FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What’s the minimum and maximum amounts of people you will hold an event for?

Indoors

Minimum of 8 – this would probably be a home based event as it is unlikely a venue would provide their premises for such a small number.

Maximum - This is game dependent but generally up to 60 for groups of 5. If there is a venue large enough then with sufficient transport it is possible to hold a Pub and Parlour team event for almost 100.

Do you hold corporate team building events?

I wouldn't make any claims to team building or bonding, but if you are a company then don't let that disallow you from trying an event format that you may deem suitable.

Do you give out prizes for competitive events?

A certificate will be given to the winning person / team, as a memento. Prizes can be a personal thing – token bottles of plonk aren’t always appropriate, other gifts may suit one but not another, cash prizes would just put the charge up. I think it’s best that groups arrange their own prizes if they want to. Manor will keep track of scores and positions so you can award as many prizes to the top positions as you like. Any prize giving processes will be after the event ends and not chargeable as part of event overrun. However, trophies will be awarded to multi-league winners.

Do you sell games?

Not as a rule, but if anything becomes available then it will be advertised on the site. Board games can be particularly expensive and when bought tend to be used only once on Christmas Day. If you are more than just a casual board games player then a Manor Games event is ideal to try a game before committing yourself to the expense of buying it. If you have particularly enjoyed a game and would like to purchase one yourself then contact me. I don't act as an agent but I’ll try to point you in the right direction of retailers. If anyone wants to copy any of the custom bult pieces of equipment then I'll be more than willing to advise.

Do you hire games?

Games are hired for the duration of an event only and at all times are accompanied by the host.

What is the function of the host?

The host (with the aid of a member(s) of the hiring group) will set up and dismantle the games equipment at the venue. If outside, then there may be ground markings to make. Any on-the-spot maintenance can be undertaken by the host e.g. a loose bagatelle pin may need knocking back in, boards may needs a repolish. During the event the host will compile and update the scores (if applicable). At friendly sessions, the host will be on hand to advise on playing techniques. The host however will not be available to explain the rules of a game - all rules are provided at the event and are available pre-event.

Do you have giant games?

No. Any advantage to be gained from changing a game’s original dimensions would be in reducing the size to make it possible to play in a smaller space. The essential factors to the Manor Games selection is that each game retains its individual characteristics and provides a variety to games play, both in its method and scoring system.

What games don’t you cover?

Just because a game is not covered is no reflection on its playability or popularity. Where a game is widespread and more freely available then it won’t be an option. As far as pub games are concerned, darts, bar football and pool are prime examples. Although even darts itself is threatened by the plague of gastro pubs, it is in the hands of the top pros to protect its continuing popularity. Other traditional games not covered – conkers, marbles, tiddley winks.

Texas Hold ’em Poker and similar flavours of the month don’t need supporting. Video and electronic games are a no-go area. Other games involving strenuous activity are also not an option. Also don’t cover dungeons and dragons, other role playing games or games involving miniatures. No war gaming or simulation gaming. No Top Trumps. No Murder Mystery Games (for now).

Where can I get detailed information and rules on games?

The links section will point you towards individual games that are covered by Manor Games. Wikipedia is a good starting point, and there is no better site on the net for traditional games than the excellent tradgames.org. At events each item of game equipment is accompanied by a set of rules.

Do I need any special physical talents do play?

All games, unless specifically stated, are of the non-strenuous variety. Activities are light activities. The throwing of balls or batons is about the most you’ll have to exert yourself.

Can I play the games from a wheelchair?

Yes. Indoor activity games are reliant on hand-eye coordination. Some are played sitting down or standing up. There may be some games like subbuteo football for instance that require the player to swiftly move around the table. The only other restrictions may be venue-based. Hopefully your chosen venue will have suitable access and toilet facilities. This is under your group’s control when you select a venue. In any case, it certainly makes it quicker and easier to assemble and disassemble equipment in a downstairs area. When a regular base is found and a league begins, wheelchair access/facilities will certainly be taken into account. But we are reliant on venues available and their policies.

If playing in a competitive event, will I be ‘timed out’ and moved on when my game has not quite finished?

The given time slots should be long enough for a practice and the set amount of turns per player in the allocated time. However some games will take a little longer than others to complete. If players waiting to start their next game slot do not distract those still finishing then the event should run quicker and smoother. The mid break should swallow up any delays resulting from any accrued stagger. Obviously toilet breaks and bar visits should be in natural breaks. If players don’t dally then there is no reason for overrunning on time.

What if we overrun the time?

An allowance of 15 minutes can be made. Anything over will be charged extra for every 30 minutes (or portions thereof) at a rate proportionate to the total event charge (based on 3 hour event duration). This charge will be invoiced after the event (see T & C). In any case, if you are providing the transport your driver will want to get on with returning equipment to base.

What if some people don’t turn up for a competitive event and leave the numbers short? Or get there late?

For team games or pairs, the team or pairing could play with reduced numbers. In the singles format this may cause complications e.g an event for 18 singles has originally been booked but only 17 turn up. The games will be set up for 17 players and the event must proceed with fixtures for 17 players. Thereafter it is unfortunate if someone turns up late. Once an event has started it cannot practically be rescheduled. As it is always the group’s choice of venue then you should be familiar with travelling requirements. No individual refunds can be given. However if you know you are going to be late and there is someone at the venue who will fill in for you until you get there or even stand in completely for you, then you can make your own arrangements with them and sort out any shared costs between yourselves. Similarly, extra players cannot practically be accommodated. If you know prior to an event of possible non-attendance or lateness then please inform your group organiser, so that they can inform Manor of any change in numbers, (even as late as the night before).

Food and drink

It would be a shame to have to withdraw a game from an event when there are people still expecting to play it. Greasy and sticky fingers can, at the worst, cause damage to equipment and, at best, make the equipment unpleasant to use. For this reason it is a stipulation that at no time and in no circumstances is food to be consumed whilst partaking in a game. Mid event breaks can be arranged when booking an event (for food or any other reason).

As far as drinks are concerned, then please do not place drinks on or near the equipment. Please use separate tables away from the games. If you want to smoke then please do so away from the equipment. No game events will be held in association with barbecues.

Animals

To avoid damage to equipment it must be stipulated that there should be no pets or other animals present during an event. On the same subject, any outdoor area used should first be clear of any offending ‘deposits’.