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Jess Hamlet

Board, Card, and Dice Game Expert

Jess Hamlet is a board, card, and dice game expert based in Springfield, Missouri. She is the owner of Village Meeple, Springfield’s first board game cafe. The cafe charges an admission fee that grants customers access to over 420 board games while they enjoy the atmosphere. They also serve food and drink, sell board games and accessories, and host private events. They host events of their own and put on teaching sessions for various tabletop games for community members to learn. Their board game shop boasts a wide variety of products, including party games, small box games, kid-friendly games, and dice games. Village Meeple champions the growth of in-person gaming, educational encounters, and tabletop adventure in the community.

Education

  • Master of Business Administration, Southwest Baptist University
  • BS, Sports Medicine and Athletic Training, Missouri State University

Professional Achievements

  • Owner of Village Meeple Board Game Cafe
  • Featured in multiple publications, including KOLR 10 news, Springfield Newsleader, Springfield Daily Citizens, and 417 Gamer Podcast

Certifications & Organizations

  • Horizon Fellowship awardee, The Game Manufacturer's Association (GAMA)

Favorite Piece of Advice

  • There is no right or wrong board game to like. Your opinions are valid, and there’s no wrong answer to your preference!
  • Role Playing Games like Dungeons and Dragons are a wonderful way to broaden your horizons and grow as a person. One needs improv, critical thinking, teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, humor, and grace to play these games.
  • You are no less of a “gamer” because you only like silly or easy games. You don’t have to sit at a table for three-plus hours on one game before you get your Gamer Card. Play the games that make you happy, and you have your Gamer status!

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Co-authored Articles (36)

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How to

Shoot Dice

Dice games are criminally under-appreciated. Shooting dice, also known as street craps, is a slightly simplified version of traditional Casino Craps, and is a classic hustle. You can also learn to play Mexican drinking d...

How to Play Sorry the Board Game: Beginner's Guide

Sorry is a family friendly game that can be played by 2-4 players age 6 and up. The object of the game is simple: get all four of your pawns from start to home before your opponents do. But the game can get tricky becaus...

What Are Ability Score Improvements & How Do They Work in D&D 5e?

How to increase your ability scores (and when to pick a feat instead) You’re leveling up your D&D 5e character and you’re prompted with a choice: should you give them an ability score improvement or a feat? This can ...

How to Get Started in Warhammer: What to Buy and More

A guide on getting into the Warhammer 40k tabletop game What is Warhammer 40k? This competitive one-on-one tabletop game is played with miniatures, which makes it extremely unique among other games out there. Unlike ''Du...

How to

Play Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)

Forms of dice have been popular in many cultures, with cubical, 6-sided dice having been found in China around 600 B.C. Originally used for divination, dice were soon used for various games, including games of chance. Wh...

Darkness Spell for Dungeons & Dragons 5e: An Easy Guide

Explaining how magical (and nonmagical) darkness works in D&D 5e You’re playing D&D and in the middle of a battle, looking for ways to cause a little chaos on the battlefield. Could the Darkness spell help you out? In ...

Dexterity in Dungeons & Dragons 5e: All You Need to Know

Explore the many ways your Dexterity comes into play during D&D As one of the main ability scores in D&D 5e, Dexterity can be super important for many characters—but what is it, and why does it matter so much? Dexterit...

All About the Disengage Action in D&D 5e

Learn to avoid enemy fire and escape danger with Disengage It’s time to learn the ins and outs of combat in D&D 5e—so what is the Disengage action, and what can you do with it? Disengage is an action that enables you...

True Neutral (Alignment): Everything You Need to Know

A closer look at true neutral characters and what motivates them Are you wondering what a true neutral character thinks and acts like? Maybe you’re thinking of playing a true neutral ''Dungeons & Dragons'' character, ...

The Ultimate Guide to the Changeling Race in D&D 5e

Create a shapeshifter to play in your next tabletop adventureChangelings are a playable D&D race that can change their appearance, offering a range of possibilities for roleplay. Changelings can be amazing spies or crimi...

Spiritual Weapon in D&D 5e: Everything You Need to Know

Vanquish enemies by turning divine energy into a powerful weapon If you’re looking for a quick way to boost your cleric character’s damage output in D&D, look no further: Spiritual Weapon might be the spell you need....

How to Build A Powerful Twilight Cleric in D&D 5e: Features & Tips

Every ability Twilight domain clerics recieve & how to use them Are you trying to decide on your new cleric character’s subclass and wondering if the Twilight domain is worth exploring? We’ll show you everything you...

D&D Race/Species Quiz

Are you a massive fan of ''Dungeons & Dragons''—or its video game relative, ''Baldur’s Gate 3''? If so, this is the quiz for you. ''D&D'' has many playable bloodlines and species, from ethereal elves and fairies to ...

Everything You Need to Know About D&D 5e's Guidance Cantrip

Learn how to wield this effective support spell in D&D 5e When you need a quick fix to boost one of your player character’s ability checks in Dungeons and Dragons 5e, Guidance can be your best friend! It’s a simple c...

The Sentinel Feat in D&D 5e: Everything You Need to Know

A detailed look at how to use and optimize the Sentinel feat Trying to find out if D&D 5e’s Sentinel feat is a good choice for your character? We can help! Sentinel is a feat that can boost a character’s responsivene...

How To Use the Sleep Spell In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition

Make the most of the Sleep spell in battle with our helpful guide The idea of putting your enemies to sleep with a wave of your hands is definitely cool—but how does the Sleep spell in D&D 5e actually work? Sleep is a ...

How to Build a Divine Soul Sorcerer in D&D 5e: Class Features & More

Everything you need to make your divine sorcerer a force of nature Are you wondering if the Divine Soul subclass is worth playing—and how, exactly, you can build a Divine Soul character? Look no further! We’ve compil...

How Powerful is War Caster in Dungeons & Dragons 5e?

Everything players need to know about this vital feat You’re trying to pick a new feat for your player character in D&D and considering War Caster—but how can you tell if it’s the right choice for your character b...

Casting Counterspell in D&D 5e: Everything You Need to Know

Block out your enemy’s magic with this powerful arcane spell You’re in the middle of a D&D battle with swords clashing and arrows flying, when the enemy archmage suddenly starts casting a powerful spell. How can you ...
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