Things I am looking forward to at the Gathering in Dayton 2005:
1. Seeing Tab's Settlers record fall.
Bob agrees, Tab must go down, or prove to us that he's the champ. He claims to be unbeaten, in something like 10 plays. Granted, I cannot remember him not winning. But there is no way he wins every game against Bob, Dad and myself. (My strategy tips are posted on Microsoft's website, after all!)
2. Revenge in Serenissima
Not actually revenge. Maybe redemption is a better word. I want to show the fellas that I learned from my "nuclear" mistake. (That is, threatening to destroy the game by only attacking Dad for the rest of the game, handing the win to Tab, unless he allowed me to make a ridiculously advantageous play). I will be a good boy this game not play gunboat diplomacy.
3. Delighting them with...
Through the Desert. Roborally. E&T. Nexus Ops. They will love this batch of games. My prediction is that TtD wins the LPH award (laughs per hour, or entertainment for invested time), clocking in at under an hour with some really satisfying gameplay. Kids will love Nexus Ops with it's interesting bits, and guys will enjoy simple Euro-style wargaming. Roborally will be famous for it's chaos, mostly. I don't see how any real gamer won't be able to gasp in awe at the brilliance of E&T. It make take 2-3 plays to really see how beautiful it is, but it's a beauty.
4. One monster game.
Just one. Twilight, Axis, Mare Nostrum... just one. Please?
5. The kids
Our kids are getting older now, Grayson's 7. Tab's boys are between 8 and 10 (not counting little Weston). They can all handle Settlers, and many of the other games. It will be a hoot to see them going toe-to-toe with their Dad's, cousins, and uncle.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Is this a game? Rubik's cube
I stumbled across this on slashdot.org, http://www.speedcubing.com/.
Did you know that the world record for "speed solving" a Rubik's Cube is 11.75 seconds?
Did you know that people regularly solve this puzzle with their... feet? (1 min 18 sec) one handed? (22 sec)
Stopped by Jamie and Jody's, saw that James was attempting to solve the puzzle, and reported difficulty finishing one side (!). At my suggesstion, through the power of the web, Jody reported he solved it two days later. James - how about going for a speed record!
Did you know that the world record for "speed solving" a Rubik's Cube is 11.75 seconds?
Did you know that people regularly solve this puzzle with their... feet? (1 min 18 sec) one handed? (22 sec)
Stopped by Jamie and Jody's, saw that James was attempting to solve the puzzle, and reported difficulty finishing one side (!). At my suggesstion, through the power of the web, Jody reported he solved it two days later. James - how about going for a speed record!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
More on Gathering in Dayton...
Here's a couple of ways to look at our game list for the Gathering in Dayton:
By Rank / Play Time
------------------------------------
1. Euphrats & Tigris (2) 90 min
2. Twilight Imperium (17) 240 min
3. Through the Desert (40) 45 min
4. Carcassone (49) 60 min
5. Acquire (51) 90 min
6. Roborally (72) 120 min
7. China (100) 45 min
8. Queen's Gambit (107) 120 min
9. Edel, Stein & R (157) 60 min
10. Settlers (5-6p) (162) 120 min
11. Cosmic Encounter (165) 90 min
12. Axis and Allies (171) 240 min
13. Formula De (191) 120 min
14. Chess (w/clock) (234) 15 min
15. Nexus Ops (252) 60 min
16. Serenissima (313) 120 min
17. Mare Nostrum (348) 120 min
18. Cartegena (372) 45 min
19. Canal Grande (942) 45 min
20. Canasta Caliente (969) 60 min
21. Pit (737) 90 min
22. Pass the Pigs (2331) 30 min
By Play Time
---------------------------------
2. Twilight Imperium (17) 240 min
12. Axis and Allies (171) 240 min
17. Mare Nostrum (348) 120 min
8. Queen's Gambit (107) 120 min
6. Roborally (72) 120 min
10. Settlers (5-6p) (162) 120 min
13. Formula De (191) 120 min
16. Serenissima (313) 120 min
1. Euphrats & Tigris (2) 90 min
5. Acquire (51) 90 min
11. Cosmic Encounter (165) 90 min
21. Pit (737) 90 min
15. Nexus Ops (252) 60 min
20. Canasta Caliente (969) 60 min
4. Carcassone (49) 60 min
9. Edel, Stein & R (157) 60 min
18. Cartegena (372) 45 min
19. Canal Grande (942) 45 min
3. Through the Desert (40) 45 min
