Kostas Game Blog

6Nimmt!

2009-08-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Basics
There are 104 cards numbered from 1 to 104. Every card has at least 1 small flag on it, which will score against you. The deck is shuffled and players are dealt 10 cards each. 4 more are dealt up on the table to form the start of 4 rows.
When each player has chosen a card from their hand, these are revealed and put on the ends of the rows according to simple rules.

As the rows get longer, a row with 5 cards in it is full. If your card is to be the 6th, you pick up the 5 cards in the row, and your 6th card goes to the front to restart the row. The cards you pick up do not go into your hand, but sit in front of you to score against you at the end of the round. Play rounds until someone hits 74 (the minimum speed of a hurricane) and the lowest score wins.

The game plays from 2 to 10 players and the dynamics change the more you have. Whilst luck of the draw has effect, there are some tactics you can apply and timing your choice makes a difference.

As a slight rule difference between 6 Nimmt! and Category 5, 6 Nimmt! ends when one player has a score greater than 66, and Category 5 ends when one player has a score greater than 74.

The new version is called Slide 5.

How to Play

Where to Play Online

Onlinebrettspiele (Against three computer opponents) http://www.onlinebrettspiele.de/old/6nimmt! or http://www.onlinebrettspiele.de/6nimmt/Default.asp?l=en
BrettspielWelt (real-time) http://www.brettspielwelt.de/

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Not needed

Game Hints

Good Thread on the Geek: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/5666
My Recommended Tips: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/143022

Views

Opinion: I enjoyed this game as a filler.
Online: Works fine online, and a great way to learn the game.
Work: Real quick play time, could be played multiple times after lunch.
Home: A good family game, probably a good math game for little kids.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-10 players, best with 4-8 (others say 4-10).
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy has played this, and thinks its very easy (and random).
Re-playability: It doesn't see table action, except as a filler.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just shuffle the cards and deal
Real Life Time/Length: 30 minutes (less if you play online, or with fewer rounds).
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/432

Pico 2

2009-08-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Basics
Description: The game is composed of 11 cards. These are numbered 4 through 13 plus 16 and each also bears a number of "pips". (From one on the 4 card to four on the 16 card.) A round is played as follows: each player is dealt 5 cards with the eleventh card discarded face-up. (Note that this means that you know exactly what cards your opponent holds.) Each turn both you and your opponent secretly select one of their respective cards and reveal them simultaneously. The higher card wins and that player sets that card aside scoring the number of pips on it. The loser retains his/her played card. However, if the higher card is more than twice the lower card then it's the lower card that is placed aside and scored. So the 13 will beat the 10 but lose to the 6. Play continues until one player is left with but a single card. Points are then scored and, here's the clever bit, players swap hands and do it again. This ensures that each game is exactly fair as both players will have equal opportunity to play a strong/weak hand. After these two rounds the points are totaled and a winner declared. There are, at most, fourteen card plays in a game and so the game is usually over in two or three minutes.

How to Play

Where to Play Online

http://www.jijbent.nl
http://doris-frank.de/PlayPico.html (in English)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Not Needed

Game Hints

Not Needed: Plays like your a mind reader

Views

Opinion: I enjoyed this game.
Online: Works fine online.
Work: Very quick filler for lunch time.
Home: Could be a good family game.

Other Info

Plays best with: Its a two player game, but works fine online against AI.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy liked it as a filler.
Re-playability: It doesn't see table action, but does see online action.
Real Life Setup: A few seconds of card shuffling.
Real Life Time/Length: 5 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/606

Red November

2009-08-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: Red November is a cooperative game in a gnomish attack submarine where everything is going wrong. The sub is descending and the water pressure increasing, the nuclear reactor is overheating, the nuclear missile launchers are pre-igniting, fires and water leaks are everywhere, there's a giant Kraken looming nearby and there’s very little oxygen and vodka left. While the storyline feels more and more like a disaster movie, the players must get organized to solve the problems, divide the tasks among themselves to minimize the risks, and sometimes accept to sacrifice themselves for the common cause.

The game is played on the map of the submarine. The conditions in the submarine are represented by three disaster tracks: Asphyxiation, Heat and Pressure. During the game, these conditions get worse, and if anyone of them reaches its maximum value, the submarine is lost. In addition, various emergencies can occur which have to be dealt with swiftly, or they'll also lead to the loss of the submarine.

Each turn, a player can move to a new location, and perform some action there. Such an action can be repairs (which will improve conditions on the sub and/or fix emergencies), removing obstacles (unblocking hatches, removing flooding or extinguishing fires) or stocking up on equipment (which will help with later actions). Each action is paid for with time. The more time a player spends on an action, the greater the chance of success. After each player's turn, a number of events will happen; the more time was spent, the more events will occur. Such events will be the worsening of conditions in the submarine, or the triggering of emergencies.

If the Gnomes can keep alive long enough, rescue will arrive and the game is won.

How to Play

Video: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/362466
Web Page: http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=201
Official Rulebook: http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_minisite_sec.asp?eidm=36&esem=4

Where to Play

Board Game Geek: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/38887 (download a java version, with a doc on how to play)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Teaching Aide: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/37539
One Pager: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/41311
FAQ: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/37553
Player Aid: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/36967

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Have not played it enough to give you any.
My Tips: Have not played it enough to give you any.

Views

Opinion: I enjoyed this game the first time I played it at Unity Games. It is an easy game to learn (either through Mark or via the YouTube videos). It is a cooperative game, so I would recommend playing this with folks you like. I can teach it and go over it at lunch time or at the house.
Online: Works fine on the PC, more of a teaching tool (IMHO).
Work: Will be long for lunch.
Home: Great game for the family.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-8 players, best with 4 or 5 (IMHO).
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn, might take a round or two to grasp.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: If your into short Co-op games, this would fit the bill.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, of sorting cards and tiles. Putting it back in the box is the real issue.
Real Life Time/Length: 50-60 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/36946

Pass the Pigs

2009-07-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Basics
This very portable beer & pretzels game comes as a pocket travel case containing 2 pig dice, two pencils and a scoring booklet that also includes the scoring table. The pigs are actual pig miniatures, with a dot on their right flanks.

The object is to be the first to score 100 points using "pigs" as dice. On your turn, you throw the pigs and hope they end up in a scoring position such as a "snouter", "trotter" or "leaning jowler" (ranging in value from 1 to 60 points); if they do, you decide whether to "cash" the points (pass the pigs to the next player) or to roll again. If you roll a non-scorer ("pig out" --one pig on the right flank, the other on the left flank; a fairly frequent result), you lose any as-yet-uncashed points. If you throw an "oinker" (both pigs touch each other), you lose your entire accumulated score. If you throw a "piggyback" (one pig on top of the other), you're altogether eliminated!

The variant Hog Call rules allow the other players to risk predicting the outcome of the throw; if predicted successfully, the hog caller earns twice the value of the position *and* deducts that same amount from the roller's score!

How to Play

Font Face (Rules)
Hasbro (Official Rulebook)
THQ Wireless (Online Rules/Demo)

Where to Play

Font Face: http://www.fontface.com/games/pigs/ (Java) Free
THQ Wireless (also on IPhone) http://us.thqwireless.com/content.html?id=4272 (DEMO)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid Not Needed

Game Hints

My Tip: Roll 3 or try to get 20 points before stopping for the round (aka play it safe at first).

Views

Opinion: I enjoyed this game alot. Very simple dice rolling game.
Online: Works fine online, or on a phone. Great way to spend some time when your travelling and don't feel like reading.
Work: Short. quick and fun!
Home: Very good game, just watch the small pieces. Every home should have this.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-10 players, best with any, but I like 2 - 4.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy loves it
Re-playability: It does see table, online and IPhone action.
Real Life Setup: Seconds, just take the piece out of the case, make sure to have a pencil.
Real Life Time: Depends on how many are playing. Usually less than 20 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/2593

Metro

2009-07-26T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics: Similar to Streetcar, Tsuro and Spaghetti Junction, this game has players putting square tiles onto the board to form rail lines. The major difference in this game, however, is that players are not striving to make short, direct routes like those sought in Streetcar. Instead, the object of the game is to make the rail lines as long as possible. Players start with a number of trains ringing the board. Whenever a tile placement connects a train to a station (either on the edge or the center of the board), that train is removed and the player scores one point for each tile that the route crosses, which can cause one tile to score multiple times if the track loops around. However, players score double for city connections, which are the stations in the center of the board.

How to Play

* Blue Ring: http://www.bluering.nl /sieuwert/games/metro/index.html (Rules)
* Queen Games: Rulebook (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

BlueRing.NL : http://www.bluering.nl/sieuwert/games/metro/index.html (Free)
BlueRing.NL : http://www.bluering.nl/sieuwert/games/metro/metro.zip (Download)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

* None, its very simple. Just read and play the online game. It is just a tile placement game, where you want to reach the center of the board and screw your buddies if possible.

Game Hints

* Good Review on the Geek: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/191357
* My Tips: Just play solo until you get it.

Views

* Opinion: I enjoyed this game, I just dont play it enough.
* Online: Works fine online.
* Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
* Home: Should be a good family game.

Other Info

* Plays best with: Works fine with 2-6 players, best with 3 (imho, but 2-6 is fine).
* Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn.
* Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet, but she has played Tsuro which is similar and she liked that one (after her first game).
* Re-playability: It doesn't see table action, but Tsuro does.
* Real Life Setup: A minute, just pull out the board place tiles (place in bag).
* Real Life Time: 45 minutes.
* Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/559

Fluxx

2009-07-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: A card game where the cards themselves determine the current rules of the game. By playing cards, you change numerous aspects of the game: how to draw cards, how to play cards, and even how to win.

I recommend using the YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcR0nSmoUsw and the Wunderland site http://www.wunderland.com/LooneyLabs/Fluxx/HowToPlay.html to understand the game (outside of asking me).

How to Play Wunderland

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcR0nSmoUsw (Video)
Wunderland: http://www.wunderland.com/LooneyLabs/Fluxx/HowToPlay.html (Online Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Volity.Net: http://volity.net/index.html

Cheat Sheets

1 Page how to on the Geek: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/1916
Wunderland: http://www.wunderland.com/LooneyLabs/Fluxx/HowToPlay.html

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: http://www.wunderland.com/LooneyLabs/Fluxx/HowToPlay.html
My Tips: Just play, I don't feel there is much strategy here, the game constantly changes.

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game only face to face. It is an easy game to learn. I can teach it and go over it at lunch time, at the house.
Online: Works fine online, but you don't get the same feel as face to face.
Work: Would easily fit after lunch.
Home: Easy and fun game for a family and friends.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works with 2-6 players, best with 4-5.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, at the most just watch the YouTube video.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: Very infrequent it does not see table or online action.
Real Life Setup: Seconds, just shuffle the cards.
Real Life Time/Length: 15-20 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/258
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/36345

Cosmic Encounter

2009-07-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Basics
Description: In Cosmic Encounter, each player is the leader of an alien race. The object of the game is to establish colonies in other players' planetary systems. Players take turns trying to establish colonies. The winner(s) are the first player(s) to have five colonies on any planets outside his or her home system. A player does not need to have colonies in all of the systems, just colonies on five planets outside his or her home system. These colonies may all be in one system or scattered over multiple systems. The players must use force, cunning, and diplomacy to ensure their victory.

How to Play

Board Games with Scott (Video for the Board Game)
Cosmic Encounter.com (Flash for the Online Version)
Fantasy Flight Games (Latest Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Cosmic Encounter.Com (Free for some races, pay for lots of races) - Uses older rules.

