LAN gaming, routers, and my stupidity

[PCNOOB]

I want to LAN game with my buddy: simple first person shooters. I want to do this wired because he doesn't have a wireless NIC. Do I need a router for this, or can we just connect each of our NICs together with the proper cord?

On the other hand I have a new laptop on the way, so I'll be putting together a wireless LAN in like a month.

If I need a router to LAN game can I get one that will do both wireless and wired, so I'm covered for my laptop. Because I don't want to buy a wired router now and then a wireless one in like month.

I'll be using a cable modem, and I'm ordering hardware today, so I just need to know what's up with routers, and can I accomodate my buddy and my laptop without buying two routers.

I apologize for the superflous complexity of this question.

[Alaron]

You can connect to each other via a crossover cable. Keep in mind that you won't be able to be online this way, only connected to each other.

I would recommend picking up a router. That way you can connect to each other and the Net. Wireless routers have wired ports on them as well, so you're all set with just one. I have the Linksys WRT54GL and it works great. Wireless and 4 wired ports.