7. China (100) 45 min
22. Pass the Pigs (2331) 30 min
14. Chess (w/clock) (234) 15 min
Games that Need Lengthy Explaination
------------------------------------
2. Twilight Imperium (17)
7. China (100)
9. Edel, Stein & R (157)
11. Cosmic Encounter (165)
12. Axis and Allies (171)
15. Nexus Ops (252)
16. Serenissima (313)
17. Mare Nostrum (348)
19. Canal Grande (942)
By Rank / Play Time
------------------------------------
1. Euphrats & Tigris (2) 90 min
2. Twilight Imperium (17) 240 min
3. Through the Desert (40) 45 min
4. Carcassone (49) 60 min
5. Acquire (51) 90 min
6. Roborally (72) 120 min
7. China (100) 45 min
8. Queen's Gambit (107) 120 min
9. Edel, Stein & R (157) 60 min
10. Settlers (5-6p) (162) 120 min
11. Cosmic Encounter (165) 90 min
12. Axis and Allies (171) 240 min
13. Formula De (191) 120 min
14. Chess (w/clock) (234) 15 min
15. Nexus Ops (252) 60 min
16. Serenissima (313) 120 min
17. Mare Nostrum (348) 120 min
18. Cartegena (372) 45 min
19. Canal Grande (942) 45 min
20. Canasta Caliente (969) 60 min
21. Pit (737) 90 min
22. Pass the Pigs (2331) 30 min
By Play Time
---------------------------------
2. Twilight Imperium (17) 240 min
12. Axis and Allies (171) 240 min
17. Mare Nostrum (348) 120 min
8. Queen's Gambit (107) 120 min
6. Roborally (72) 120 min
10. Settlers (5-6p) (162) 120 min
13. Formula De (191) 120 min
16. Serenissima (313) 120 min
1. Euphrats & Tigris (2) 90 min
5. Acquire (51) 90 min
11. Cosmic Encounter (165) 90 min
21. Pit (737) 90 min
15. Nexus Ops (252) 60 min
20. Canasta Caliente (969) 60 min
4. Carcassone (49) 60 min
9. Edel, Stein & R (157) 60 min
18. Cartegena (372) 45 min
19. Canal Grande (942) 45 min
3. Through the Desert (40) 45 min
7. China (100) 45 min
22. Pass the Pigs (2331) 30 min
14. Chess (w/clock) (234) 15 min
Games that Need Lengthy Explaination
------------------------------------
2. Twilight Imperium (17)
7. China (100)
9. Edel, Stein & R (157)
11. Cosmic Encounter (165)
12. Axis and Allies (171)
15. Nexus Ops (252)
16. Serenissima (313)
17. Mare Nostrum (348)
19. Canal Grande (942)
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Gathering in Dayton
I'll be visiting beautiful Ohio this weekend, spending time with my brother and family in Dayton. A long overdue gaming session is in the planning stages. Below is a list of titles we are working on playing (with BGG rank in parenthesis). I'd be curious to see what Tab/Dad/Bob thinks we will actually get to play on this list.
1. Chess (234)
Always fun, especially with a timer. Will try to play a game or two, but mostly try to encourage Grayson to play with his cousins. Good for the brain, to me it's a mental sport.
2. Acquire (51)
This one brings back memories of all the great plays with Bob Oberheu and his brothers in Benton Harbor, MI. They introduced this one to us back in the late 1980's (the game is from 1962). I still have an older copy from that time, well played. Might be one of the most played games in my entire collection, although almost all of those players were between 1986 and 1991.
3. Queen's Gambit (107)
Tab owns this one. My only two plays were in 2001 during a visit to Bob's. Emma and Sarah played with us if I remember correctly. Fun 4-player theme heavy game. My first game review (posted on Funagain.com) was of this title. It inspired me to start my German boardgame hunt on the internet, where I stumbled upon Funagain, and the 'Geek. The rest is history.
4. Twilight Imperium (17)
Played this twice solitaire, and once face-to-face against my Dad and brother earlier this year. It's a monster, and pretty complicated for a weekender with all the likely activity around (5 kids, wives, etc.), but I would really like to break it out. Austen is probably old enough now (10 years... wow) to give it a whirl. If Bob comes we'd definitely like to try it.
5. Cosmic Encounter (165)
Purchased this in Dayton on one of my visits late last year (?), I've played it 2-3 times with Dad, and once with Tab. Really enjoyed it, the variable powers are a completely unique element. Good because it's not balanced, and it will lead to a lot of discussion. Not sure about playing it three players, but then again, the random draws prevent you from ganging up on one player, really. I'm bringing this one...
