Snoozefest 'Splains BoardGames

Rules/reviews for Euro/designer games. Not a podcast, but better because: 11.This list goes to 11! 10.No witty banter! 9.Irregular shows=pleasant anticipation! 8.Commercial free! 7.I actually know about these games! 6.No miniatures/RPG crap! 5.I don't overuse crazy, wacky, exactly, awesome, & Racko! 4.It’s NOT only a game! It's how you are spending your time--so do it right! 3.You must play to WIN! But don't be an ass about it. 2.You won't hear me yell RA! 1.Scotch trumps wine.

Friday, March 31, 2006

Rules #20: Ticket to Ride Märklin

Enhanced Audio - BGG Listing

#3 in the Ticket to Ride series.
The most complicated one yet.
Based on the original game, with several new additions and a new map.
A good more strategic version of the game, but I think I still prefer the simplicity and gameplay of TTR: Europe. Also, this seems awfully fiddly in the setup! Still, worth giving a try - especially for jaded gamers.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Rules #19: Gang of Four

Enhanced Audio - BGG Listing

Tichu-lite, sort of.
A traditional card game like hearts, but with some twists.
A lot of fun, once you get the hang of it.
Can try it online for free, against other players or robots!

Monday, March 06, 2006

Rules #18: Ticket to Ride Europe

Enhanced Audio - BGG Listing

The second Ticket to Ride game.
Slightly more complicated than the original game, although it might be OK to teach to the motivated nongamer.
I really like the addition of ferries and tunnels, and also that the destination tickets have been split into long and short connections.

Rules #17: Ticket to Ride

Enhanced Audio - BGG Listing

Won the Spiel des Jahres 2005!
A great introductory game, but also good for more experienced gamers.
Set collection, hand management, and connection with a train theme.

Rules #16: Hansa

Enhanced audio file - BGG listing

This is an abstract trading-themed game without any trading! Rather, it's a set-collection, pick-up-and-deliver, economic game.
It's not a deep game, but it is a nice little filler-type game with some good tactical play.
Now available for play-by-web, which should increase its popularity.

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Rules #15: Tikal

Audio Rules - BGG Listing

Tikal is an "oldie" (1999). We loved it when we first got it: deep game play, beautiful board, lots of fun :)
Unfortunately, it hardly hits the table any more - partly because it is so prone to analysis paralysis.
But now, with a play-by-web implementation available, it's baaaaack!

Rules #14: For Sale

Audio Rules - BGG Summary

This is a fantastic filler! It is easy to explain, fast and fun to play.
Now reprinted by Uberplay!