Celebrating Two Years of Daily Posts: Don’t Yuck Others’ Yums

You can always tell it’s a milestone post when I trot out the old, original banner… NoRerolls has been on the go since 2016 with a couple of different schedules over that time. Often we had no schedule, really. In 2022 I decided to really go for it and try to post every day. Two years later, it’s going pretty well!

To celebrate this, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over this journey: “Don’t yuck others’ yums.” It’s a phrase that I’m sure is common, though I had not heard it until a recent episode of the Politics Joe podcast. It stuck with me, and the more I think about it, the more I realise how central it is to the culture of gaming; and to life, really.

For those who might be unfamiliar, “Don’t yuck others’ yums” simply means not to criticise or belittle the things that others enjoy. In the world of tabletop gaming, where passions run deep and preferences are diverse, this saying is a reminder of the importance of respect and inclusivity.

Gaming Is a Spectrum of Fun

One of the most beautiful aspects of tabletop gaming is its incredible variety. There are games for every type of player—whether you love complex strategy, immersive role-playing, lighthearted party games, or anything in between. No two players or groups are exactly the same, and the games we gravitate toward often reflect our personalities and preferences.

However, with such diversity comes the potential for clashes. Maybe you’re a hardcore strategy player who prefers gritty realism in your campaigns, while someone else loves whimsical, story-driven adventures. It can be easy to dismiss what doesn’t align with your taste. But in doing so, you risk not only invalidating someone else’s fun but also missing out on new experiences.

“Don’t yuck others’ yums” encourages us to embrace the differences. It reminds us that what may not be our cup of tea might be the highlight of someone else’s week. That’s the beauty of the hobby; there’s room for everyone, and everyone deserves to have their fun celebrated, not criticised.

Building a Stronger Community

Tabletop gaming is, at its core, a community-driven experience. Whether we’re gathered around a board, rolling dice, or exploring a dungeon in our imaginations, the bonds we form with our fellow players are just as important as the game itself.

When we respect others’ preferences, we create an environment where people feel safe to express themselves, try new things, and share what they love without fear of judgment. And when we foster that kind of positivity, we build a stronger, more inclusive gaming community.

I’ve seen firsthand how this principle can transform a gaming group. Early in my blogging journey, I used to take a more critical approach when reviewing games or recounting sessions. But over time, I noticed that the most meaningful conversations weren’t the ones where I picked apart someone’s favorite game; they were the ones where I shared what I appreciated and invited others to do the same. It opened the door for discussions that celebrated the richness of the gaming world and helped me grow both as a player and as a writer.

Opening the Door to New Experiences

There’s also a personal benefit to not “yucking” others’ yums; you give yourself the chance to experience something new. When we approach games with an open mind, even those outside our usual preferences, we can discover new genres, mechanics, or styles that we might never have considered.

Some of my favorite gaming memories come from times I stepped outside of my comfort zone. I’ve learned to appreciate the quirky creativity of indie games, the chaotic fun of party games, and the intricate storytelling of games I might have once dismissed as “not for me.” Hell, I was dead against Magic for so long. Look at me, now!

By embracing others’ yums, we expand our horizons and make room for growth, both as gamers and as people. After all, the magic of tabletop gaming is that it’s always evolving, always offering something new to discover.

Two Years of Consistency

As I reflect on two years of writing about tabletop gaming every day, I’m incredibly grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way. The phrase “Don’t yuck others’ yums” has become a guiding principle, not just in my approach to gaming, but in how I interact with others, how I write, and how I view the world. Do I follow it consistently? No, but I need to I’ve got a bad habit of digging at 40K and 40K players, for example. That needs to stop. 40K is great! I mean, obviously Age of Sigmar is better, but that doesn’t invalidate or devalue 40K.

Tabletop gaming is about shared experiences. It’s about coming together, learning from each other, and finding joy in the diversity of play. So whether you’re rolling dice, drawing cards, or crafting epic narratives with your friends, let’s continue to celebrate what makes this hobby so special. Let’s keep lifting each other up, exploring new possibilities, and – above all – let’s not yuck anyone’s yums.

Here’s to many more years of gaming, blogging, and embracing the wide world of tabletop in all its glory!