6. Axis and Allies (171)
Mostly for me a nostalgia pick, my brother actually brought this one up (for the same reasons). None of us have played the new version (although I own it), so there may be some rule-book fiddling. Might be an interesting 3-player, problem would be length. Enjoyable because of the multitude of "what-if?" scenarios. I'll bet if we do play, it's me and Dad as the Allies against Tab as the Axis.
7. Canal Grande (942)
I like this little card game, based on San Marco. Have only played solitaire, but I think I will bring it to see if I can get it in-between some of the other titles.
8. Canasta (969)
Again a huge nostalgia play, I have played this game hundreds of times, mostly against my grandfather, David Barlowe. He passed away about 20 years ago, and I miss him very much. Tab and I can still do all his classic lines, an ancient trash-talk he used against us in his Southern gentlemen kind of way. He was a wonderful grandfather, and I hope to see him again...
9. Carcassone (49)
Tab has only a few dozen games (that I know of), and I am proud of him for picking this one up. Grayson and I have played this one more than any other together, and Tab has introduced it successfully to his kids. You can play it "aggressively" blocking other players, or "passively" and more non-competitively as a building type of game. Guess which style I will use against Tab?
10. Cartagena (372)
This one takes up little space in the trunk, which is starting to become a factor based on the length of this list. I love this small game, and play both versions (hidden cards and open), although I like the more random game a little better. Fun to make pirate noises when you win, and good for a diverse group of people (e.g. wives, kids, non-gamers).
11. China (100)
I've written a little about this one. I like this very much, but have only played it solo. Card-driven area-control game. Simple, clean and bright components. Hard to see the depth initially, but this one has a lot of subtlety in the various ways of scoring: majority-area, road length, connected areas. Supposedly really good for three players, so this one's coming.
12. Edel, Stein and Reich (157)
Another card game, with neat little gems as bits. A German translation (which makes it somewhat mysterious), I've laminated some play aids, and played it solitaire a few times. I like auction games, which this has, plus a bunch of agonizing decisions on how to big and play the special cards. So many other titles, I don't know if I can convince them to play this one.
13. Euphrats and Tigris (2)
Perhaps the greatest German game of all time, in my opinion. It's components are kind of dry, as is the theme, but there is enough there to catch an eye. Can I get them to devote a couple of hours to this? It will require more than one play to really get the flavor. Would be a blast to try this with Bob, Tab and Dad... I love this game.
14. Formula De (191)
This French game about Formula One racing can be played with up to 10 players. Not mechanically difficult, it would be fun to play with all the kids, in teams. No one in my family is into racing (my brother and I went to Michigan for a Nascar race once), although I TIVO Formula One and World Rally races through the year. We'll see.
15. Mare Nostrum (348)
Another one of my favorites, this one really needs five players. I know they would like this, but it takes 2+ hours, it's new, has some tricky non-intuitive rules (especially the trading phase). I'll bring it, but we will probably end up playing...
16. Serenissima (313)
There was a classic game of this about 4 years ago at Tab's (he owns this one, I grabbed it just recently but have not assembled it), where I used old-school tactics to try to bully my dad into not attacking me. There was an ethics debate about this, which never did get settled entirely... I probably was in the wrong. Anyway, we do agree that there needs to be a rule about not attacking anyone in the first couple of turns. If this one comes out, will be tense at the beginning to see if our aggressive play continues...
17. Nexus Ops (252)
Just grabbed this, see the post below. This one's coming, and will be played. Reason? Short set-up, short rules explanation, quick-play time (60-90 minutes), no-elimination required, great bits. Winner.
18. Pass the Pigs (2331)
Yes, it's dice. Yes, they're pigs. How can you resist playing this? A good "in-between breakfast and the first game of the day", or "you're exhausted but need a 20 minute diversion before bed-time" game.
19. Pit (737)
You have to be in the right mood, but if we can get the women to play with the guys and kids, this could be a big hit. Had a ton of fun with mixed-age groups in Benton Harbor years ago. Plus, it's a small box.
20. Roborally (72)
Eight players. Cool robots. Lots of chaos. This one's in for sure.
21. Settlers of Catan, The 5-6 Player Expansion (162)
Gotta remember the middle-turn build phase. We will probably play this with the kids, which will require the expansion. Tab claims to be the king of this one. I highly doubt he wins with more than 4 players.
22. Through the Desert (40)
Dad has my copy. See some of my earlier posts. This is a great game.
Wow - big list. Next I will post the games I own that won't be coming, and why.
1. Chess (234)
Always fun, especially with a timer. Will try to play a game or two, but mostly try to encourage Grayson to play with his cousins. Good for the brain, to me it's a mental sport.
