Books about tabletop games
Here are some of the books I’ve collected about tabletop gaming.
Generation Decks
This book covers the history of Magic the Gathering, from the initial conception, the growth of Wizards as a company, and in particular the organised play side of the game (and some of the important early professional players).
There were bumps along the way - like massive overprinting of some sets, like Fallen Empires. Interestingly, the cause of the overprinting was because card shops were used to only receiving a fraction of the product they ordered due to supply constraints. So they put in huge orders, expecting only to receive a few boxes. But when Wizards actually printed enough to cover the entire order, there was a glutt of cards.
There is so much in this book for fans of Magic the Gathering, and card games in general. Magic the Gathering was the first collectible card game, so this story is also about the genesis of a new game category, and industry.
What struck me was the huge appetite for the game when it launched, and also the vision that Wizards had, who recognised that the game could be an intellectual sport. They built out an organised play system, with some tournaments even being televised.
The author also discusses how important the game was for him personally, and the the deep friendships made, which tabletop gaming is fantastic for.
Jonny Magic and the Card Shark Kids
This is a fascinating story. It’s about a legendary Magic the Gathering player called Jon Finkel (widely considered as one of the best players of the game ever).
The book starts with his early life, his exceptional academic abilities, and his struggles fitting in. The thing he found which transformed his life was Magic.
He became a professional player, and one of the most successful in history. It shows the transformative power of games, and in particular tabletop games.
The strange turn is how Jon Finkel and other Magic players pivot into being poker players, and do exceptionally well there too.
Well worth a read.
Others
Characteristics of Games
An indepth analysis of a variety of games, co-authored by Richard Garfield (creator of Magic: The Gathering).
Of Dice and Men
One of the many histories of Dungeons and Dragons.
Dice Men
The early history of Games Workshop.
GameTek
A selection of articles about games.
Around the world in 80 games
A mathematician explores a variety of games from across the world.
Dice Games Properly Explained
A look at the huge number of games which can be played with dice.