We are just two months away from the sixth annual Southern Board Game Fest, which we lovingly call “SoBo.” One of the most popular events we organize, with the help of Envoy and generous publishers, is our Play-to-Win section.

The idea is straightforward. We place 25 to 35 games on a large table each day for attendees to try out. When they finish playing, each participant is entered into a daily drawing for the specific game they just played.

This setup works out well for everyone. The festival gets a great activity that helps us sell tickets to raise money for the New Hope Foundation, a mentoring service for local youth. Board gamers love it because they get to play new games easily and have a chance to win them. Publishers also appreciate the event because, for the cost of a single game, they get lots of photos and publicity. We also let vendors know which games are available so they can stock them for players who don’t win.

We haven’t finalized the complete list of games yet, but I wanted to highlight some interesting titles that caught my eye. To reserve your spot for the Southern Board Game Fest, happening March 20-22, 2026, in beautiful downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, you should visit the official website.

Stonemaier Games Selections

From Stonemaier Games, we have three entries this year. First is Rolling Realms Redux, a new version of the popular roll-and-write system featuring new realms based on favorite board games. Next is Euphoria, one of the older titles in their catalog that is getting a new edition soon. My favorite of the three is probably Origin Story, a cool new trick-taking game with a superhero theme.

Road to Infamy Games

Road to Infamy (R2i) Games is sending us a copy of Formaggio, which should be very popular. It is the first stand-alone expansion from the creators of Formage, the simultaneous playing game about making cheese. This time, players venture into Italy.

Weird Giraffe Games

Our friends from Houston, Carla and Nick from Weird Giraffe Games, are sending us several games. One title confirmed is A Gift of Tulips, a beautiful little card game designed by Sara Perry. Like all Weird Giraffe titles, it is easy to teach and has breezy turns. It is one of my favorite games from them. If you are asking, my absolute favorite game from Weird Giraffe is Studies in Sorcery.

Bitewing Games

If you enjoy Reiner Knizia’s designs, our friends at Bitewing Games have a treat for you. We will have a nice selection of Dr. Knizia’s recent releases in the library, but on the play-to-win side, we will have Gingham designed by Robert Hovakimyan and Gussy Gorillas, designed by Nick Murray.

Thunderworks Games

Thunderworks Games offered us a copy of FlipToons, which I am personally excited for because I have never seen it in person. I have only played it on Board Game Arena and did not quite understand it with my usual click-and-click method of learning. I would like to try it on the table.

Flatout Games

Finally, last but certainly not least, one of our most generous backers each year is the wonderful team at Flatout Games. We will definitely have some of their most exciting recent releases, including Point Galaxy, which I think is the best version of this game. Once we confirm the rest of the games from them, I will be sure to follow up.

In fact, my plan is to post a “top ten games you should try to play-to-win” as we get closer. We have got a bunch more games to announce as they come in. But if you have any questions regarding SoBo or our play-to-win section, let me know. You can find out more information at the Southern Board Game Fest website.

Until next time, or until SoBo, laissez les bon temps rouler!