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

RangerRob's Quick Reference Guide (from the Geek)
Universal Head COSMIC ENCOUNTER Rules Reference (from the Geek)
Aliens At A Glance (from the Geek)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Make Allies with at least one other player, and pick on the weakest player/link. Then stick it to everyone for the win.
My Tips: Just play the game and don't take it seriously if you get screwed by friends.

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game. Until Dave brought over the new version for a game day, I forgot how fun it was.
Online: Works fine online, might be better for new players.
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play. Online play during lunch would be ideal.
Home: Great game for the family, but you would want the kids to be teenagers.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-5 players, best with 5 (IMHO), 4 is fine online.
Gateway Suitability: I would say yes on learning how to play. Now knowing what to do to win is another matter.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy likes the bits, but hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: If your into it, then it is frequent. Online version is pretty good.
Real Life Setup: Five plus minutes, sort pieces, stack some stuff and read up on your race(s).
Real Life Time/Length: 60 Minutes (minimum).
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39463 (new Version)
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/15 (older Version)
Foot Note: I own the FFG and the AH versions, unfortunately I don't own the Mayfair version any longer.

Agricola

2009-07-12T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
Description: In Agricola, you're a farmer in a wooden shack with your spouse and little else. On a turn, you get to take only two actions, one for you and one for the spouse, from all the possibilities you'll find on a farm: collecting clay, wood, or stone; building fences; and so on. You might think about having kids in order to get more work accomplished, but first you need to expand your house. And what are you going to feed all the little rugrats?

The rules include a beginner's version and an advanced version.

Agricola is a turn-based game. There are 14 game turns plus 6 harvest phases (after turn 4, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 14).

Each player starts with two playing tokens (farmer and wife) and thus can take two actions per turn. There are multiple options, and while the game progresses, you'll have more and more: first thing in a turn, a new action card is flipped over.

Problem: Each action can be taken just once per turn, so it's important to do some things with high preference.

Each player also starts with a hand of 7 job cards (of more than 160 total) and 7 item cards (of more than 140 total) that he/she may use during the game if they fit in his/her strategy. Speaking of: there are countless strategies, some depending on your card hand. Sometimes it's a good choice to stay on course and sometimes it is better to react to your opponents actions

How to Play

Board Games with Scott (Video)
ZMan Games (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Banach Real Time Play
Geek Solo Play (solo only download) with a how to at http://www.boardgamegeek.com/article/2002531#2002531

Helpful Sheets

Extras from Lookout Games
Compendium on the Geek

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/239735
My Tips: I'm not that good, you don't want tips from me.

Views

Opinion: Haven't played it enough to give a detailed opinion. So far, I do like it a lot. Solo play is fun, Real time play takes a few tries (for me) to get it down. So far though playing it has been rewarding.
Online: Works fine online, but would recommend face to face or solo play first.
Work: Would be to long, maybe the real time version could work.
Home: Haven't played versus wife yet.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-6 players (or 1).
Gateway Suitability: I would say no.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet..
Re-playability: It does see solo action.
Real Life Setup: Can take 5 minutes if things aren't sorted correctly.
Real Life Time/Length: Two hours, maybe an hour if we are real quick about it.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/31260

Lexio

2009-07-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

The Basics
Description: Lexio is a game based on the traditional Chinese game system of "Zhengshangyou", the climbing game, and is virtually the same game as Big Two (also known as Chinese Poker). There are many other card games based on the same mechanism (The Great Dalmuti, Gang of Four, Tichu, etc.), but Lexio uses tiles similar to those in Mah Jong instead of cards, and they are of excellent construction. In accordance with Chinese tradition, the number "2" is the strongest number. The suits are named after the sun, the moon, the stars and the wind.

How to Play: I would recommend coming and asking me. Then again the Marquand site is easy to learn from. If you ever played Tichu, Big Two you dont need a real explanations.

Where to Play Online

http://www.marquand.net/index.php?topic=lexio

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/filepage/25018

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: None, I don't want you to beat me.
My Tips: Play it often

Views

Opinion: I love Lexio (and Big Two). It is an easy game to learn and becomes very addictive. I can teach it and go over it at lunch time, at the house or online.
Online: Works great online
Work: Very easy to play at lunch time.
Home: Great game for the family or a couple.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 5, but 2-4 is ok as well. But 2 player I would rather play Big Two.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take a round to grasp.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy likes this.
Re-playability: Very high, more so if folks like Poker (or nice tiles).
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just placing take the tiles out of the box and hand out some chips.
Real Life Time/Length: Depends on how many rounds you choose. It can take 20 minutes, it could take more.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/19184

Crokinole

2008-09-03T11:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: This game is like shuffleboard in the round. Players take turns flicking disks on a board, trying to score points by attaining central regions. The main stipulation being that contact with the other teams' pieces must be made in order for the disk to remain on the board afterwards. Although the game uses quite a bit of skill to flick the disks, there's a very significant strategy element to the game. There are many different variants and rules, as this game is very old and has had many different incarnations over the years.

Unlike other posts, this is just a link to the rules on the geek and on crokinole.com

Fist of Dragonstones

2008-08-31T00:00:00.004-04:00

The Basics
Description: Fist of Dragonstones is a closed-fist, bidding game. Players try to outwit their opponents by using gold and magic coins to buy control of an ever-changing cast of enchanted character cards. Those characters' powers collect valuable Dragonstones; lend their magical powers; help foil other players, and convert Dragonstones into victory.

For each character card, players choose the number of coins they want to bid by placing them in a closed fist. All players reveal their bets at the same time with the winner of the auction then gaining control of the card's powers. Depending on the card they may: win additional coins or Dragonstones; place spells on other players; or win scoring points.

How to Play

Days of Wonder (Official Video, and Rules)
Days of Wonder (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Days of Wonder (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Good Review/Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I enjoyed this game.
Online: Works fine online.
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Could be a good family game.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-6 players, best with 3 (others say 3-5).
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet..
Re-playability: It doesn't see table action.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just sorting out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4471

Queen's Necklace

2008-08-30T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
Description: Queen's Necklace is a game of gem-selling, influence, and intrigue at the Court. Two to four players compete in the role of Royal Jeweler to sell rare jewels to the Queen and her court.

Jeweler's loop in hand, you must decide how best to spend your hard-earned ducats: on the acquisition of beautiful gems (diamonds, emeralds, and rubies); or to buy the favors of the various court followers. After three years of craftsmanship, the jeweler who sells the most precious gems and builds the largest fortune will receive the coveted title of King's Jeweler and a place at the Court!

Set in Paris, on the eve of the French Revolution

From the slums, where purse-snatchers and courtesans work their respective trades, to the inner salons of the Louvre, where confessors, royal astrologers, musketeers, and court favorites mingle and scheme in hushed conversations. The position of King's Jeweler has suddenly become a lot more dangerous!

How to Play

Days of Wonder (Official Video, Rules, Score sheet)

Where to Play Online

Days of Wonder (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (None)

Game Hints (None)

Basic Strategy:
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I own it, I've tried it and I like it, but no real opinion on it yet.
Online: Works fine online and easy to learn with tutorials
Work: Could be played in an hour during lunch time play.
Home: Should be a good game for the family.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 3.
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn, might take two games to grasp.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: Infrequent it doesn't see table or online action.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just sorting out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/6068

Gang of Four

2008-08-29T00:00:00.006-04:00

The Basics
Description: Gang of Four™ is an exciting game of Cunning, Strategy and Power. The game's premise is simple - be the first to rid yourself of all your cards and ascend to supreme power. But beware - a strategic misstep may find you in a struggle to survive.

History
The term, Gang of Four, was first used to describe four powerful radicals in Communist China that rose to power during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) and dominated Chinese politics during the early 1970s. Led by Jiang Qing, a former actress and the power-hungry wife of Chairman Mao, the Gang of Four dominated political, economic and cultural life in China for years. One month after Mao's death, they were arrested and jailed, thus ending China's slide into radicalism.

The Gang of Four card game was first conceived during the upheaval of the Cultural Revolution. The game's inventor, Lee Yih, wanted to convey the mystery, intrigue and intense struggle for power that embodied not only China's recent political history - but also its past.
Like the political Gang of Four, the game embodies a never-ending battle for supremacy - where the weak perish and the strong dominate. Good players, like good politicians, must show cunning, flexibility and ruthlessness.

What's in the box?
Gang of Four features a special 64-card deck, illustrated using a traditional Chinese theme, plus 2 rules summary cards to make learning and playing the game easier, a full-color rules booklet, score pad and a Days of Wonder Web-Card, providing you with access to Gang of Four Online at www.gangoffour.com

Gameplay
All the cards are dealt to the players. The player who was dealt the multi-colored "1" card starts the hand and must use this card on the first play. The players proceed taking turns clockwise and then counterclockwise on subsequent hands. On one's turn a player must play the same number of cards but a higher ranked set than the player previous player. A player may play more cards if those cards are four or more of a kind. A round continues until all players pass because they can not or choose not to play cards. All cards played are discarded and the winner of the previous round leads. The hand continues until one player has used all the cards in one's hand. The other players are penalized points on an escalating scale according to the number of cards in their hands. The game is over when one player has scored one hundred and the player with the lowest score wins.

How to Play

Days of Wonder (Official Video)
Days of Wonder (Official Rulebook)
Board Game Geek (Audio Rules)

Where to Play Online

Days of Wonder (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Score Pad (Downloads a Pdf)
Helper Guide (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game.
Online: Works fine online.
Work: Should be fine for lunch time play.
Home: Good game for the family or a couple.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-4 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take two games to grasp fully.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet..
Re-playability: Infrequent it does see table and online action.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes to shuffle cards.
Real Life Time/Length: 30 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/3085

Wallenstein

2008-08-24T00:00:00.004-04:00

The Basics
Description: Historically, Albrecht von Wallenstein, duke of Friedland and Mecklenburg was one of the most important mercenary commanders of the Imperial army during the Thirty Years' War (1618-48). His overweening ambition was to head a large central European empire which got him dismissed in 1630. Such was his power, however, that the empire was forced to reinstate him when Sweden came into the fray. He recovered Bohemia, but was defeated by Gustavus Adolphus at Lützen, and was again dismissed. His subsequent intrigues with Protestant forces alarmed the Catholic princes who were probably complicit in his assassination in 1634 by Irish mercenaries at Eger, Bohemia.

The game begins with the start of the war, each player controlling several countries. Player actions include the conquest of new countries, tax collection, erection of buildings (i.e. development of the economy), feeding the populace, victualing the army, etc. Some actions increase the chance for unrest and expensive rebellions can occur. The strongest power at the end wins.

Employs the cube tower included in the publisher's previous game, Im Zeichen des Kreuzes. Republished in late 2006 as Shogun with changes to theme and some rules changes.

How to Play

Spiel by Web (Web Guide)
The Geek (Power Point)
The Geek (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Spiel by Web (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Cards (Downloads a Word doc)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game. It is an easy game to learn. I can teach it and go over it at lunch time, at the house or online.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Great game for the family or a couple.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-5 players, best with 5.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take two games to grasp.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet..
Re-playability: Very frequent it does see table and online action.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just placing tiles in the bag, and handing out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 120-150 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/3307

Tikal

2008-08-22T00:00:00.004-04:00

The Basics
Description: Tikal is a game of exploration within the Central American jungles in search of lost temples and the treasures within. Players send their team of explorers into the jungle, exposing more and more of the terrain. Along the way you find temples which require further uncovering and treasures. Players attempt to score points for occupying temples and holding onto treasure.