2. Acquire (51)
This one brings back memories of all the great plays with Bob Oberheu and his brothers in Benton Harbor, MI. They introduced this one to us back in the late 1980's (the game is from 1962). I still have an older copy from that time, well played. Might be one of the most played games in my entire collection, although almost all of those players were between 1986 and 1991.
3. Queen's Gambit (107)
Tab owns this one. My only two plays were in 2001 during a visit to Bob's. Emma and Sarah played with us if I remember correctly. Fun 4-player theme heavy game. My first game review (posted on Funagain.com) was of this title. It inspired me to start my German boardgame hunt on the internet, where I stumbled upon Funagain, and the 'Geek. The rest is history.
4. Twilight Imperium (17)
Played this twice solitaire, and once face-to-face against my Dad and brother earlier this year. It's a monster, and pretty complicated for a weekender with all the likely activity around (5 kids, wives, etc.), but I would really like to break it out. Austen is probably old enough now (10 years... wow) to give it a whirl. If Bob comes we'd definitely like to try it.
5. Cosmic Encounter (165)
Purchased this in Dayton on one of my visits late last year (?), I've played it 2-3 times with Dad, and once with Tab. Really enjoyed it, the variable powers are a completely unique element. Good because it's not balanced, and it will lead to a lot of discussion. Not sure about playing it three players, but then again, the random draws prevent you from ganging up on one player, really. I'm bringing this one...
6. Axis and Allies (171)
Mostly for me a nostalgia pick, my brother actually brought this one up (for the same reasons). None of us have played the new version (although I own it), so there may be some rule-book fiddling. Might be an interesting 3-player, problem would be length. Enjoyable because of the multitude of "what-if?" scenarios. I'll bet if we do play, it's me and Dad as the Allies against Tab as the Axis.
7. Canal Grande (942)
I like this little card game, based on San Marco. Have only played solitaire, but I think I will bring it to see if I can get it in-between some of the other titles.
8. Canasta (969)
Again a huge nostalgia play, I have played this game hundreds of times, mostly against my grandfather, David Barlowe. He passed away about 20 years ago, and I miss him very much. Tab and I can still do all his classic lines, an ancient trash-talk he used against us in his Southern gentlemen kind of way. He was a wonderful grandfather, and I hope to see him again...
9. Carcassone (49)
Tab has only a few dozen games (that I know of), and I am proud of him for picking this one up. Grayson and I have played this one more than any other together, and Tab has introduced it successfully to his kids. You can play it "aggressively" blocking other players, or "passively" and more non-competitively as a building type of game. Guess which style I will use against Tab?
10. Cartagena (372)
This one takes up little space in the trunk, which is starting to become a factor based on the length of this list. I love this small game, and play both versions (hidden cards and open), although I like the more random game a little better. Fun to make pirate noises when you win, and good for a diverse group of people (e.g. wives, kids, non-gamers).
11. China (100)
I've written a little about this one. I like this very much, but have only played it solo. Card-driven area-control game. Simple, clean and bright components. Hard to see the depth initially, but this one has a lot of subtlety in the various ways of scoring: majority-area, road length, connected areas. Supposedly really good for three players, so this one's coming.
12. Edel, Stein and Reich (157)
Another card game, with neat little gems as bits. A German translation (which makes it somewhat mysterious), I've laminated some play aids, and played it solitaire a few times. I like auction games, which this has, plus a bunch of agonizing decisions on how to big and play the special cards. So many other titles, I don't know if I can convince them to play this one.
13. Euphrats and Tigris (2)
Perhaps the greatest German game of all time, in my opinion. It's components are kind of dry, as is the theme, but there is enough there to catch an eye. Can I get them to devote a couple of hours to this? It will require more than one play to really get the flavor. Would be a blast to try this with Bob, Tab and Dad... I love this game.
14. Formula De (191)
This French game about Formula One racing can be played with up to 10 players. Not mechanically difficult, it would be fun to play with all the kids, in teams. No one in my family is into racing (my brother and I went to Michigan for a Nascar race once), although I TIVO Formula One and World Rally races through the year. We'll see.
15. Mare Nostrum (348)
Another one of my favorites, this one really needs five players. I know they would like this, but it takes 2+ hours, it's new, has some tricky non-intuitive rules (especially the trading phase). I'll bring it, but we will probably end up playing...
16. Serenissima (313)
There was a classic game of this about 4 years ago at Tab's (he owns this one, I grabbed it just recently but have not assembled it), where I used old-school tactics to try to bully my dad into not attacking me. There was an ethics debate about this, which never did get settled entirely... I probably was in the wrong. Anyway, we do agree that there needs to be a rule about not attacking anyone in the first couple of turns. If this one comes out, will be tense at the beginning to see if our aggressive play continues...
