.
鈥淲e are a US-based organization, but are open to everyone,鈥� said Leighton. 鈥淚 know of a couple Canadian members and we also had some Canadian participants that made the trek south last year for GenCon.鈥�
So, ultimately, why play Tak?
鈥淚 would say Tak is truly for everyone,鈥� said Leighton. 鈥淭he rules are simple, the game is adjustable to fit your time available, and you decide your level of involvement. Try it online for free, buy a set, build a set, attend a tournament, organize a club or tournament, or run for election to the Board.鈥�
And, check out the Association at www.ustak.org
