Last Wacky Wednesday at The Warren – Traffic, Trophies & Triggerfish Dreams

This past Wednesday began with shocking news: The Warren will no longer be hosting boardgame nights on Wednesdays! 😱 Naomi immediately went into panic mode — phone in hand, furiously WhatsApping everyone within a 20 km radius to brainstorm backup plans. Sure, we could go back to Tuesdays (now with a R35pp entry fee) and reignite the eternal war with the Magic: The Gathering players… but the idea of playing chess while sipping an ice-cold cider sounded far more civilized. A deal was struck: we’re moving to Triggerfish on Tuesdays! And maybe another secret venue on Wednesdays… stay tuned. 👀

Traffic was a total nightmare, but Clive and Tian arrived early and were already locked in mortal combat on a tiny wooden chess set. They were so focused they might not have noticed a meteor strike outside. Six games later, with the score tied 2.5–2.5, Clive finally landed the crushing blow that sealed the deal. 🥊

Meanwhile, Oppar and Olindar brought a friend — and it quickly became clear she was not quite at Olindar’s level. The little prodigy immediately abandoned her poor friend in search of fresh blood, gleefully crushing new victims while Oppar morphed into the most patient teacher in the building. (“I taught her chess when she was three,” Oppar said proudly, as Olindar casually dismantled another opponent.)

Three newcomers joined the chaos, and Sven was practically drooling as he played Alex — his favourite student — while keeping one eye on the fresh recruits. Alyssa rolled out her signature “warm welcome” by soundly beating newcomer Michael before Sven tag-teamed in, simul-style, to finish him off and throw in some coaching. Poor Michael — crushed twice, but hopefully inspired.

Naomi tried to keep track of everyone, but the other two new guys had to repeat their names twice… and she still doesn’t remember. They battled bravely against Olinder (who was all fierce focus and killer instincts) and Reggie (who never says no to a rematch).

Meanwhile, the tweens got their one mandatory chess game out of the way before retreating to the boardgame tables, where they ruled with absolute authority. We’re not sure they’ll survive next week at Triggerfish, where chess will be the only option. 😈

At 16 players, The Warren went out with a bang – traffic, tension, and laughter in equal measure. The era of Warren Wednesdays may be over, but the spirit of wackiness lives on…

Summary:
🚗 Traffic nightmares,
♟ five-game marathons,
🧠 prodigies abandoning friends,
😵‍💫 new players humiliated (with love)
and a venue upgrade on the horizon.