Please support the Boardgame Geek abstract games "forum".

Boardgame Geek has put up a forum dedicated to abstract (strategy) games. I believe it is a good place to get into discussions regarding abstract strategy games of all type, and help give a voice to the scope of abstract strategy games, as it relates to Boardgame Geek. I believe the ability to nail down the scope of what is involved with abstract strategy games, is important, and Boardgame Geek is a key site on the internet relating to everything connected with Boardgames.

You can see the site here:
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgamesubdomain/4666/abstract-games

Abstract strategy games leaderboard is now up.

You can check the latest out here:
http://iagoweb.com/records/ratings/leaderboard

Click on a specific game on the leaderboard to see the leaderboard for that specific game. Note that this is going under testing still, so expect hickups.

The leaderboard is pulling results off SuperDuperGames, Games.WTanaka.com and also the IGGameCenter. We will be looking to add the Arimaa site also as the next one to get up and then we hope to get more sites on later.

All this is automated from a data feed from the partner sites, so no manual entry of data. Players who register at the IAGO site will be tracked this way.

Anyhow, it is still under testing but getting there. Aaron Dalton has done an awesome job here.

The process is still being tested, and signing up to get and get tracked needs to be streamlined. However, as of now, it works. Those interested in being part of the ongoing testing are encouraged to try to get help walking through this process.

Testing of new ranking and records system going on. Please be patient.

There is work being done for a new ranking and rating system for IAGO. Please be patient for and delays and the website being down.

Directory of physical public venues to play abstract strategy games at is now up.

If you were looking for public physical venues open to people playing abstract strategy games (Games like Chess, Checkers and Go) at them, then check this directory out here:
http://Venues.IAGOClubhouse.com

We also could use more. We are looking at what should be over 100 venues in all 50 states in the United States. We would like to get more into this directory, for not just the United States, but also the rest of the world.

On the page is a link to a guide to finding physical venues, if you need help finding one not in the directory currently. Please contact me through the abstractgamers.org forum if you have more. On the Clubhouse website is also an email address to reach IAGO.

There may be a question as to why this list is needed. As per a guide to finding venues: In the "ecosystem" of games, an essential part is physical venues to meet at. These venues serve for a way to meet new people in a safer environment, rather than the homes of individuals. Expanding and recruiting players is a challenge without having places like this to meet. Advertising and promotion of meetings is challenging also, and homes will often face space restrictions. Because of this, public venues are essential to the "ecosystem" of game players.

Simultaneous variant to Connect Four (Captain's Mistress) is playable online

If you are into Connect Four (Captain's Mistress), or aren't, check out this variant sometime online:
http://games.wtanaka.com/simfour

Simultaneous move selection adds an additional level of intrigue to what is normally a kid's game.

2009 IAGO Hall of Fame Inductees are announced.

You can see the full description here:
http://www.iagohalloffame.com/2009hof.html

The games inducted this year are:
Alquerque
Bao
Dots & Boxes
Fox & Geese
Halma
International Checkers
Nim
Othello
Shatranj
Tic-Tac-Toe

Visit the site above for info on each of the games. Feel free to discuss your thoughts and opinions on the abstractgamers.org website here:
http://abstractgamers.org/forums/comments.php?DiscussionID=375

2010 IAGO World Tour schedule is now up

The schedule for the 2010 IAGO World Tour can be found here: 2010.IAGO World Tour