51����

After the paper on Tolstoy has been turned in and the research notes on reverse micelles have been typed up, some students just want to use a different part of their brain for a different purpose for awhile.

So they strategize and ponder world domination by playing Risk or Axis & Allies, or release their inner Flea by plugging in to Rock Band or Guitar Hero.

A campus group called Game’s Afoot fosters those moments by staging monthly game nights at the O’Connor Campus Center, which each draw about 70 students.

The group originated last year when Benjamin Ashwell ’10 wanted gaming enthusiasts to have the chance to meet and mingle and do what they like to do: play games, any kind of games, from board and card games like Stratego, Taboo and Magic Cards to video games like Super Smash Bros. and Halo.

“There are a lot of gamers here, but there wasn’t really a place to gather,” he said. “I decided I wanted to change that, and it’s been great because we keep seeing new people each time we meet.”

Students take part in Guitarmaggedon, a fun event held at the Coop involving the video game Rock Band. It was sponsored by Game’s Afoot and the 51���� Activities Board.

Ashwell worked with the Student Government Association to become an officially recognized group. And just recently, he worked closely with Alex Levine ’09, of the 51���� Activities Board, on an event called Guitarmaggedon.

The event drew about 25 participants and an equal number of “groupies” who came to watch the teams play the video game Rock Band. Participants play bass guitar, electric guitar, drums, and vocals and their adeptness at following notes of a song is rated.

Cash prizes provided by CAB helped make for a fun night, and Ashwell is already working on a follow-up.

Ashwell, from Bethesda, Md., said he particularly enjoys strategy games. A chemistry major, he plays chamber music and also is a member of the Debate Club. He has participated in debate competitions in Toronto, Claremont, Calif., and Queens University in Kingston, Ontario.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said, adding that the Debate Club hopes to host the next national championships at 51����.