G.i.D. Day 3

Big output so far, here's the list of today's titles as of 4:30pm:

1. Cartagena - 4 plays
I really like this game, especially with mixed groups. Played with Dad, Austen, Bob and I. I think I won three of them, and Bob snagged the last one. Fun little pirate game that plays fast.

2. Edel, Stein and Reich
I was excited to finally get to play this live, and was not disappointed, although I was beaten down pretty badly. Same group as above, Dad crushed us due to a last second tie-breaker buster (kingmaker). Game is fascinating due to blind action-bidding mechanism, which makes for some anxious moments and tense sub-bidding wars. In case of ties for one of three actions, you must offer your opponent on number of your precious gems (victory point creators) for the right to take the action. There's a big game of "who blinks first" as you sacrifice potential majorities for the right to take actions which may help you in other areas. Was a big hit, and "fun", as contrasted to what they thought of the next title...

3. China
Played it twice, first time I won a crushing victory with a huge disparity in points, which reflected everyone's lack of appreciation for the emissaries. These end-of-game point makers really pack a punch of you play correctly. The second game, scores were much tighter, winner was separated from fourth place by probably only 12 points, so any one move made at the end could have made a difference. Bob cleverly played a single house onto a region where Austen and I were tied, and managed to land an emissary scoring him another 4, which was the margin of victory between him and Austen. Austen caught on FAST, and finished second in both games - Dad finished last both times, and found the game annoying, as did Bob. I was surprised, as I really enjoy area control games. This was their first experience, and Dad/Bob just didn't think it was any "fun".
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4. Settlers
Okay, Tab is Lord of Catan. He won two tournament style games (start with 2nd building as a city, and a third road piece), decisively defeating Dad, Bob and myself. I came in second both times, but I really didn't think I was close. Tab won with what appears to by a typical strategy: cards. He won with largest army and/or victory points both times. What can I say? Should we retire this thing? His streak is amazing. I don't think he's ever lost. Probably over 12 plays. That's incredible.

5. Foosball
Another big match, we played 5-6 games, and Bob and I won one, Tab and Dad did very very well. Tab played the middle, Dad defense. I took the middle on our side, and didn't really feel comfortable till the last few games, but could not generate enough "shots on goal" in any event.

6. Cartagena
We played 2 games, one with Bob, Tab, Kim, Austen and me. I won due to a three card play thanks to a "ladder" that Austen did not roll up. Bob coined this term for the tactic of moving a piece towards the top of the board up further to a different labeled position, so as to not allow players behind to use your path. I won the second, 4-player game (minus Austen), using the same three card play only with Bob as the ladder. Tab would have won for sure to plays later had it not been for Bob's move. Neither he or Kim really were in position to win, and I was out for sure, until Bob made the fortuitous play. The only credit I give myself, is a good play the turn before, where I maneuvered deftly (if I do say so) to capture about 5 cards and ended up pulling a great combo to take advantage of Bob's situation.

7. Princes of Florence
We set it up, and Tab almost fell asleep during rules explanation. I know the theme is a little dry, but... Bob wasn't comfortable enough with the rules to teach it, and it has been over 2 years since I've played it. Since it was 1am, there was no chance for this one.

8. Gobblet
Tab and Bob faced off four times, and Bob came ahead 3 to 1. Tab was "too tired" which is how I feel even looking at this abstract. It's not worth the mental energy for me.

That was it for Day 3, and there was a lot. Doesn't look like the monsters are going to make it out. Day 4 is starting just as I write this, so we'll see.