In all parts of life people try to insinuate themselves, to pass themselves off as something they aren’t. Twenty years ago, this was most common with the “Jocks.” The “only” way to get a girl was to convince her that you were athletic and into sports. Now, though, the trend seems to have reversed. “Jocks” are seen as buffoons, and “Nerds” are the group that everyone wants to be part of.

As a result, if you are a gamer, you will run into a person from time to time that isn’t really a gamer but is trying to pass themselves off as one. While they may just be new, it is also possible they are either trying to get the girl, or trying to infiltrate the group for their own diabolical schemes. Either way, being able to determine whether he is a real gamer is an important skill.

First, check for mixed up terminology. Just as a fake Jock wouldn’t really know the difference between a goalie and a goal kicker, a fake gamer will have difficulty with the difference between an FPS and an RTS. This is the most common error.

If they pass the vocabulary test, ask them about their favorite games. Listen for different time periods: most gamers have an old game they loved, and a newer game they have recently discovered.

If you find yourself doubting at this point, fear not: more indicators exist.

Do they wear a sports jersey? Track pants? A Baseball cap? They’re probably fakes.

Do they drink Mountain Dew, crack jokes about different games, or rave about Firefly? They’re probably legit.

Do they talk about Sex and the City, what shoes they absolutely have to have, or which city has the best seafood? The jury is out, keep checking up on them.

Lame Video Games. Everyone has them. That one game you bought when you were 13, outgrew, and never seemed to be able to get rid of. That game your mom bought you so you could play it with your little brother. Those girly games your ex bought you a few years ago that have been collecting dust ever since you broke up. The game that looked awesome in the ads, but ended up being incredibly boring.
 
 Of course, you could just throw them away. But why? There are so many other options!
 
 The first place to check is your local game store. This is a great choice if you intend to buy more video games, as the trade-ins tend to use in-store credit, which means you have to spend it there. The game will be worth more if you have the original packaging, especially the instruction manual.
 
 The next place to go is Amazon. Most people don’t know it, but you can ship your old games to Amazon  and get an Amazon gift card in return. While this still isn’t cash, you can use the gift card for just about anything, from cheese packages to textbooks for school to a great gift for your special loved one. Best of all, they pay the shipping both ways.
 
 If neither of these places will accept it, check around online and at pawn shops to find the best deal you can get for it.
 
 If all else fails, and you can’t find a place to send it, try going to SwapTree.com, where you can put it on your list of currently existing titles. When someone requests it, they arrange a two, three, or four way trade to get you something in exchange.
 
 Or just throw it in the microwave and watch the fireworks!

One of the concerns surrounding gaming, particularly Computer and Video games, is the question of how much is too much. When is it time to drop the controller and go outside? How can you tell if your loved one is addicted? The following Danger Signs will help you know:
 
 1.    Conversation – Does the addict talk about the game as if it were real life? Do they obsess over it, talk about it constantly, and bring it up out of the blue?
 2.    Eyes – Look. If they seem bloodshot, strained, and out of focus, this could be a Danger Sign.
 3.    Truth and Lies – One of the major signs of addiction is whether they are honest about how much they play. Often, they lie to themselves, or feel guilty they wasted that much time. If this is the case, they will probably lie to you about it.
 4.    Uncaring or Unaware of Consequences – Drug Addicts will steal, assault people, and worse, just to get their fix. Game addicts often miss work, school, or other important functions, and then claim unawareness of the problem.
 5.    Sleep Disruption – Many gaming addicts will stay up very late in order to keep playing. They want to get to the next level, or defeat this boss, and it gets later and later. They finally get to bed hours later than they should.
 6.    Failing to Eat or Eating too much – Some gamers play so long they don’t bother getting a bite to eat. Others eat absently, snacking their way through day after day. Significant weight loss or gain as a result is a very telling Danger Sign.
 7.    Calloused Thumbs or Sore Wrists – These indicate extended, consistent use.
 Addiction is a serious problem. If you or a loved one is addicted to games, seek medical help.

Once upon a time, card games were trendy and interesting. Poker Tournaments took prime-time spots on ESPN. Blackjack was considered sexy. A new version of Uno came out yearly. Dozens of new card games came out of Europe’s game makers, often to great reviews.
 