Tikal is the first game of the Mask Trilogy.

How to Play

Spiel by Web (Web Guide)
Rio Grande Games (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Spiel by Web (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon, but mini version is fun. Link to it on the Geek

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game. Forgot it was a fun game, need a few more plays for a final opinion.
Online: Works fine online, if not better online.
Work: To for lunch time play, but more than fine with online play.
Home: Solid, but not a great game for the family or a couple.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Not a gateway game, might take a few games to grasp.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: It does not see table action with me.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just sorting tiles.
Real Life Time/Length: 120 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/54

Catan The Dice Game

2008-08-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Like all the other games of the "Settlers of Catan" series, this game is about building settlements, roads, cities and hiring knights. This time, there is no board on which to place little figures: Every player has his own score card called the building sheet, which depicts a mini Catan (compare with Die Siedler von Catan: Paper & Pencil). You build by drawing the settlements and roads on your score card.

To build you still require resources. These are collected by a Yahtzee-like mechanism that involves throwing six special dice (depicting the different resource symbols) up to three times. After each roll, the player can select which dice to keep and which to roll again. In the end, he may build using the thusly determined resources, and is awarded victory points for any finished buildings, which are recorded on the score card.

The game lasts fifteen turns or about 15-30 minutes, after which the player with the most victory points wins.

Note that the game has been designed for 1-4 players, meaning there is a solitaire version of the game, as well.

How to Play

Play Catan (Official Guide)
Geek (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Play Catan (Free - Registration Required)
Geek (Free - PC Version)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Mat (Downloads a Pdf)
Player Mat (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: It plays like Yahtzee
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: A solid dice game, solitaire play is preferred, but two players is fine.
Online: Works fine online (I prefer the Geek PC version)
Work: Very easy can be 3-4 games at lunch time.
Home: Great game for the family, couple or solo.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 1-4 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn, and teach. A great gateway game, could even be used to push Catan games afterwards.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy likes this.
Re-playability: Frequent it does see table and online action.
Real Life Setup: None, just start rolling the dice.
Real Life Time/Length: 15 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/27710

Titan: The Arena

2008-08-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: In Colossal Arena there are a group of eight creatures that are fighting. Each round, one of the creatures will die. To decide which unlucky sod will be the victim, players put numbered power cards in front of the creatures, with the lowest one going the way of the dodo. But what makes this game interesting at all is that players can make five bets throughout the game which will sometimes allow them to use a creature's special power and gives the game a method of scoring at the end.

Titan: The Arena is actually a reworking of a Reiner Knizia game called Grand National Derby, but Avalon Hill's remake was quite significant from a game play standpoint.

The Titan: The Arena printing is often confused with its namesake, Titan. But other than the fact that they both use fantasy creatures as a general theme, there's very little similar between the two.

How to Play

Board Game Geek (Audio Rules)
Ludoholic (Web Guide)
Fantasy Flight Games (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Ludoholic (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Teaching Aid (Downloads a Doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game. Easy to grasp and play.
Online: Works fine online, haven't played it enough online though.
Work: Should be fine for lunch time play.
Home: Great game for the family or a couple. Theme might be to much.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-5 players, best with 3.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, could be a second tier gateway.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet..
Re-playability: For me it is infrequent.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting cards, but I do have them sleeved.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/105

Capitol

2008-08-15T00:00:00.005-04:00

The Basics
Description: This wonderful game by Alan R. Moon and Aaron Weissblum is a mix of territory acquisition, resource management and even a little auctioning thrown in for good measure. Subtitled "Architects of the Eternal City", compete in old Rome for the most spectacular buildings and dominance in the Roman prefectures. Whomever uses the 90 blocks and 40 roofs best will win.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Ludoholic (Web Guide)
CCG Workshop (Web Guide)

Where to Play Online

Luodoholic (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Quick Ref

Game Hints

Basic Info: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: I have played this a few times, no tips to share.

Views

Opinion: After a few plays, I do enjoy this game.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Not sure on this yet

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 3.
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn, might take a few games to grasp.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: Infrequent for me.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes.
Real Life Time/Length: 60 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1155

Clans

2008-08-10T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
Description: The game is set in late prehistory, a time of transition – when our distant ancestors, who had struggled and barely survived for ages in very small nomadic groups, began to feel that their lives would be more secure and less arduous if they formed larger groups. This led to the formation of the first villages.

How to Play

Cycloop Spellen (Web Guide)
Marquand (Web Guide)
Gravon (Web Guide)
Rio Grande Games (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Cycloop Spellen (Free - Registration Required)
Marquand (Free - NO Registration Required)
Gravon (Free - Registration Required)
Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I enjoyed this game when it came out. Since then I haven't played it much.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Should be for lunch time play.
Home: Great game for the family, easy rules and not that hard to grasp.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with not sure, works fine with any number of players.
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn, might take two games to grasp. Not a gateway game in my opinion.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: For me not that high.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, sorting and handing out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 30 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4636

Tycoon

2008-08-09T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
Description: This Wolfgang Kramer offering is widely overlooked because it came out on the heels of his other very successful game, El Grande. In this game, players are businessmen traveling around the world, doing what businessmen do: making money. In this case, business is defined as opening hotels and factories in major cities, like Sydney, Cairo, and New York. Hotels in a given city earn money for the player with the most hotels on the city, as well as having second most. As the number of hotels on a particular city increases, however, the payout can ultimately decrease and older hotels become inactive until they are refurbished.

This version is not for sale, you will need to purchase El Capitán

How to Play

Hilinksi (Web Guide)
Geek (Doc Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Hilinski (Free - NO Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Word Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Coming Soon
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I have only enjoyed this game online. Cant wait to try it out in El Captain.
Online: Works great online
Work: Not sure if it will work for lunch time in person, but will online.
Home: Not sure yet.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Not a gateway, but a very solid game if not great.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: Very frequently it see online action.
Real Life Setup: Not sure, only played online version.
Real Life Time/Length: 90 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/267

Amun-Re

2008-08-08T00:00:00.004-04:00

The Basics
Description: Everyone knows of the pyramids on the Nile - eternal monuments of a powerful and beautiful culture, that can still take our breath away. The pharaohs choose their sites, build their pyramids, and thank Amun Re and the other Gods for their bounty.

Each player wants, as pharaoh, to build the most pyramids. To accomplish this, he must first acquire a province, where he can trade and farm. With his profits, he can buy new provinces and building stones to erect pyramids. For all his actions, the player must make clever use of his power cards, and always offer appropriate sacrifices to Amun Re. Players must always keep his eyes on his goal of the building of the eternal pyramids or risk falling behind in points.

How to Play

Spiel by Web (Web Guide)
Rio Grand Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Spiel by Web (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Word doc)
Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Quick Reference (Downloads a Pdf)
All the Cards (Downloads a Jpg)
Pen and Paper (Web Site)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game.
Online: Works fine online, if not better
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Better games are available.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-5 players, best with 5.
Gateway Suitability: Not to hard to learn, but not a gateway game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played the game.
Re-playability: Online high, real life pretty good if your into it.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of separating pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 90 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/5404

Taj Mahal

2008-08-03T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
Description: Another game in Alea's bookcase series, this game takes place in India. There are twelve turns with an auction for up to six different prizes each turn. Players use cards to bid for the various prizes. The trick is when you take a turn and you've got the highest bid on a prize, you can either spend more cards to try for other things or simply take your winnings and walk away. The prizes are mostly positions on the board and players get more points for connecting provinces on the map. But as is typical for Dr. Knizia, there are several other ways of scoring points in this game. After the final area on the board is auctioned, the player with the highest point total takes the game.

How to Play (I can go over the rules with you)

Hilinski - (Online Rules)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Hilinski (Free - Registration NOT Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon, but for now try it online. Grab cards the first few rounds, then start the bidding wars.

Views

Opinion: Play it online a few times, and then you are hooked. Some tough choices at times on what to do (bid more, take less, grab cards, etc).
Online: Works great online.
Work: Not enough time at lunch, until everyone gets on the same page.
Home: Could work at home, might take a game or two to get the game down pat.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-5 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Would not call this a gateway game, but not a bad game after your past just playing gateway games.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy has not played the game yet.
Re-playability: Very high online, so-so in person.
Real Life Setup: 5 minutes or so, sorting pieces and cards.
Real Life Time/Length: 90 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/475

King Me

2008-08-02T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
Description: With the announcement of the King's retirement, the pirouette for succession begins! All of his subjects from cobbler to cook, painter to paladin, debutante to duchess bustle about the castle in preparation for the succession. One of your favorites can attain the throne. But, beware! It will require clever maneuvering and selective positioning to be in the right place at the right time to achieve the crown!

How to Play (I can show you)

You Play It (Web Guide)
daVinci Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

You Play It (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (Cant find any)

The Toilet Expansion (Downloads a Zip File)
The Imperial Emissary Expansion

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Coming Soon
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: Fun to and easy to play
Online: Works fine online
Work: Very easily played at lunch time.
Home: Good game for the home. Just move and vote, and easy to learn to play.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-6 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, makes it a gateway style game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it.
Re-playability: Not that high with me.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 30 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/7806

Plans for August

2008-08-01T01:00:00.001-04:00

Weekend: Games getting Blogged
August 1st - 3rd, 2008: Tigris and Euphratis, King Me, Taj Mahal
August 8th - 10th, 2008: Amun-Re, Tycoon, Clans
August 15th - 17th, 2008: Capitol, Titan: Arena, Catan Dice Game
August 22nd - 24th, 2008: Tikal, Set, Wallenstein
August 29th - 31st, 2008: Gang of Four, Queen's Necklace, Fist of DragonstOnes

If Your New Try: King Me or Set
If Your a Pro: T&E, Taj, Wallenstien (All real good)

Other:
August 1st: Posting of Games Played in July

Info: Kind of breaking form on some blog posts again, some of the games will not have audio/visual how to's. Don't worry the online rules are easy to follow, plus I can show you how to play.

Euphrat and Tigris

2008-08-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: The game is set in the ancient fertile crescent with players building civilizations through tile placement. Players are given four different leaders: farming, trading, religion, and government. The leaders are used to collect victory points in these same categories. However, your score at the end of the game is the number of points in your weakest category, which encourages players not to get overly specialized. Conflict arises when civilizations connect on the board, i.e., external conflicts, with only one leader of each type surviving such a conflict. Leaders can also be replaced within a civilization through internal conflicts.

How to Play

Game Table Online (Web Guide)
Geek (Rules in Audio Only)

Where to Play Online (Solo on Game Table, All of the games work fine)

Game Table Online (Free - Registration Required)
Board Game Geek (Free - Registration Required)
Meyer Bros (Free - Registration Required)
Board Game Geek (Free - Download of Zip File)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Word doc)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Word doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Read this by Jon

Views

Opinion: A longish game, but after you learn how to play, something that you will keep playing for years. I can show you the rules, then how to play. It might take 20+ minutes, but worth it.
Online: Currently prefer online play.
Work: Would be to long for lunch time play.
Home: Great game, but more after you have played games for years.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Not easy to learn, not gateway.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy has not played.
Re-playability: Once you learn it, it is high.
Real Life Setup: A 5+ minutes, of sorting and handing out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 90 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/42

War of the Roses, Texas

2008-07-27T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Originally published as Texas by db-Spiele.

