Demo: Mon10 R1: Mon11	R1: Mon19	Demo: Sun17 Mulligan: Sun19 R1: Mo14	Demo: Tue9 R1: Tue10

WBC’s Showcase Sampler Pre-Con begins Sunday Aug. 3, at 5 p.m., with a demonstration and Mulligan Round for Through the Ages and wraps up on Tues., Aug. 5, at 6 p.m., before WBC proper begins. It includes four tournament games—Manoeuvre, Through the Ages, San Juan and Die Macher—and a 10-game slate of demonatrations for games new to the World Boardgaming Championships.

WBC attendees have long lamented the many conflicts between their favorite events. So many games, so little time! The compromise solution has been to offer a few early events in the form of Pre-Cons to those who would like to maximize the gaming derived from their travel expense without seriously detracting from the rest of the week for those unable to attend earlier. With play in a Pre-Con, those making the pilgrimmage to WBC can get more bang for their travel buck while increasing the number of events they can play during a glorious eight-day stint of uninterrupted gaming if they so choose. Valhalla for gamers…here on Earth, and only at WBC.

Until recently, those Pre-Con selections have been only for lengthy games whose events gobble multiple days at a time. Now, fans of shorter duration games get their chance in the WBC Sampler Showcase, which includes Laurel opportunities in tournaments for Manoeuvre, Through the Ages, San Juan, and Die Macher. There will also be a 10-game Demo Event that serves as an introduction to new games. The Demo Event is open to boardgames of all types. This is THE event for those who enjoy learning new games without the competitive pressure of tournaments. The games to be featured in the Demo Event are Through the Ages, Age of Empires III, Kingsburg, Agricola, Race for the Galaxy, Brass, Container, In the Year of the Dragon, Cuba, and Stone Age. If you ever wanted to just try new games at WBC outside of tournament play, here is your chance!

Tribune/Sponsor-level members may freely partake in all of BPA’s Pre-Cons during the days preceding WBC. Play at Sampler Showcase for non-Tribune/Sponsor level members requires a separate registration fee of $20 for BPA members pre-registered by July 25 or $30 for all others, payable to the BPA, 1541 Redfield Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015. This fee can be paid separately or in addition to other WBC fees noted on the WBC pre-registration form. If paid at the door, the higher fee will apply. Pre-registration is highly recommended. WBC special room rates at the Lancaster Host, Continental Inn, and Red Roof Inn apply to all days of the pre-con. See our travel and accommodations page for details.