Several bed and breakfasts I have contacted require "half board" reservations. What does that mean? Thanks. Fred

Means that you are required to pay a higher rate, one that will include both breakfast and one other meal per day. Usually that meal is dinner, but sometimes, a lunch may be substituted.

You have to take two meals a day with them, breakfast and one other. Boots

Having breakfast and dinner at your hotel is not always a bad thing. Rarely do I eat dinner at the same restaurant twice while traveling unless I've had an outstanding meal. While staying at a small hotel in the Black Forest last year we had dinner all three nights at our hotel on half board strictly from choice because the food and atmosphere were wonderful -- saved money too. You need to decide if you'll want to eat out or not. If you want to eat out at different restaurants, this may not be the hotel for you.

Frequently the lunch/dinner option is a fixed menu, with a few courses. If you're a picky eater or don't want your choice to be limited, half board may not be a good idea. Some hotels also have excellent restaurants (ex: paradors in Spain) in which case you might be getting a really good deal.