The battle between farmers and ranchers is fairly abstract. A single pawn travels on a square grid. Each player has a hand of cards face up. These each have a direction and a distance. The player can either draw a card and add it to his hand, or play a card. If he plays a card, then the pawn moves the appropriate distance to an empty square, and the player places one of his markers. Each player also has judge symbols that can each be used only once. The judge lets you move onto a previously placed opposition marker and reverse it. Players score points for each contiguous region equal to the square of the number of markers. If a player is not careful, such a move may be forced, as there is a maximum number of cards that a player may hold.

Contains rules for playing with 4 (in two partnerships of two players).

Later republished 1999 as Rosenkönig by Kosmos, as part of the two-player game series. The republication also included a re-theming of the game. The setting changed from Texas to England, and the factions changed from farmers and ranchers to the factions of the Plantagenet family from the Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) - the Lancaster (red rose) and the York (white rose) factions in a similarly abstracted fashion.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Yucata (Web Guide)
Your Turn My Turn (Web Guide)

Where to Play Online

Yucata (Web Guide)
Your Turn My Turn (Web Guide)

Cheat Sheets (None Available)

Game Hints (None Available)

Views

Opinion: Not at a big fan.
Online: Works fine.
Work: Very easily played at lunch time.
Home: Ok, probably will be taught after a lot of other games.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 2 (never played 4).
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, I don't view this a gateway.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it.
Re-playability: For me it is low.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/283565

Torres

2008-07-26T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Torres is an abstract game of resource management and tactical pawn movement. Players are attempting to build up castles and position their knights to score the most points each turn. Players have a limited supply of knights and action cards that allow special actions to be taken. Efficient use of pieces and cards, along with a thoughtful awareness of future possibilities, is the heart of this game.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Boite a Jeux French (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Read Jon Aquino's Blog

Views

Opinion: I like this game live, over PC or Online. The pieces, the game play make it fun.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Will be real tight on playing at lunch time.
Home: Might take a few turns, if not a whole game to get the whole family into it.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: A little to much for gateway game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: I would say high, once you understand it.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, of sorting player pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 60 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/88

No Thanks

2008-07-25T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: No Thanks! is a card game designed to be as simple as it is engaging.

The rules are simple. Each turn, players have two options: Play one of their chips to avoid picking up the current face-up card pick up the face-up card (along with any chips that have already been played on that card) and turn over the next card.

However, the choices aren't so easy as players compete to have the lowest score at the end of the game. The deck of cards is numbered from 3 to 35, with each card counting for a number of points equal to its face value. Runs of two or more cards only count as the lowest value in the run - but nine cards are removed from the deck before starting, so be careful looking for connectors. Each chip is worth -1 point, but they can be even more valuable by allowing you to avoid drawing that unwanted card.

How to Play

Game Pixies (Web Guide)
Amigo (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Game Pixies (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (Not really needed for this game)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Not really needed for this game
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: Quick game to learn and play.
Online: Works fine online, but very, very hard to every find anyone to play.
Work: We could play this 2-3 times at lunch time.
Home: An ok game to play.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-5 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, maybe to easy.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy has not played the game yet.
Re-playability: High replay as a end of night game.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of shuffling cards and given out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 20 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/12942

Tally Ho

2008-07-20T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: What happens if the hunter becomes the hunted?

One player takes the role of the hunters and the lumberjacks; the other takes the role of the foxes and bears. Both players hunt each other!

At first the forest lies peacefully under the face down tiles. As the players turn the tiles over and move them on the board, the forest awakens and the hunt destroys the serenity of the forest. The lumberjacks cut swaths through the forest to provide hunting fields for the hunters. The bears then use these same aisles to track the hunters and lumberjacks.

The two sides are balanced with luck dominating the early game, but skill taking over at the end. Good hunting!

How to Play

Yucata (Web Guide)
Your Turn My Turn (Web Guide)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I play on Yucata, but you can play right away on YourTurnMyTurn)

Yucata (Free - Registration Required)
Your Turn My Turn (Free - Registration for PvP Play)
Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Coming Soon (a link to the Geek)
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I didn't enjoy this game until I played it online. Now I like it online or in person.
Online: Works great online, highly recommended.
Work: We could play 2-3 games at lunch time.
Home: Easy to teach and learn for any age group.

Other Info

Plays best with: 2 player game.
Gateway Suitability: The game is pretty could, and could be used to gateway others into gaming (better options are available).
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it.
Re-playability: Very high for me.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, of placing tiles face down on the board.
Real Life Time/Length: 15-20 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/908

Schotten Totten

2008-07-19T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: Nine boundary stones lie between you and your opponent. In front of each, you build poker-like formations of three cards on a side. Whoever plays the higher-ranking formation wins the stone. And in a unique twist, you may use your powers of logic to claim a stone even before your opponent has played all three of his cards, by demonstrating that the stone is impossible for him to win. Successfully claim five stones, or any three adjacent stones, and you win the game.

The original game consists of 54 cards, numbered 1 to 9 in six colors. The 2004 Pro Ludo reprint adds 10 special tactics cards, which can serve as wild cards or allow you to "break the rules" in various ways, and it's this version of the game that was soon rethemed into Battle Line for the American market. Opinions in the gaming community on whether the tactics cards improve or take away from the game seem to be quite evenly divided.

How to Play (This game is easy to learn, basically 3 card poker hands)

Yucata (Web Guide)
Flex Games (Quick Web Guide)
Convium (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I play on Yucata, but Flex is good)

Yucata (Free - Registration Required)
Flex Games (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Hand/Card Strength (Downloads a GIF)
Rules on Geek (Downloads a Pdf)
Rules on Flex Games (Downloads a Pdf)
Card summary (Downloads a Word doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Very simple game, tips coming soon.

Views

Opinion: I enjoyed Battle Line more at first. Since playing online, have gotten to like this version more.
Online: Works very well online.
Work: We could easily play 3-6 games of this at lunch time.
Home: Great game, very easy to teach, theme of Scottish clans is fun and works.

Other Info

Plays best with: 2 player game.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn. If they like Poker, this could be a great two player filler.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy liked it, very simple and hits the Poker hand enjoyment.
Re-playability: So quick and easy, has a high replay value. More so if you sleeve the cards and take the game on a trip (or to work for lunch time play).
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of shuffling cards and placing markers.
Real Life Time/Length: 10-20 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/372

Balloon Cup

2008-07-18T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: In Balloon Cup, the players compete in several short balloon flights (hops) to collect the colored cubes associated with each hop.

Four landscape cards, two Plains alternating with two Mountains, are laid out and 1, 2, 3 or 4 cubes in assorted colors (gray, blue, green, yellow, red) are added. From a hand of 8 Balloon cards must try to pass each landscape by adding cards matching the colored blocks onto their side of table, although winds (and cunning) may occasionally cause them to play on their opponent’s side - a move that can really ruin the opponent’s plans.

High-valued balloons are played on the Mountains and low-valued balloons on the plains. Whoever is the better balloonist takes the cubes from the card, which is then flipped over and refilled with cubes. Mountains becomes Plains and vice-versa. 5 Trophy cards of value 3 to 7 are placed at the top of the cards. When a player has collected enough cubes of a given color, he earns the Trophy card for that color. Players may even trade 3 otherwise useless cubes for 1 they can use.

The first player to earn 3 trophy cards is the winner!

How to Play (I can teach, or you can read the online rules)

Yucata (Web Guide)
Gravon (Web Guide)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I play on Yucata)

Yucata (Free - Registration Required)
Gravon (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Remember if you score for someone else you get to go again. Plus remember the card distribution of numbers.

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game, fills a quick filler role for two players.
Online: Works fine online, if not better online.
Work: We easily could play 2-3 games of this.
Home: Easy game to teach to kids, and has enough choices at times to keep parents into it.

Other Info

Plays best with: 2 player game.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, solid two player gateway game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy liked the game.
Re-playability: Very high online, and pretty good to high for a two player game.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of shuffling and dealing cards, and putting cubes on cards and in the bag.
Real Life Time/Length: 20 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/5716

San Juan

2008-07-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: A card game based on Puerto Rico. The pack of 110 cards consists of production buildings (indigo, sugar, tobacco, coffee, and silver) and "violet" buildings that grant special powers or extra victory points. Cards from the hand can be either built or used as money to build something else. Cards from the deck are used to represent goods produced by the production buildings, in which case they are left face-down. A seven-card hand limit is enforced once per round.

In each round or governorship, each player in turn selects from one of the available roles, triggering an event that usually affects all players, such as producing goods or building. The person who picks the role gets a privilege, such as producing more goods or building more cheaply.

Though similar in concept to Puerto Rico, the game has many different mechanics. In particular, there are no colonists and no shipping of goods; goods production and trading are normally limited to one card per phase; and trades cannot be blocked.

Victory points are gained exclusively by building, and the game ends as soon as one player has put up 12 buildings.

How to Play

Spielezeit Official Video) (Web Guide) (Power Point)
Audio Rules (MP3)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required) (real-time)
Compound Eye (Free) (Strong Computer AI)
PC Version 1 (Free) (Zipped Version on the Geek)
PC Version 2 (Free) (Zipped Version on the Geek)
Underdogs (Free) (Zipped)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Quick Reference (Downloads a Word doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I love this game. A great way to spend some time. A must if you love Puerto Rico.
Online: Works fine online or as a PC game.
Work: Should be fine for lunch time play.
Home: Solid card game for families. Card management and role selection aren't hard to pick up.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 3 (but fine with 2 or 4).
Gateway Suitability: Fairly easy to learn, might take two games to grasp what to buy and what to discard.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played this yet.
Re-playability: Very high for gamers.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of pulling the Indigo card for each player, then shuffle cards and sort out other pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 30-45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/8217

Yspahan

2008-07-12T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: 1598. Yspahan the fair becomes the capital of the Persian empire. Thus, being placed at the center of the world, the city enjoys a period of cultural and economic blossoming. The cities and villages of the region intend to take advantage of this expansion. Caravans loaded with goods and jewels set out for the desert, bearing the promises of a radiant future...

The players embody merchants trading with Yspahan. Meaning to take advantage of the coming of the Shah’s supervisor, they score points by placing their merchandise in the right shops, by sending them to the caravan, and by constructing buildings.

How to Play

Boardgames With Scott (Video)
Ystari (Official Demo)
Ystari (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I like live over PC, but the PC version is good)

Westpark Gamers (Free Download)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Quick Reference (Downloads a Word doc)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Power Point)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
Basic PC Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: After Bob showed me how to play, I have enjoyed this game. Easy to play, some so-so choices.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Good family game, but would not be a first choice.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 3 or 4.
Gateway Suitability: Not a gateway game, but easy to learn.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy has not played the game yet.
Re-playability: Ok replay value, not high for me.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting pieces and cubes.
Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansions 60-75 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/22345

RA

2008-07-11T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Ra is an auction game with an Ancient Egyptian theme. Each turn players are able to purchase three lots of tiles with their bidding tiles. Once a player has purchased his three lots for the round, the other players continue until they do likewise, which may set up a situation with a single uncontested player bidding on tiles before the end of the round occurs. Tension builds because the round may end before all players have had a chance to win their three lots for the epoch. The tiles give either immediate points, prevent negative points for not having certain types at the end of the round (epoch), or give points after the final round. The game lasts for three epochs. The game offers a short learning curve, and experienced players find it both fast-moving and a quick play.