 That was then.
 
 Now, a few short years later, poker has been relegated to the late night slots on ESPN3, below eating contests and thumb wrestling. Blackjack is only interesting on GSN, and they had to dress it up with sexy girls and trivia. The American game makers returned to their old standbys, eliminating their alternate versions. The Europeans refuse to design card games, stating design flaws and playability issues.
 
 Are Card Games a Dying Breed? What happened to our culture that brought such a rapid response from the Gaming industry? Will card games ever be developed again?
 
 Card Games have one advantage going for them that other games just can’t match: They handle large groups really, really, well. Most card games can cover at least 8 people, and many can go much higher – 10, 12, even 20. A typical board game maxes out at 4 or 6. This is the lifeline of card games, the only thing keeping them around.
 
 Card Games are, as a rule, inherently imbalanced. The luck of the draw is terribly random, and it tends to benefit one or two players far more than the rest. Over the course of dozens of hands this will eventually even out, but it makes the game frustrating.
 
 Ultimately, will card games last? Yes. They are playable in ways that other games are not, and some will never disappear. However, it seems the market is currently fully saturated with dozens of available games. Just don’t expect to see new designs for a few years.

There was a time when the rules of gaming interaction were simple:
 
 1.    Don’t throw the game board across the room just because you were losing.
 2.    Don’t hit your sister just because you were losing.
 3.    Don’t dance around the room chanting “I Won! I Won!” just because you won.
 
 These rules still apply, of course, but the world of gaming has become significantly more complicated. The following 10 Commandments of Modern Gaming will help you through any gaming event, whether it is a card game competition, a LAN party, or a quiet night at home with the family.
 
 1.    Thou Shalt not commit violence over a game. It is just a game.
 2.    Thou Shalt not speak profanity during a game. The classic swear words are bad, as are the following: Jock, Nazi, Idiot, Loser, and Newbie. These are massive insults, and should be avoided.
 3.    Thou Shalt be a good winner and a gracious loser. Thou shalt play, even if the game chosen is not your favorite, so that others will play your favorite.
 4.    Thou Shalt not speak while the event coordinator is speaking. Whether they are explaining the rules or telling you where the bathrooms are, you should be quiet and listen to them.
 5.    Thou Shalt not create or use pre-established pacts with other players, unless the game is a team game in the first place.
 6.    Thou Shalt Shower before coming to the event. Enough Said.
 7.    Thou Shalt bring a snack to share with the table. This is appreciated and wins you favor, which you can use against them later.
 8.    Thou Shalt thank the host, so they will host again.
 9.    Thou Shalt help the host clean up, so they will host again.
 10.    Thou Shalt, above all, enjoy yourself and have fun, as it is a game and should be enjoyed as such.

From early in their history until about five years ago, most Table Top RPG’s (such as Dungeons and Dragons) were known as “Pen and Paper Games.” Although the occasional gadget or dry erase board was sold for gamers, the bulk of the genre was played using a pencil and paper. The character sheets, the monster information, the maps, the treasure, all was recorded, written, or drawn on paper.
 
 In the last five years, however, computers and other technology have changed the industry dramatically. Many players bring their character on a laptop. Some of the publishing companies have even developed Character Generators for their subscribers, easing the process of building and maintaining a character. Online databases make the Game Master’s (GM) job easier as well.
 
 What, then, will the future hold?
 
 Following the foreseeable paths, table top gaming will be affected by several things:
 
 Handheld Devices: Rather than carrying around pencil and paper, each player will keep their character on a cell phone. These will link wirelessly, and the GM will be able to see and alter the stats of each of their players.
 
 Improved Communication: While teleconferencing has already been used for gaming, the improvements and developments that come from this in the next ten years will make it much easier to play with your friend in England and your buddy on study abroad in India.
 
 3D rendering and computerized maps: Gamers will be able to bring up maps and images, adjust or tweak them, and display them in full color and 3D across the gaming table. This will make three dimensional combat easier to get your mind around.
 The game itself will probably still be the same. No dice roller could replace the visceral clunk of a critical hit, or the fear of the GM rolling too many dice.

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