17. Nexus Ops (252)
Just grabbed this, see the post below. This one's coming, and will be played. Reason? Short set-up, short rules explanation, quick-play time (60-90 minutes), no-elimination required, great bits. Winner.
18. Pass the Pigs (2331)
Yes, it's dice. Yes, they're pigs. How can you resist playing this? A good "in-between breakfast and the first game of the day", or "you're exhausted but need a 20 minute diversion before bed-time" game.
19. Pit (737)
You have to be in the right mood, but if we can get the women to play with the guys and kids, this could be a big hit. Had a ton of fun with mixed-age groups in Benton Harbor years ago. Plus, it's a small box.
20. Roborally (72)
Eight players. Cool robots. Lots of chaos. This one's in for sure.
21. Settlers of Catan, The 5-6 Player Expansion (162)
Gotta remember the middle-turn build phase. We will probably play this with the kids, which will require the expansion. Tab claims to be the king of this one. I highly doubt he wins with more than 4 players.
22. Through the Desert (40)
Dad has my copy. See some of my earlier posts. This is a great game.
Wow - big list. Next I will post the games I own that won't be coming, and why.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Euphrats and Trigris by the Web: Private gme
As you may know, the Reiner Knizia game "Tigris and Euphrates" or "Euphrat and Tigris" is currently the #2 ranked game in the world (according to the 'Geek), at 8.3 on a 10 pt. scale (although the 'Geek uses a unique rating system). Puerto Rico holds the top spot at 8.6, Power Grid holds 3rd at 8.15, almost a tie with Princes of Florence at 8.15, and El Grande at 8.1.
Anyway, I have played 13 complete games of T&E online with the 'Geek over the last year or so (winning three times I might add), and have five or six going right now. I really love this game, it's one of the few I have ranked 10, and it is well suited to play "by mail" or "by web". Aldie (one of the webmasters of the 'Geek) gets credit for an excellent interface and FREE game-by-web system you can play there.
I have created a PRIVATE 3-player game, #20012, with a password of "clarkssummit". To join, simply create a profile at www.boardgamegeek.com by clicking "create account" at the top of the page. Then, click "game manager" on the left side of the main page (located below the "Online Games" header), and "join a game". Look for game #19742, click "join", enter password "clarkssummit" and you are in!
The great thing about "Play by Email" is you can play whenever you want! I log in almost every day, and look forward to my E&T turns eagerly. But players are patient, and sometimes I go several days before making a move. As it only takes 2-3 minutes to examine the board and play a turn, this is allows me to play several games at once, or just one depending on how busy I am. As you accumulate experience, you're able to play the game even faster. Games last about 14-16 complete turns, so if you play 1 turn every 3-4 days, you can play a whole game in 3-4 months at that pace.
For the complete rules to T&E, check out these links:
Euphrats and Tigris Quick Summary.doc (print and use as reference during game, or as rules)
Beginners color coded reminders.pdf (useful once you understand the basics)
Extended summary, two pages.pdf (somewhat more wordy, but excellent)
Audio rules, entire rulebook on a mp3 file.mp3 (save to a CD and listen in the car!)
Complete rules and FAQ (a user generated page devoted to E&T, well done)
See you there! (my 'Geek name is "Phuntom")
Update: as of 11/6 game has timed out since no one signed up - I have recreated game under a new ID# (which was changed in the post above), #20012, same password.
Anyway, I have played 13 complete games of T&E online with the 'Geek over the last year or so (winning three times I might add), and have five or six going right now. I really love this game, it's one of the few I have ranked 10, and it is well suited to play "by mail" or "by web". Aldie (one of the webmasters of the 'Geek) gets credit for an excellent interface and FREE game-by-web system you can play there.
I have created a PRIVATE 3-player game, #20012, with a password of "clarkssummit". To join, simply create a profile at www.boardgamegeek.com by clicking "create account" at the top of the page. Then, click "game manager" on the left side of the main page (located below the "Online Games" header), and "join a game". Look for game #19742, click "join", enter password "clarkssummit" and you are in!
The great thing about "Play by Email" is you can play whenever you want! I log in almost every day, and look forward to my E&T turns eagerly. But players are patient, and sometimes I go several days before making a move. As it only takes 2-3 minutes to examine the board and play a turn, this is allows me to play several games at once, or just one depending on how busy I am. As you accumulate experience, you're able to play the game even faster. Games last about 14-16 complete turns, so if you play 1 turn every 3-4 days, you can play a whole game in 3-4 months at that pace.