How to Play

You Tube (Video)
Quick Reference (Downloads a Pdf)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook - reprint and link coming soon)

Where to Play Online (I love the real thing more, but the free PC version is fine)

Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required)
PC Version (Free Zipped Files)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Mat (Downloads a Pdf)
Player Mat (Downloads a Pdf)
Quick Reference (Downloads a Pdf)
Small Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
How to Make a Bag (Thread on the Geek)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I love this game. Chanting "RA RA RA" is fun stuff.
Online: Works fine on BSW, or on the PC
Work: Could be to long the first time, but after that should be fine for lunch time play.
Home: Great game, great pieces, push your luck always good for families.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-5 players, best with 3 or 4.
Gateway Suitability: Fairly easy to learn, I would say a small step above gateway, but still easy to push on folks.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy liked the pieces and playing on the PC.
Re-playability: A classic in modern board games. Replay value should be high.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, place all tiles in the bag, and hand out cash tokens.
Real Life Time/Length: 45-60 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/12

Carcassonne: Hunters & Gathers

2008-07-06T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers is a game in the Carcassonne series set in the stone age. Players build a prehistoric landscape with tiles depicting forests, rivers, lakes and grasslands. They then send out members of their tribe to hunt, gather, fish and establish fishing camps. It includes many of the familiar mechanics from Carcassonne with a few new options.

How to Play (if you can play Carcassonne, you can play this version as well)

NO VIDEO OR POWER POINT (But you can use the Carcassonne Power Point to play)

Yucata (Online Rules)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I play on Yucata, but the PC version is fine.)

Yucata (turn-based) (Free - Registration Required)
Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required)
Vassal Engine (Free Client Download - Never played with it)
Carcassonne Online (Not Free - PC Version)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Word doc)
Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Smaller Player Aid (Downloads a Power Point)
Tile Distribution (Web Page)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy this game, more than regular Carcassonne. I can teach it and go over it at lunch time, at the house or online.
Online: Works fine online, prefer it online.
Work: Table size will be the only thing stopping us from playing anywhere we want at lunch time.
Home: Great game for any family, just watch the small pieces.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-5 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take two games to grasp the scoring.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy likes the tile placement aspect.
Re-playability: This game will see table and online action.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just placing tiles in the bag, and handing out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4390

Hacienda

2008-07-05T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Hacienda has players competing for space on the South American pampas, aiming to bring their livestock to the most markets. You get three actions a turn to buy cards which then let you lay tiles to control land and herds, or you may buy extras, such as waterholes or the haciendas of the title to get bonus points.

The game has two card decks, one showing the different land types on the hex map, the other the different animals (pigs, cows, horses and sheep). Some cards are laid face up and you pay 3 pesos to buy the ones you want, or 2 pesos for an unknown card from the draw deck. You spend the cards to put your markers on land and to place your animal tokens on the board. Animals of a type go together to make a herd naturally, and each time a herd touches a market town on the board, you earn money for the size of herd and land attached. With careful hand and herd management, you can make good cash gains and also block your opponents. You need the money to buy more cards of course. 12 pesos also buys waterholes you can place next to your herds, or haciendas to go on your land or herds. If you run short of money, you can call a harvest and get cash off your land.

But the game is not about money. You score victory points halfway through the game and at the end. The more markets you are serving, the more points you get. The herds and the land get you points. The water and haciendas get you bonus points as well, which can be crucial to your success.

It should be noted, the game board has two sides: a symmetrical dog-bone shape of land types (appears in most of the photos), and a "random" more varied pattern of land types.

How to Play

NO Video or Power Point (I can show you at lunch or online)
Spiel by Web (Online Rules)
Yucata (Online Rules)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I play on Spiel by Web 24x7)

Spiel by Web (Free - Registration Required)
Yucata (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a JPG)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: Did not care for it until Bob showed me how to play. Now I own it and is one of the games I play every day online. Easy to learn, easy to play, lots of choices.
Online: Works very well on Spiel by Web
Work: Could be long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Great game, small pieces might make it a teenager and older game.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-5 players, best with 2-4. I love 2 player versus Bob. 2 player gives you more space.
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn, but not a Gateway game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy likes the online version more.
Re-playability: Online (or Offline) you can play with so many custom boards. If you get into the game, replay value is almost unlimited just on the board options alone.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 60 minutes (much quicker online).
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/19100

Samurai

2008-07-04T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Part of the Knizia tile-laying trilogy, this game is set in medieval Japan. Players use hexagonal tiles to surround cities, which have one to three different figures: rice paddies, Buddhas, or high hats. The tiles represent influence on particular facets of the cities, and the highest influence on a figure when the city is surrounded takes that figure. The object of the game is to have more of any one else in one category, and then have the most remaining figures.

How to Play (I had Dave show me years ago, but you can use Mr. Bass step by step guide. If we play at lunch I can show you in person.)

No Video or Power Point
Mr. Bass (Web Guide)
Mabi Web (Online Rules)
Ted Cheatham (Download an Audio Only Review)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I play on Mabi Web, but the PC version is good)

Mabi Web (Free - Registration Required)
Klear (Free - PC Version)
Pen & Paper Samurai - (Free - Play on Paper)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Quick Setup (Downloads a Word doc)
Cheat Sheet (Downloads a Pdf)
Quick Reference (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: I tend to use my boat tiles early, then hold the rest of the special tiles until the end. Mainly for extra screwage.

Views

Opinion: I love this game. I play it online everyday.
Online: The Mabi Web version, is almost like playing in person.
Work: Could be a little long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Great game, great pieces. Scales well, and easy to understand for all family members.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 2 to 3 (quicker play).
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take a few turns to grasp.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy likes the game. Cheat sheets help a lot.
Re-playability: This IMHO has high replay value.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, sorting out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3

Plans for July

2008-07-01T01:00:00.001-04:00

Weekend: Games getting Blogged
July 4th - 6th, 2008: Samurai, Hacienda, Carcassonne: Hunters & Gatherers
July 11th - 13th, 2008: Ra, Yspahan, San Juan
July 18th - 20th, 2008: Balloon Cup, Schotten Totten, Tally Ho
July 25th - 27th, 2008: No Thanks, Torres, War of the Roses

If Your New Try: Balloon Cup, Schotten Totten, Tally Ho
If Your a Pro: The first nine blogs of this month are all good.

Other:
July 1st: Posting of Games Played in June

Info: Kind of breaking form on some blog posts, some of the games will not have audio how to's. Don't worry the online rules are easy to follow, plus I can show you how to play.

10 Days Across Africa

2008-06-29T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
Description: Chart your course from start to finish using destination and transportation tiles. With a little luck and clever planning, you just might outwit your fellow travelers. The first traveler to make connections for a ten day journey wins the game.

All of the 10 Days Across games have the similar rules, just different maps.

How to Play

Toy Directory (Official Video) (Web Guide) (Power Point)
Out of the Box (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Game Table Online (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy this game. I own the Europe and USA versions. Asia and Africa are next.
Online: Don't play it online, like it in person more.
Work: Very easily can be played at lunch time.
Home: Great game, can teach kids about geography and it plays very well.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, quicker with 2, but fun with any amount.
Gateway Suitability: Gateway Family Game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it.
Re-playability: Very high, since it is so easy to learn and play.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting the pieces into stacks.
Real Life Time/Length: 30 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/7865 (Africa)
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/7866 (USA)
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/5867 (Europe)
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/22398 (Asia)

Hoity Toity

2008-06-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: What do bored English noblemen do with their free time? Well, according to this Klaus Teuber Spiel des Jahres (1990) winner, they like collecting old junk and then showing it off. Players buy or steal various pieces of junk in the form of cards, trying to form the largest and oldest collection. Built on a 'rock-paper-scissors' mechanism, this game gives all players a couple of choices each turn. The trick is in guessing what your opponents are likely to do, and planning your choice accordingly -- only after everyone's decision is revealed do you know for certain whether you made the right one.

How to Play

Boardgames With Scott (Video)
Spiel by Web (Online Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I only play on the fast and free Spiele by Web site)

Spiel by Web (Free - Registration Required)
Play Catan (PAY SITE - not recommended)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Word doc)
Quick Reference (Downloads a Word doc)
Reference (Downloads a Word doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: Not a big fan of this.
Online: Works fine online, try it for free first.
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Not sure, but should be fine, it is an award winner.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-6 players, best with 5.
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn, Hoity Toity version might be borderline gateway.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy has not played it.
Re-playability: For me not that high, for others it might be different.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/120

Mr. Jack

2008-06-27T00:00:00.005-04:00

The Basics
Description: One of the two players represents Jack the Ripper, who will be one of the 8 characters on the board. This player knows the identity of this character and his goal is to flee from the district as soon as possible (or avoid being accused for eight turns). The other player represents an independent investigator (not represented on the board) who tries to guess the identity of Jack. But he can make only one accusation during the game!

During each turn the players move the characters, using their special powers, placing them either in shadow or light. At the end of each turn, the witnesses declare if Jack is visible (in light, or adjacent to another character) or not (alone in the shadows). This allows the investigator to know which characters are innocent. This continues as the investigator tries to eliminate suspects while Jack tries to escape. Intuition, logic and cold blood will be necessary for each of the two participants.

How to Play

Bookshelf Games (Video)
Hurrican Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Biludi (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Png image)
FAQ (Downloads a Word doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: After a few plays, this game hits a nice two player game.
Online: Works great online
Work: Pretty quick, could play 2-3 times at lunch time.
Home: Great game, not sure if theme is family friendly.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, not that hard to teach. Could be a two player gateway game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it.
Re-playability: Very high IMHO.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 30 minutes (less after you know the rules, and no AP).
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/21763

Blokus

2008-06-22T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Blokus is an abstract strategy game with transparent, tetris-shaped, colored pieces that players are trying to play onto the board. The only caveat to placing a piece is that it may not lie adjacent to your other pieces, but instead must be placed touching at least one corner of your pieces already on the board.

There is a solitaire version where one player tries to get rid of all the pieces in a single sitting.

How to Play

You Tube (Video)
Coming Soon (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I play on Blokus or on Facebook)

Blokus (Free - Registration Required)
Blokus (Free - Registration Required)
Facebook (Free - Registration Required)
Sekkoia (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Knizia Blokus (Downloads a Word doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on The Geek
My Tips: Read this thread on the Geek

Views

Opinion: Fun time, learn and play it.
Online: Works fine online if not better.
Work: Easily plays 2 to 3 times at lunch time.
Home: Great game for everyone.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 1-4 players, best with 2 or 4 only IMHO.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy likes the game.
Re-playability: Very high and quick.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, of separating pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 20 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2453

Hive

2008-06-21T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: Hive is a highly addictive strategic game for two players that is not restricted by a board and can be played anywhere on any flat surface. Hive is made up of twenty two pieces, eleven blue and eleven silver, resembling a variety of creatures each with a unique way of moving.

