We Bought Too Many Games & a Pizza Oven...No Regrets

Holiday chaos meets game night comfort, and it turns out that's the perfect combo. We swap stories from six Christmases, a last-minute MC gig, and a road trip wedding that turned into a used-game treasure hunt—then zero in on the party games and house rules that kept friends and family engaged without a heavy teach. If your living room is full and attention spans are short, this playbook is for you.Clay breaks down why Challengers shines with big groups and how a quick demo can transform first-time players into tournament diehards in under an hour. Jared takes us through a host-tested lineup—Llama, For Sale, and Blokus—that warms up a room, balances luck and skill, and leaves space for conversation. Travis brings the chaos with Strike, the springy-dice arena game that thrives on laughter and table banter. We debate house rules—single-die precision versus throw-as-many-as-you-dare—and explain why both deliver a satisfying push-your-luck arc.Between sessions, we raid McKay's for used board games and talk smart collecting: small-box fillers that actually hit the table, evergreen party titles, and a few midweight gems you'll be excited to teach. Then the show veers deliciously into pizza science. A propane pizza oven turns hosting into a rhythm game—preheat patience, the window test for dough, and semolina on the peel for a flawless launch. Pair rapid-fire pies with short games and you've got a pop-up pizzeria powered by laughter and easy rules.We close with new acquisitions (hello, Kenizia), kid reactions to a parade of Santas, and a reminder that the best memories often come from simple tools used well. If you love board games, group hosting, or the pursuit of a perfect thin crust, this one's packed with practical tips, house-rule debates, and cozy holiday energy. Enjoy the show, share it with a friend who hosts game nights, and don't forget to subscribe and leave a quick review—what's your go-to party game right now?We want to hear from our listeners! Send us a text with recommendations, weigh in on discussions, or just say hi!Support the showAs always, come interact with us online, let us know if you have any feedback, and leave us a review/comment anywhere you get your favorite podcasts! https://www.instagram.com/operation_game_night_podcast/ Show your support for the OGN Crew by contributing to the OGN War Chest: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2396881/support