For the complete rules to T&E, check out these links:
Euphrats and Tigris Quick Summary.doc (print and use as reference during game, or as rules)
Beginners color coded reminders.pdf (useful once you understand the basics)
Extended summary, two pages.pdf (somewhat more wordy, but excellent)
Audio rules, entire rulebook on a mp3 file.mp3 (save to a CD and listen in the car!)
Complete rules and FAQ (a user generated page devoted to E&T, well done)
See you there! (my 'Geek name is "Phuntom")
Update: as of 11/6 game has timed out since no one signed up - I have recreated game under a new ID# (which was changed in the post above), #20012, same password.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Good to Great quotes from the 'Geek
I scour the 'Geek just about every day (and have 5 games of Euphrat and Tigris going simultaneously right now), and often come upon really good quotes about gaming. My favorite are the ones that are funny in their own right, and can be pulled from the context of the article. Here's a sampling of some good stuff I have read recently:
Discussing recent years "Spiel des Jahres" (Game of the Year) award winners (Geeklist #10974):
"I like Torres quite a bit, but it is significantly heavier than a typical SdJ winner... I can't see a typical family with older children sitting down and playing this with anything approaching competence even after several plays. With KuK and maybe Metro, at least everyone has a reasonable illusion they have a shot (and that's important in a family game). In Torres, if someone gets it at all, it's going to be one smackdown after another. Which is great in some contexts, but...SdJ? I think not."
"Kardinal & Konig is one of my favorite games, but again, I don't think it would have been a good SdJ winner... What should have won then? Princes of Florence in all its fiddlexity, multiplayer solitaire glory?"
Regarding a game that I don't get, Bohnanza:
"Clunky is an appropriate word choice. Not only is the hand management thing silly and near painful to watch (think of the person who keeps habitually sorting his hand saying "dang it, I need to figure out how it looked before"), but the entire mechanic of trading is often counterintuitive. You darn near give things away just because they appear at the wrong time (and we're back to that "hold your hand funny" thing all over again).
Yep, clunky."
Regarding a game called "Hare and the Tortoise":
"Purely a thematic change is that in the English language versions of the game it's Hare and TORTOISE whereas in other languages it's Hare and HEDGEHOG. This is, of course, due to the appropriate tale for that language, being based upon either the Aesop fable or the Brothers Grimm story. I should also note that there is a significant difference between these two tales. In the English version the Hare is lazy and, assuming that he'll win, decides to take a nap. Of course, the "slow and steady" Tortoise overtakes the Hare who wakes up too late and loses the race. In the Brothers Grimm story the Hedgehog is rather devious and has his wife impersonate him in order to win the race."
"... and if I'm not mistaken, they run the rabbit back and forth in 'rematches' till he dies."
Discussing recent years "Spiel des Jahres" (Game of the Year) award winners (Geeklist #10974):
"I like Torres quite a bit, but it is significantly heavier than a typical SdJ winner... I can't see a typical family with older children sitting down and playing this with anything approaching competence even after several plays. With KuK and maybe Metro, at least everyone has a reasonable illusion they have a shot (and that's important in a family game). In Torres, if someone gets it at all, it's going to be one smackdown after another. Which is great in some contexts, but...SdJ? I think not."
"Kardinal & Konig is one of my favorite games, but again, I don't think it would have been a good SdJ winner... What should have won then? Princes of Florence in all its fiddlexity, multiplayer solitaire glory?"
Regarding a game that I don't get, Bohnanza:
"Clunky is an appropriate word choice. Not only is the hand management thing silly and near painful to watch (think of the person who keeps habitually sorting his hand saying "dang it, I need to figure out how it looked before"), but the entire mechanic of trading is often counterintuitive. You darn near give things away just because they appear at the wrong time (and we're back to that "hold your hand funny" thing all over again).
Yep, clunky."
Regarding a game called "Hare and the Tortoise":
"Purely a thematic change is that in the English language versions of the game it's Hare and TORTOISE whereas in other languages it's Hare and HEDGEHOG. This is, of course, due to the appropriate tale for that language, being based upon either the Aesop fable or the Brothers Grimm story. I should also note that there is a significant difference between these two tales. In the English version the Hare is lazy and, assuming that he'll win, decides to take a nap. Of course, the "slow and steady" Tortoise overtakes the Hare who wakes up too late and loses the race. In the Brothers Grimm story the Hedgehog is rather devious and has his wife impersonate him in order to win the race."
"... and if I'm not mistaken, they run the rabbit back and forth in 'rematches' till he dies."