With no setting up to do, the game begins when the first piece is placed down. As the subsequent pieces are placed this forms a pattern that becomes the playing surface (the pieces themselves become the board). Unlike other such games, the pieces are never eliminated and not all have to be played. The object of the game is to totally surround your opponent's queen, whilst at the same time trying to block your opponent from doing likewise to your queen. The player to totally surround his opponent's queen wins the game.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Hive Mania (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (Both are fine, I play at Hive Mania)

Hive Mania (Free)
Board Space (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on The Geek
My Tips: Read this Thread on The Geek

Views

Opinion: :Learn it, and lets play some. Great game for two players.
Online: Works perfectly online
Work: We could play 3-4 games at lunch time.
Home: Bugs and easy game play, lead to a great family game.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, player aid helps.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it.
Re-playability: Very high.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of getting your pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 20 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2655

Hansa

2008-06-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Players are merchants of the Hanseatic League. Players take control of the ship and buy and sell goods, establish trading posts, and sail to find new markets. The board is a very simple map of Scandinavia, with arrows from point to point restricting where the boat is able to move. Active player takes control of boat and must pay to move to each new city where he may either buy, sell, or expand. Players want sets of goods that they can trade for victory points, but also need to expand market presence to generate revenue.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Spiele Aus Timbuktu (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Michael Schacht (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
More Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: Not a big fan of the game. But worth playing and is enjoyable.
Online: Works fine online.
Work: Would work for lunch time play, would rather play other games.
Home: Would rather play another game.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn for most. Not a gateway game, as subject is boring to non gamers.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played.
Re-playability: For me it is low.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/8989

Web of Power and China

2008-06-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Players struggle for influence over regions of Europe by placing two different type of control markers, Monasteries and Advisors. Monasteries are the basic placement, with the goal of securing a majority in a region or chain of monasteries or even decent points from second place. The placement of the Advisors is more restricted as the total number of Advisors in a region is limited by the majority player's number of monasteries. The game is played in two rounds and is very fast paced.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Geek (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Online Brett Spiele (Free Solo Play - Kardinal & König)
Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Teaching Aid (Downloads a Word doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: A solid game, I do like it, but I don't play it much.
Online: Works fine online
Work: A solid lunch time game.
Home: Good game, better options are out there.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-5 players, best with 3.
Gateway Suitability: Fairly easy to learn, not sure if it is a gateway.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played.
Re-playability: Could be mid to high for some.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, sorting cards and pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/491

Ingenious

2008-06-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: Anyone who knows a little about Reiner Knizia’s games will know that the good Doctor loves games that deal with trying to get points in various different categories and then only score that category in which the player has the fewest.

The game is played on a hex board. 120 equally sized pieces, each consisting of two joined hexes, come with the game. There are symbols on each hex that make up the piece – some pieces have two identical symbols, some have two different symbols (not unlike dominoes). The pieces go into a cloth bag so that they get drawn randomly. Each player receives six pieces to start the game, which are placed onto a rack and visible to them alone.

The goal of the game is, through clever placement, to obtain points in the different symbol colors. Points are claimed by placing a piece such that the symbols on it lie next to already-placed pieces with the same symbol. Pieces are placed onto any open spaces. So, for example, if a player places a piece with a purple circle on it such that it sits next to an unbroken line of four other purple circles already on the board, then the player scores four purple points. A newly placed symbol can lie next to at most five individual rows of symbols.

Each player uses a scoring track to keep track of his points – one track for each colour going from 1 to 18. If a player reaches the 18th space with any colour, then he gets to call out “Ingenious!” (or just think it if he’s not an extrovert) and take another turn. At the end of their turn, players draw as many tiles out of the bag as required to bring their rack back up to six.

The game ends when no more tiles can be placed onto the board or when a player reaches the 18th space in every color. Now each player looks to see how many points they scored in the colour they scored the fewest in. Whoever has the most points in their least-scored colour is the winner. Simple.

The author of the game has also come up with solitaire and team play, in which two teams of two play with each player not being able to see his partner’s tiles.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Mevio (Video)
Fantasy Flight Games (Official Rulebook)
Marquand (Online Rules)

Where to Play Online (I play the PC version)

Marquand (Free)
Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Word Doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy this game.
Online: Works fine online. If you search hard enough you can find free download of the PC game.
Work: Should be fine for lunch time play.
Home: Great game.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 1-4 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take a few turns to get it.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy like the tile placement aspect.
Re-playability: Very high.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just placing tiles in the bag, and grabbing pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/9674

Puerto Rico

2008-06-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: The players are plantation owners in Puerto Rico in the days when ships had sails. Growing up to five different kind of crops: Corn, Indigo, Coffee, Sugar and Tobacco, they must try to run their business more efficiently than their close competitors; growing crops and storing them efficiently, developing San Juan with useful buildings, deploying their colonists to best effect, selling crops at the right time, and most importantly, shipping their goods back to Europe for maximum benefit.

A novel game system lets players choose the order of the phases in each turn by allowing each player to choose a role from those remaining when it is their turn. No role can be selected twice in the same round. The player who selects the best roles to advance their position during the game will win.

How to Play

Preemminent (BSW Demo)
Boardgames With Scott (Video)
Geek (Audio Rules)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)
Geek (Tutorial)

Where to Play Online (I play Phial, or the Eagle Games version which you pay 7.50 for as of June 2008)

PR Game (Free - Registration Required)
Phial (Free - Curl Downloaded)
Mark Blanco (Free - Windows Download)
Tony Mitton (Free - Excel Download)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

New Player One Page (Downloads a Word doc)
Welcome to Puerto Rico (Downloads a Word doc)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Word doc)
Turn by Turn Guide (Thread on the Geek)
Flowchart (Downloads a pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Compilation Thread on the Geek
Beginner Strategy: Zipped file from The Geek
Another Strategy Guide for Beginners: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Read the Warehouse Article

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game more on the PC, than in person. A lot quicker, and if you lose you can play another.
Online: Works fine online, if not better.
Work: Could be to long, might work on a long lunch or lunch/break combo.
Home: Great game to play, but not a family game, unless everyone is into it.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-5 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Takes two games to get it, unless you read the guides and have a good teacher. Not a gateway game, maybe a gateway into serious gaming.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played, but has watched.
Re-playability: Very very high if you get into it.
Real Life Setup: 5 minutes, less if you bag the parts post game.
Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansion 60-90 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3076

Masons

2008-06-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

The Basics
Description: One thing is certain: in the middle ages, the best living was to be found behind the protection of nice thick castle walls and towers. But once they're standing, you can take you time building houses and palaces behind them. And if that goes especially well, the castles grow and merge with each other. To accomplish that, you only need some tactical skill and the right cards.

But watch out: You need to sense when the best time to play your cards is in order to score the most points. Masons (Mauerbauer), a tense castle-building game about points and palaces.

How to Play

Board Games with Scott (Video)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)
Yucata (Online Rules)

Where to Play Online

Yucata (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Scoring Cheat Sheet (Downloads a Word Doc)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread at the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon (Basic info on Rio Grande Site)

Views

Opinion: Played it when it first came out at the Gathering. I really enjoyed at that time. Got bored of it, then online play got me back into it, and into purchasing it.
Online: Works fine online.
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Ok, better choices available.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 3.
Gateway Suitability: Not that hard to learn, might take two games to grasp scoring and and card play.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it yet.
Re-playability: At this time, I would say low after the newness factor goes away.
Real Life Setup: Five plus minutes of separating pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansions 45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/21791

Just 4 Fun

2008-06-07T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: Players have hands of four cards numbered 1 through 19. Play 1, 2, 3, or 4 cards to place a stone on the game board, which consists of 36 numbered squares in a non-obvious order.

The yucata implementation allows for alternate arrangements.

The goal is to claim four squares in a line, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. But multiple stones can be placed on a square, and a square is only safe if a player has two more stones on it than any other player. If four-in-a-row is not achieved within 20 turns, the game ends in favor of the player with the most points.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Geek (Rulebook)
Yucata (Online Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Yucata (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (None on the Geek)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Coming Soon
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: Learned this online, and lead me to purchase the actual game. So far I like it, still need to learn all the tricks.
Online: Works fine online, if not better and quicker online.
Work: Very easily can be played at lunch. Probably 3-4 games if we wanted.
Home: Good game to play with kids and adults. Not that hard to learn.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, but not a gateway game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy likes it so far.
Re-playability: Online very high, offline could find better.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes.
Real Life Time/Length: 20 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/17534

Kingdoms, aka Auf Heller und Pfennig

2008-06-06T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: Auf Heller und Pfennig takes participants to a medieval marketplace which looks remarkably like a plain matrix for square tiles. Each turn players place tiles onto the board which modify (either positively or negatively) the amount of money to be made by the shops that share that tile's row or column. Three times the board is filled with tiles and shop money is earned, after which the player with the most money wins.

In Reiner Knizia's Kingdoms (Fantasy Flight, 2002), the English version of Knizia's Auf Heller und Pfennig, players try to collect the most gold by establishing castles in the richest regions of the realm while avoiding hazards like dragons, swamps, and trolls.

How to Play

Bookshelf Games (Video)
Fantasy Flight Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Geek (Free, turn based - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (None on the Geek)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Good Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: A quick fun game to play on the geek.
Online: Works well, I still prefer live.
Work: Could play twice at lunch time.
Home: Easy to teach and learn for all family members..

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take two games to grasp farmer scoring.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy is so so on this so far.
Re-playability: Not sure.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just placing tiles in the bag, and handing out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansions 35-45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/119

The Games I Have Played in May

2008-06-01T12:00:00.002-04:00

The Games I Played In May.

Not surprised by the list, my favorite and my newest game were 1 and 2 on the list.

Crokinole 11

Risk Express 6
Settlers of Catan, The 6
Lexio 5

Carcassonne 4
Circus Flohcati 4
TransAmerica 4
Can't Stop 3
Cartagena 3
Hey! That's My Fish! 3
Lost Cities 3
Password 3
Ticket to Ride 3
Wizard 3
Citadels 2
Guillotine 2
RoboRally 2
Santiago 2
Vegas Showdown 2
Acquire 1
Axis & Allies 1
Balloon Cup 1
Bang! 1
Category 5 1
Puerto Rico 1
Ra 1
Saint Petersburg 1
San Juan 1
Wyatt Earp 1

The Plan For June

2008-06-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

Weekend: Games getting Blogged
June 6th - 8th, 2008: Kingdoms, Just4Fun, Masons
June 13th - 15th, 2008: Puerto Rico, Ingenious, Web of Power
June 20th - 22nd, 2008: Hansa, Hive, Blokus
June 27th - 29th, 2008: Mr Jack, Hoity Toity, 10 Days Across

If Your New Try: Hive
If Your a Pro: Puerto Rico, Masons, Mr Jack

Other:
June 1st: Posting of Games Played in May

Acquire

2008-06-01T00:00:00.004-04:00

The Basics
Description: This Sid Sackson classic has taken many different forms over the years depending on the publisher. Each player strategically invests in businesses, trying to retain a majority of stock. As the businesses grow with tile placements, they also start merging, giving the majority stockholders of the acquired business sizable bonuses, which can then be used to reinvest into other chains. All of the investors in the acquired company can then cash in their stocks for current value or trade them 2-for-1 for shares of the newer, larger business. The game is a race to acquire the greatest wealth.

How to Play

You Tube (Video)
Wizards (Official Online Instructions)
Wizards (Official Rulebook)
Wizards (Official Demo)

Where to Play Online (I play it on Gleemax)

Gleemax (Free - Registration Required)
Palm Version (Free Download)
Netquire (Free Online)
dos game (Free Download)
Shareware (Free Download)
PC version (Free Download)
Old pc game (Free Download)
Games by Email (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Word doc)
How To (Downloads a Word doc)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek Coming Soon (a link to the Geek)
Strategy: Thread on the Geek
Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Read this blog overview at Jon Aquino.

