Games Above Board
Games Above The Clouds
When Martin Samuel got in touch and asked about linking to this site, he was kind enough to give me this piece about his gaming life. "Unique" is the word that springs to mind. Enjoy.
Secret Weapon
My not-so-secret weapon is, I am an international flight attendant and have my captive audience test-play my prototypes in flight at 37,000 feet ... even to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh. As Herr Klaus Zoch (Zoch Spiele) said, "Martin's games are tested at the highest level!"
I especially get the passengers to play (also, other flight attendants and, shh, pilots too). Believe it or not, I have often had 2 of the (oh-so-secret) Federal Air Marshals playing in the galley while drinking "airline coffee". Bad guys, look out - these guys are armed and tactical!
My best yet was a Rabbi and his wife playing chess, which she was not enjoying as he was unbeatable. I offered them my Mozaic prototype which is luck + strategy. She beat him 3 games in a row and was ecstatic. He asked for the game (if only to practice) but as it was my only proto. at the time, I had to say "no" - however, it has since been published in 2 formats.
I have actually had "repeat customers" - passengers who remember me from previous flights and ask if I have any new games for them to test-play. One genuine rocket scientist, I kid you not, explained to me that my card game proto. was a matrix ... news to me but he was correct.
Returning from Essen Spiel, Michael Gray of Hasbro was on my flight and I was able to translate German rules for him.
The absolute classic is, many years ago, we flew to Munich where I was befriended by an airline employee at the airport. She would invite me to stay in her home with her family - a nice change from the hotel. Lo and behold, her husband is none other than Tom Werneck ... he of Spiel des Jahres fame!
For the most part, I receive good feedback which helps in clarification of the rules. It's amazing what people will read into the text. If I were to add a Do Not list, it would be never-ending. I just say, if it is not in the rules, don't do it - unless you wish to design your own game or, don't do it unless your opponent does it first!
Turbulence has upset the games on occasion which provides a novel use for the flight attendant call-bell.
Free flight benefits are the best - for attending trade shows and schlepping protos. - but don't eat the food!
Kwaheri,
Martin S.
Games Above Board
18 September 2006