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Lost Cities
Reiner Knizia is one of the most prolific game designers ever. On his website, you will find a link to a pdf file that is 15 pages long listing his game releases since the mid-1980's! Amazing.
I own three of his games, including one of my few "10-ranked" games, Tigris and Euphrates. Also, Merchants of Amsterdam which I like but have yet to play.
I grabbed a copy of Lost Cities, one of his card games at the Unknown the other day. What a cool game! It's ranked 86 currently on the 'Geek, and although it is somewhat simple to play, I have really enjoyed it. Grayson and I have managed about a dozen games, and he's picked up the strategies nicely. I played a few games on BrettSpeilWelt, and actually won a couple of rounds.
The basic idea of this two-player game is this: there are 5 suites of 12 cards, each player is dealt 8 and must draw from a discard area or the deck after playing a card to his side of the table. Cards are played to the table in numerical sequence by suit. Double, triple or quadruple bonuses are paid for playing up to three starter cards before beginning the sequence of 2 through 10. After the draw deck is exhausted, the total face value of cards in each of up to 5 runs is multiplied by any starters, then twenty points is subtracted. Negative values are often obtained, and a score for each round can vary between -60 and +156.
The game has a large "blink" factor, in that you may discard cards to the center in 5 different stacks, as you will likely not be able to get to twenty points in all 5 suits. You and your opponent play a game of chicken as to which runs you will start, and which you with ditch to the center. You are hoping your opponent will be forced to toss you a needed card before you have to start building on a run. Also, you have to make gutsy calls about whether to start with the bonus multipliers, even though you may not have cards to follow through. Negative scores are multiplied as well as positives, so you have many desperate moments trying to get your totals above 20 and avoid a large loss.
There is an "Indiana Jones" exploration and discovery theme pasted on the the oversized cards, which drew me to the box, and keeps my son interested. He excited hunts for 9's and 10's to add to his piles, and has favorite mission colors (suits) he likes to try to build. Meanwhile, Dad trys to calculate the odds of each play, and make good decisions about what to draw and discard.
The game can be learned in about 5 minutes, and it tickles a certain part of my brain that will make me pull this out frequently. I am considering adding this to the opening of one of our gatherings someday soon, perhaps using the winners to separate teams.
I own three of his games, including one of my few "10-ranked" games, Tigris and Euphrates. Also, Merchants of Amsterdam which I like but have yet to play.
I grabbed a copy of Lost Cities, one of his card games at the Unknown the other day. What a cool game! It's ranked 86 currently on the 'Geek, and although it is somewhat simple to play, I have really enjoyed it. Grayson and I have managed about a dozen games, and he's picked up the strategies nicely. I played a few games on BrettSpeilWelt, and actually won a couple of rounds.
The basic idea of this two-player game is this: there are 5 suites of 12 cards, each player is dealt 8 and must draw from a discard area or the deck after playing a card to his side of the table. Cards are played to the table in numerical sequence by suit. Double, triple or quadruple bonuses are paid for playing up to three starter cards before beginning the sequence of 2 through 10. After the draw deck is exhausted, the total face value of cards in each of up to 5 runs is multiplied by any starters, then twenty points is subtracted. Negative values are often obtained, and a score for each round can vary between -60 and +156.
The game has a large "blink" factor, in that you may discard cards to the center in 5 different stacks, as you will likely not be able to get to twenty points in all 5 suits. You and your opponent play a game of chicken as to which runs you will start, and which you with ditch to the center. You are hoping your opponent will be forced to toss you a needed card before you have to start building on a run. Also, you have to make gutsy calls about whether to start with the bonus multipliers, even though you may not have cards to follow through. Negative scores are multiplied as well as positives, so you have many desperate moments trying to get your totals above 20 and avoid a large loss.
There is an "Indiana Jones" exploration and discovery theme pasted on the the oversized cards, which drew me to the box, and keeps my son interested. He excited hunts for 9's and 10's to add to his piles, and has favorite mission colors (suits) he likes to try to build. Meanwhile, Dad trys to calculate the odds of each play, and make good decisions about what to draw and discard.
The game can be learned in about 5 minutes, and it tickles a certain part of my brain that will make me pull this out frequently. I am considering adding this to the opening of one of our gatherings someday soon, perhaps using the winners to separate teams.
Friday, October 14, 2005
Catan Tips Published!
Yes, it's true. Microsoft has published five of my Settlers of Catan Online play tips on their website. They recently asked for some ideas, and as I've played over 100 games (and have a ranking in the 1700's, with a 40%+ win rate) I thought I'd throw a few ideas in! Check it out here. My handle is "phuntomx" on SoCO. Here's a quick sample of tip #5:
Also, be wary of the 6 and 8 locations, as these often attract the thief; they are rolled 14% of the time. 5 and 9 come up 11% of the time, still quite frequently, and are somewhat less likely to draw your opponent's thief.
