Jess Hamlet
Board, Card, and Dice Game Expert
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!
wikiHow's Editorial ProcesswikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (33)
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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, ...
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...
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 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...
How to Use Thieves’ Tools in DnD 5th Edition
Stay one step ahead of your target with this essential toolkitThieves’ tools are one of the most useful sets of tools in Dungeons & Dragons. Not only do they allow you to disarm traps and open locked doors and chests, ...
How to Use the Spell Silvery Barbs in DnD 5th Edition
Learn all about one of D&D's most controversial spells''Silvery barbs'' is a level 1 enchantment that comes from the ''Magic: The Gathering'' sourcebook, ''Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos''. Although some believe this ...
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 ...
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 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...
All You Need to Know about the Entertainer Background in DnD 5E
Delight audiences and earn your keep as the EntertainerThe entertainer is a popular background that’s included in the D&D Player’s Handbook. Your character’s background reveals where they came from, how they became...
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...
What Does Neutral Good Mean in D&D and Pop Culture?
Detailing the traits and values of neutral good charactersYou may be a beginner to the role-play fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons, or maybe you just saw a meme designating your favorite sitcom character as “neutra...