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy this game.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Could be to long for lunch time play.
Home: Great game for the home.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-6 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it.
Re-playability: Very High.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of sorting.
Real Life Time/Length: 60-90 minutes (more if everyone is new).
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/5

Vegas Showdown

2008-05-31T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
Description: Build your own hotel/casino by bidding against the other players to acquire tiles that represent slot machines, lounges, restaurants, and other casino-related places. Put those tiles on your player board, which represents your own customized casino. The tiles will allow you to increase your revenue, services, and fame.

The player who builds the most famous hotel/casino wins the game.

How to Play

Wizards (Official Demo)
Board Games with Scott (Video)
Wizards (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Gleemax (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Strategy: Thread on the Geek
Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: So far I like this game.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Great game, but better options available.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 3-5 players, best with 5.
Gateway Suitability: Not sure yet.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it yet.
Re-playability: Not sure yet.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes.
Real Life Time/Length: 60-75 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/15364

Axis & Allies

2008-05-30T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
Description: Axis & Allies (2004) aka Axis & Allies Revised Edition is the fourth edition of the classic light weight war game Axis and Allies. The game simulates the entire scope of World War II.

The game is nominally designed for five players, representing the Allies: United States of America, United Kingdom and Russia vs. the Axis: Germany and Japan. However, it is most often played as a two-player game.

Axis & Allies features a simple dice-based combat system; a small number of types of naval, air and land units; territory control; and technology research to improve unit capabilities.

Major new features of Axis & Allies (2004) include new units (e.g. destroyers, artillery), revised unit capabilities (e.g. armor defend at 3, fighters cost 10 IPCs), directed technology research, and totally new victory conditions (key territories must be controlled to win the game).

How to Play

Wizards (Official Demo) (Web Guide) (Power Point)
Wizards (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online

Gleemax (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a RTF doc)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Battle Calculator - (Website)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek (Part 1)
Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek (Part 2)
My Tips: Coming Soon

Views

Opinion: Oldie and a good, long but fun.
Online: Works fine online, maybe even better online.
Work: Online only.
Home: Great game for teenagers and above.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-5 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: For war games ok, otherwise it might be to long.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy wont play.
Re-playability: Very high when I was a teen. Now it takes to long in person.
Real Life Setup: It takes a while.
Real Life Time/Length: Two to Four Hours.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/10093

Robo Rally

2008-05-25T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: Imagine that you're a supercomputer. Now imagine that you're bored. So you dream up a little contest for you and a couple of your supercomputing buddies. Your task is to move one of the stupid little robots out on the factory floor through a series of checkpoints scattered throughout the factory. The wrinkle, however, is that the factory floor is filled with all kinds of inconvenient (if not down-right deadly) obstacles located in various locations: conveyor belts, crushers, flame-throwers, pushers, teleporters, oil slicks, pits, et cetera. But the real fun comes when the robots cross each other's path, and suddenly your perfect route is something less than that...

How to Play

Wizards Demo (Official Demo) (Web Guide) (Power Point)
Wizards (Official Rulebook)
Geek (Copy of Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I like Gleemax, but Eye Play and Palm version are fine)

Gleemax (Free - Registration Required)
Eye Play Games (Free - Registration Required)
Source Forge (Free - Registration Required)
Lurk Lurk (Free for Palm OS - No Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Great Website on Robo Rally (Not the Geek)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: None from me, but a good thread on the Geek

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy this game. I enjoy Hunters more, but this is an easy game to learn. I can teach it and go over it at lunch time, at the house or online.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Could be to long on the table, might work better online.
Home: Great game for families after they get the rules down.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-8 players, best with 5 or 6.
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn, a little hard to master. So it might take a few games, then you are hooked.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy loved the pieces and the game.
Re-playability: Once you get into it, replay is high.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, sorting pieces and cards.
Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansions over an hour, the more players could take 2 hours in person.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/18

Guillotine

2008-05-24T00:00:00.005-04:00

The Basics
Description: The French Revolution is famous in part for the use of the guillotine to put nobles to death, and this is the macabre subject of this light card game.

As executioners pandering to the masses, the players are trying to behead the least popular nobles. Each day the nobles are lined up and players take turns killing the ones at the front of the line until all the nobles are gone.

However, players are given cards which will manipulate the line order right before 'harvesting,' which is what makes the game interesting. After three days worth of chopping, the highest total carries the day.

How to Play

You Tube (Video)
Official (Online Rules)

Where to Play Online

Gleemax (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

One Pager (Downloads a Word doc)
Rulebook Scan (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: None that I can find
My Tips: There isn't much strategy in Guillotine. Maybe in terms of using your action cards to maximize your own score while screwing your opponents is about it.

Views

Opinion: I fun light game. Good to use at the beginning or at the end of a game session.
Online: Works fine online once your in Gleemax.
Work: Could easily play a game during lunch.
Home: Fun and light, the beheading and gloomy aspect might not be good for kids.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-5 players, best with 4.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take two games to grasp it.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy liked it.
Re-playability: This has ok replay value if you view it as a light game. Otherwise mid to low replay value.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, shuffle and deal.
Real Life Time/Length: Takes around 30 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/116

Citadels

2008-05-23T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics
Description: Players seek to build a collection of buildings worth from one to eight points. Once someones built eight buildings, then the game is over and the player with the highest total value wins. However to facilitate the process (and make the game interesting), players sequentially choose a character from a rapidly dwindling pool of eight each turn. The characters give players special abilities for the turn.

This is a rock solid cut throat game. Better in person than online IMHO.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Book Shelf Games (Video)
Thread at the Geek (Web Guide)
Fantasy Flight Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I like it live, but Amarriner and Java are a ok)

Amarriner: Turn Based (Free - Registration Required)
Citadelles Java Game: Solo or Real Time (Free - Registration Required)
Frenopatico: Turn Based (Free - Registration Required)
Brett Spiel Welt: (Free - Registration Required)
Free PC Version at FIADE (Freeware Download)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Player Mat (Downloads a ZIP)
Fancy Player Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Two Player Variant (Downloads a Word Doc)
Cheat Sheet (Downloads a Word Doc)
All Characters Cards (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread at the Geek
My Tips: I like playing this game, but I stink don't take my advice.

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game. I like the base version more. But it is fun to play, even though I always lose.
Online: Works fine online, via AI on the PC.
Work: Could be to long and to many folks for lunch time play. Two Player variant or after some online play, lunch time play might work.
Home: Solid game to play at home, but with folks who don't mind back stabbing.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works best with 5 players, can play 2-7.
Gateway Suitability: Middle of the road for gateway. With player aids and a once over on the rules, folks should grasp the game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it yet.
Re-playability:Very high if folks know how to play it.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes for sorting cards.
Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansion 50-60 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/478

Saint Petersburg

2008-05-18T09:36:00.004-04:00

The Basics
Description: Saint Petersburg is a card game in which you acquire workers for income, build buildings for fame, and attract aristocrats to your city in order to gain the most fame at the end of the game.

Santiago deals with 'gracious living along the river Neva': the baroque palaces, wide boulevards, and imposing bridges of St. Petersburg. On May 16th, 1703, Czar Peter laid the cornerstone for the first building. Quickly, glorious buildings were added, always being expanded, so that Nobility (as well as victory-bringing Fame Points) may want to move in. But to accomplish this, one needs merchants who can bankroll the necessary Rubles, or the glory is over. The competition isn't sleeping either, and can sometimes steal a desired card right out from under your nose.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Yucata (Online Rules)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I play it on Yucata, download is a good tool for solo play.)

Yucata (Free - Registration Required)
Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required)
West Park Gamers (Free - A download for PC Freeware)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a Word doc)
View of all Cards (Downloads a jpg)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread at the Geek
Advance Strategy: Thread at the Geek
My Tips: Remember that different Aristocrats score at the end. I always forgot that when I started playing.

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game. I just don't like play with any St. Pete sharks.
Online: Works fine online, and the PC version is very good.
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Great game to play, if no one takes it to seriously.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-4 players, best with 2 or 4.
Gateway Suitability: Easy to learn, might take two games to grasp when to buy and taking cards to hand instead of playing them.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy hasn't played it yet.
Re-playability: If your into it, very high. Otherwise a monthly regular. But worth a try to see where it falls.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just sorting cards and giving folks pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: 45 minutes (with or without expansion)
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/9217 .

Santiago

2008-05-17T00:00:00.005-04:00

The Basics
Description: This game is about cultivating and watering fields. To accomplish this, a number of tiles denoting various plantation types come into the game each round. The tiles are auctioned off such that each player gets one, and the tiles are then placed onto the game board along with an ownership marker that also indicates how plentiful the tile’s yield will be. Whoever bid the lowest in each round gets to be the canal overseer and decides where a canal will be built that round. The other players may make suggestions to help the canal overseer decide, and back up their suggestions with money. The final decision is always wholly up to the overseer, though.

At the end of each round, players determine what the water supply situation looks like. Should a plantation not be sufficiently watered, its production drops dramatically; should it happen more than once, then that plantation may revert to fallow ground. At game’s end, naturally only the cultivated land counts. Each plantation is counted according to type – the bigger the better. But since the ownership markers play a role as well, the same plantation can give drastically different points for different players.
Goal

How to Play

Board Games with Scott (Video)
Spiel by Web (Online Rules)
Amigo (Official Rulebook in pdf)
Z-Man Games (Official Rulebook in pdf)

Where to Play Online

Spiel by Web (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Player Aid (Downloads a pdf)
Teaching Aid (Downloads a pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Read the Thread

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy this game. I like it more live, than online. The game is constantly moving live.
Online: Works fine, a little slow if everyone isn't online.
Work: First game could go over an hour of lunch time.
Home: Great for gamers, ok for others. Still pretty easy to pickup.

Other Info

Plays best with: Best with 5 (ok with 3-4).
Gateway Suitability: S0-s0, might take a few games to grasp everything.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy didn't care for this.
Re-playability: Online it will be pretty high, as its a turn based game.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just organizing the pieces..
Real Life Time/Length: 45-65 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/8125

Hey! That's My Fish!

2008-05-16T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Basics

A short game in which players control a number of penguins. The penguins move over hex-shaped ice tiles with 1, 2 or 3 fish on them. The player takes the hex from where the penguin started his movement from the table, thereby creating a gap which other players can't cross. If a penguin can't move, he's taken from play. The player with the most fish in the end wins.

How to Play (I recommend Spielezeit or Mr. Bass)

Spielezeit (Power Point)
Mr. Bass (Web Overview - Very Good)
GamesOverBoard (You Tube Video)
Yucata (Web Rules)
Your Turn My Turn (Web Rules)
Game Pixies (PDF - Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I recommend Yucata)

Your Turn My Turn Turn Based (Free - Registration Required)
Yucata Turn Based (Free - Registration Required)
Game Pixies Turn Based (Free - Registration Required)
Brett Spiel Welt Real Time (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Real Life Board Aide (Downloads a pdf)
Cheapo Free Play (Downloads a pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Coming Soon, not good enough for any tips. Maybe, don't forget you can jump multiple tiles.

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy this game. This is an easy game to learn. I can teach it and go over it at lunch time, at the house or online.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Could be to long the first time, but should be fine after that for lunch time play.
Home: Great game.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-5 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy like it.
Re-playability: This does see table and online action.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes of tile placement and handing out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansions 30-45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/8203

TransAmerica & TransEuropa

2008-05-11T00:00:00.003-04:00

The Basics
A very simple railway game. Each player has a set of 5 cities strung across the US that need to be connected by rail. Players place either 1 or 2 rails each turn. The player who can make the best use of the other players' networks is generally victorious.