- Phuntomx
----------------------------------------------------------------
Got it! Whilst returning from Saratoga Springs on a business trip, I stopped in Albany, and found an interesting game store. It turned out the be the best stocked store I have ever been in! Despite a rough exterior, the store was very clean, probably the best merchandised yet. The owner was a little gruff, but I found a treasure:
GOA
This Rudiger Dorn game (think Traders of Genoa (57), and Louis XIV (71)) is sold out everywhere I've looked. Released last year in the U.S. by Rio Grande games, online stores have sold out for some time. Apparently a small print run, the game is currently 13th in the world (according to the 'Geek), and has been compared very favorable with Puerto Rico on other "heavies" from the last few years (Princes of Florence, Power Grid, etc.). Some highly respected reviewers rated it one of the best games of 2004.
With all the good press, I was really excited to pick this up. Found it on the bottom shelf and in the corner of the store, for only $32. Despite searching for the last year, I have only seen Ebay copies at $60+ so I was really excited to not only find it, but at a low price. Now... if I can talk Kevin into slipping this one in-between PG, PR, St. Petersburg, Alahambra, San Juan... So many good games, so little time!
Also, be wary of the 6 and 8 locations, as these often attract the thief; they are rolled 14% of the time. 5 and 9 come up 11% of the time, still quite frequently, and are somewhat less likely to draw your opponent's thief.
- Phuntomx
----------------------------------------------------------------
Got it! Whilst returning from Saratoga Springs on a business trip, I stopped in Albany, and found an interesting game store. It turned out the be the best stocked store I have ever been in! Despite a rough exterior, the store was very clean, probably the best merchandised yet. The owner was a little gruff, but I found a treasure:
GOA
This Rudiger Dorn game (think Traders of Genoa (57), and Louis XIV (71)) is sold out everywhere I've looked. Released last year in the U.S. by Rio Grande games, online stores have sold out for some time. Apparently a small print run, the game is currently 13th in the world (according to the 'Geek), and has been compared very favorable with Puerto Rico on other "heavies" from the last few years (Princes of Florence, Power Grid, etc.). Some highly respected reviewers rated it one of the best games of 2004.
With all the good press, I was really excited to pick this up. Found it on the bottom shelf and in the corner of the store, for only $32. Despite searching for the last year, I have only seen Ebay copies at $60+ so I was really excited to not only find it, but at a low price. Now... if I can talk Kevin into slipping this one in-between PG, PR, St. Petersburg, Alahambra, San Juan... So many good games, so little time!
Monday, October 10, 2005
PR for the PC
With all the rain lately forcing us indoors, there are a couple of excellent programs for your PC to allow you to practice Puerto Rico on your PC!
These two single-player options are an excellent way to learn (as I have) all the wrong moves that you are making in your PR games. I always wondered why I get completely crushed by the folks on BrettSpielWelt, and these programs (the spreadsheet in particular) have shown me why!
Geese's PR for Windows
Mitton's PR Evolver for Excel
Geese's program is very graphical, and somewhat easier to understand. It has (for example) descriptions of all the cards, and full color boards.
Mitton's PR game has no graphics, and is literaly an Excel spreadsheet that you play, or use to test various game strategies. I've used it entirely as a game, and have been beated soundly about 10 times so far. I've managed to get to third place as the first seat the last few plays, but it is clear that unless I pay more attention to the other players buildings, this game will destroy me every time. You can play with zero to five players in this one, and I highly recommend trying this one out. (Note: Make sure you ENABLE MACROS or this spreadsheet will not run)
These two single-player options are an excellent way to learn (as I have) all the wrong moves that you are making in your PR games. I always wondered why I get completely crushed by the folks on BrettSpielWelt, and these programs (the spreadsheet in particular) have shown me why!
Geese's PR for Windows
Mitton's PR Evolver for Excel
Geese's program is very graphical, and somewhat easier to understand. It has (for example) descriptions of all the cards, and full color boards.
Mitton's PR game has no graphics, and is literaly an Excel spreadsheet that you play, or use to test various game strategies. I've used it entirely as a game, and have been beated soundly about 10 times so far. I've managed to get to third place as the first seat the last few plays, but it is clear that unless I pay more attention to the other players buildings, this game will destroy me every time. You can play with zero to five players in this one, and I highly recommend trying this one out. (Note: Make sure you ENABLE MACROS or this spreadsheet will not run)
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