Both games play the same, only difference is the maps, rules are the same for both.

How to Play

Spielezeit: (Power Point) for TransAmerica
Board Games with Scott: (Video) for TransEuropa
Board Game Geek: (Zipped Power Point, Classroom Style) for TransAmerica
Cycloops: (Online Rules)
Rio Grande Games: Official TransAmerica Rulebook (pdf)
Rio Grande Games: Official TransEuropa Rulebook (pdf)

Where to Play Online (I recommend Cycloops, it has both)

Cycloops (Free - Registration Required)
Brett Spiele Welt (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

No Cheat Sheet is needed, the game is pretty straight forward and easy.
Travel Version : - Cheapo Travel Version on the Geek.

Game Hints

Strategy: A Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Online, do the math before placing the piece, you cant pick up pieces afterwards.

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy this game. One of the first Euro's Chuck and Lani showed me. A very gateway game to learn.
Online: Works real well. I play multiple games a day.
Work: We could probably play 2-3 games at lunch time.
Home: Works well with kids, spouses non gamer family members.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-6 players, best with 2-3.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take two games to grasp the screw factor. Real Life expansion, makes it more cutthroat, and still keeps it fun.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy likes it.
Re-playability: Very high, unless you don't like any luck in your games.
Real Life Setup: 5 minutes, shuffle cards, deal cards, select placement of first piece.
Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansion 30-45 minutes.
Link at the Geek: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/2842 (America)
Link at the Geek: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/16267 (Europa)

Lost Cities

2008-05-10T00:00:00.005-04:00

The Basics
Lost Cities is a two-player card game by Kosmos. The object is to mount profitable expeditions to one or more of the five different lost cities. Card play is quite straightforward, with a few agonizing moments sprinkled through what is mostly a fast-moving game. If you start a given expedition, you'd better make some progress in it, or it'll score you negative points. If you can make a lot of progress, you'll score quite well. After three rounds, the highest total score takes the day.

How to Play (with Scott or Mr. Bass)

Board Games with Scott (Video)
You Tube (Video)
Mr. Bass (Web Guide)
Flex Games (Online Rules)
Your Turn My Turn (Online Rules)
Rio Grande Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (Flex Games at Work, YTMT at Home it has solo play)

Flex Games (Real Time) (Free - Registration Required)
Your Turn My Turn (Turn Based, or Solo) (Free - Registration Required)
Brett Spiel Welt (Real Time) (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)
Score Pad (Downloads a Word doc)
Score Pad (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
More Strategy: A Deeper Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Focus on two to three colors. Typically focus on two, play one, while you build your hand on the other color.

Views

Opinion: I enjoy this game. Plays quickly, lots of decisions. Do you focus on two or three colors, do you grab cards first, do you play cards. Not that deep, but just enough choices.
Online: Works fine online and quick
Work: Very easily could be played in 20-30 minutes at lunch time.
Home: Great game for family, kids, or gamer. Most folks point to this as the gateway for a spouse game.

Other Info

Plays best with: It is a two player game.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take two games to grasp farmer scoring.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy like this a lot, she beat me in it.
Re-playability: This has a high replay value. Two player game, that is easy to grasp and play.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just shuffle the cards place the board and start.
Real Life Time/Length: Depends on how many rounds, but easily under 30.
Link at the Geek: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/50

Cartagena

2008-05-09T00:00:00.004-04:00

The Basics
Cartagena takes as its theme the famous 1672 pirate-led jailbreak from the fortress of Cartagena. Each player has a group of six pirates and the objective is to have all six escape through the tortuous underground passage that connects the fortress to the port, where a sloop is waiting for them.

Each card bears one of six symbols (dagger, pirate hat, etc.), and you move a pirate forward by playing a card and moving ahead to the matching symbol in the tunnel, leapfrogging over those where another pirate already stands, but the only way to get more cards is to move backwards. This turns into a simple but smart game of patience and opportunity, well received by casual gamers.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point)
You Play It (Online Rules)
Rio Grand Games (Official Rulebook)

Where to Play Online (I recommend You Play It)

You Play It (Free - Registration Required)
Cartagena Online (Free - Registration Required)
Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek)

Teaching Aid (Downloads a Pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: Nothing wrong with sliding a piece back to collect more cards.

Views

Opinion: I do enjoy this game. Light and very quick with 2-3 players.
Online: Works fine online, if everyone is online goes by real quick.
Work: Could play 2-3 games worth at lunch.
Home: Could easily hit the table, a quick filler. Kids like the theme, others like the simplicity.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-5 players, best with 2-3.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take two games to grasp moving back.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy like the tile placement and spreading the board.
Re-playability:This can see lots of action when you get into it.
Real Life Setup: 2-5 minutes, placing tiles and sorting cards..
Real Life Time/Length: 20 minutes.
Link at the Geek: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/826

Ticket to Ride

2008-05-04T00:00:00.007-04:00

The Basics
Description: With elegantly simple game play, Ticket to Ride can be learned in 3 minutes, while providing players with intense strategic and tactical decisions every turn.

"The rules are simple enough to write on a train ticket – each turn you either draw more cards, claim a route, or get additional Destination Tickets," says Ticket to Ride author, Alan R. Moon. "The tension comes from being forced to balance greed – adding more cards to your hand, and fear – losing a critical route to a competitor."

Goal: Players collect cards of various types of train cars they then use to claim railway routes in North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn. Additional points come to those who fulfill Destination Tickets – goal cards that connect distant cities; and to the player who builds the longest continuous route.

Game Components: Ticket to Ride continues in the tradition of Days of Wonder's big format board games featuring high-quality illustrations and components including: an oversize board map of North America, 225 custom-molded train cars, 144 illustrated cards, and wooden scoring markers.

How to Play

Days of Wonder (Official Video)
Spielezeit (Quick Power Point)
Boardgames with Scott (Video)
Mr Bass (Web Instructions)
Days of Wonder (Rulebook)

Where to Play Online:

Days Of Wonder (Free – Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets: (on the Geek)

One Page Cheat Sheet (Downloads a pdf)
Strategy Guide (Downloads a pdf)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread 142743 at the Geek
My Tips: At first, take fewer routes, save your cards, and build long routes.

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy Ticket to Ride (all versions of it). I would even say it’s the king of all Gateway Games. It can easily be played at anytime, by anyone.
Online: Works fine online
Work: Should be fine after for lunch time play.
Home: Great game, easy to play.

Other Info

Plays best with: 4 players, but 3 and 5 are fine, but I like it best at 4.
Gateway Suitability: None Gamers love the game pieces, and the easy to learn system.
Spouse Suitability: Scared at first, but loves playing it. Compared it to Rummy.
Re-playability: High Replay value. Easy to learn and play, leads to regular table action (or online action) for gamer and non-gamer.
Real Life Setup: 2-5Minutes
Real Life Time/Length: 45 Minutes (15 online)
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/9209

Settlers of Catan, The

2008-05-03T00:00:00.007-04:00

The Basics
Description: You are a pioneer on the island of Catan, your goal is to grow your settlement by producing and trading resources like grain, ore, and wood. Expand your settlements with roads and cities and be the first player to earn 10 victory points and win the game. Random maps are created each time you play so each game provides a new and exciting challenge.

The goal is to be the first player to reach 10 points. Points are gained done by building towns, cities, roads, creating the longest road, or largest army.

How to Play

Professor Easy (Interactive Video)
Mr. Bass (Web Page)
You Tube (Video)
Online Rules: Still looking for online rulebook

Where to Play Online: (I recommend AsoBrain)

AsoBrain (Free - Registration Required)
Play Catan (Free - Registration Required)
Brett Spiel Welt (Free - Registration Required)
Other: You can also download it at Yahoo Games, MSN Games or XBox Live.

Cheat Sheets (From the Geek):

Rules (Word Document)
One Pager (Pdf)
Good Stuff (pdf)
War Version (Word Document)

My Tips: (Coming Soon)

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy Catan (it hits the light to medium game). It is what gamers call an elegant game system. (more to come).
Online: Very smooth play online.
Work: Not much space is needed, can be played during lunch time.
Home: I got so many copies, home, work, online.

Other Info

Plays best with: 3-4 players, 5-6 player expansion slows down the game way to much for me.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn and play. This is what got me hooked into boardgames.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy liked it, compared it to Monopoly.
Re-playability: With a modular board, and easy play, the game has high replay value.
Real Life Setup: 5 to 10 minutes
Real Life Time/Length: 30-45 Minutes
Geek Link: http://boardgamegeek.com/game/13

Carcassonne

2008-05-02T00:00:00.010-04:00

The Basic
Description: In this tile-laying game, players pull a tile from the pool and place it against one of the previously played tiles. If you start a new object (city, road, farm, or monastery), you can place one of your control markers on the tile to denote your control. Markers cannot directly compete when placed, so to achieve some gains, you must place your marker and use later tiles to connect up to it. As subsequent tiles are arrayed on the board, objects get bigger or even merge. When roads or cities are completed, or a monastery is surrounded, the control marker is returned to you and you score the points. However, farmers are not returned and will score points at the game end (there are several rules variations for the farmer scoring). Therefore, it's possible to have all of your control markers locked on the board on incomplete objects, and not be able to convert them into farmers later in the game. You must balance the need to score points during the game with the need to score farmer points at game end. The goal is to have the most points at the end. This can be tricky to control considering your choice for each turn isn't the tile itself, but rather the placement of the tile that you drew.

How to Play

Spielezeit (Power Point Video)
Tutorial (www.Geekdo.com)
Boardgamegeek (Rio Grande Games)

Where to Play Online:

Aso Brain (Free - Registration Required)

Cheat Sheets (from the Geek):

Overview and Summary (from the Geek)

Game Hints

Basic Strategy: Thread on the Geek
My Tips: The link above is pretty good. The first few games, focus on castles and roads. Once you got that down, then start playing with sneaking into farms.

Views

Opinion: I really enjoy this game. I enjoy Hunters more, but this is an easy game to learn. I can teach it and go over it at lunch time, at the house or online.
Online: A lot quicker and easy to manage online
Work: We would need a big table, the tiles can take up space. Would play easily at lunch time.
Home: Only issue could be space.

Other Info

Plays best with: Works fine with 2-5 players, best with 2.
Gateway Suitability: Very easy to learn, might take two games to grasp farmer scoring. A great gateway game.
Spouse Suitability: Chrissy like the tile placement aspect.
Re-playability: This and Carcassonne: Hunters & Gatherers see table and online action.
Real Life Setup: A few minutes, just placing tiles in the bag, and handing out pieces.
Real Life Time/Length: Without the expansions 30-45 minutes.
Geek Link: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/822

What Is This Blog About?

2008-05-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

What is my blog about?

For Me: I got a link to send to someone who saw a cool game I am playing online or in-person.

How useful will this blog be:
If your new to boardgames: Very, just ask and I'll point you to a game posting that will be helpful.
If your kinda new: Very, just go through the blog, to something that seems fun or something you always wanted to try.
If you saw something on my bookshelf or my desktop at work: Very useful, just email, call, text me or walk over and I'll point out some good games we can learn and try out.
If your a pro: Not at All, just go to the Geek and find what you want

In Conclusion, I hope you enjoy and find the blog useful, and eventually migrate over to www.Geekdo.com . Then you wont need to use this blog any longer, unless you want to push games on others or want to see what I am playing.

Peace,
Kostas