Just a routine reading of Board Game Geek put me onto the release of today’s focus game, King of Tokyo: Duel. There was a banner ad on the homepage. From there, a quick click over to my local game shop webpage allowed me to preorder the game. I did not need any more information. It was King of Tokyo. It was designed by Richard Garfield. It was two-player. Upon further inspection, it appeared to be a tug of war style game. It had the established characters. Well, my copy arrived. I went to get it. Edward and I sat down to play it. King of Tokyo Duel sets you and your opponent in a mano a mano battle over Tokyo. As with the original game, there are multiple ways to win: knock the other monster out, get both the star and building markers into your spotlight zone, or one of the markers reaches the last space on your side of the board. Directing people to the get the games tab…

My family loves this game. My sister has not yet played it because it's a little over her skill level. But my mom, dad and I love this game. We have played this game dozens of times. When it comes to the expansion (which I will talk about later), we have only played it a few times. In Chili Mafia, you are a mob boss building gangs of various chili peppers. You can either build a gang of different peppers, or one of similar peppers. Both have their benefits. The game ends when the cards run out. The gang worth the most points wins! So, gather your gang, and let's get into the review for “Chili Mafia” Directing people to the get the games tab…

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Reynolds, one of the founders of The Bridge Teachers. We dive into his secret weapon for Two Truths and a Lie, the art of playing Monopoly by the rules, and the challenge of teaching Bridge to a 6-year-old, and that’s just the beginning. Brian also shares an online comic recommendation and a book that’s now on my list to read. Plus, his wife makes a few surprise appearances, she could hear us through the wall and couldn’t resist chiming in to keep him honest. All this and more. Thanks for listening! Directing people to the get the games tab…

In a past episode, our guest Camilla Zamboni mentioned The Tabletop Revolution , a fascinating book by fellow professor Marco Arnaudo. In it, Prof. Arnaudo explores the dramatic evolution of board games—how mechanics have transformed from simple numbered cards to dynamic, multi-functional game elements. We dive into this revolution, celebrating classics like Acquire —a game so essential that Prof. Arnaudo calls it "foundational." (And honestly, he's right—everyone should play it!) Plus, we squeeze in a fun Planes, Trains, and Automobiles shoutout along the way. He also talks about donating some games to the Lilly Library. To find out how many, keep listening. Get the book HERE! Directing people to the get the games tab…

Last year at Geekway to the West, the local gaming convention here in St. Louis that you have heard me talk about a lot, fellow game designer and past guest on this show, Phill Wamser and I sat down and played this one evening after a long day in the booth. We were surprised by the feel of the cards, but other than that, we played two or three games back to back without really realizing it. As soon as we realized it, we decided we like this elegant game design! In Sea Salt & Pepper, you are trying to collect duos of animals or boats, collections of sea creatures, and mermaids to score seven or more points as fast as you can to catch your opponents off guard. Push too long and your opponents might score more than you, or steal a card ruining your hand. All of this is beautifully illustrated with origami creations that bring this aquatic world to life! Directing people to the get the games tab…

In this episode, I am joined by author Steve Dee. His book The Book of Carcassonne was an early bedtime read for Edward. His other books are equally as entertaining. Steve and I talk about playing at lunch and feeling that you are misbehaving a little. In a good way... We also reminisce about Tabletop with Wil Wheaton and the great games that he introduced us to. Steve also mentions having a "home game" because he lives close to Birmingham. All this and more. Thanks for listening. Steve Dee on Amazon Ticket to Carcassonne Directing people to the get the games tab…

I came across an article while reading a different article that I came across while reading another article that was referenced in a book I was reading about board games. I enjoyed the story and the experience that author talked about. So, I reached out to the writer, Morgan Ebbs. Morgan joins me to talk about her entry into the gaming hobby, answer the standard questions, and how she has a $60 limit on games. We talked about this and more. Thanks for listening. From Candy Crush to Catan article Directing people to the get the games tab…

Another great game from designer Steve Jackson. I love this game. In zombie dice you are a zombie trying to eat brains. My family takes this game of trips to play before bed. My sister wanted to play “The brain game”, we had no idea what she was talking about so we asked her to go get it. Then she brought in this game. It is based on a push your luck mechanic, and this game is simple enough a 5 year old can play it, but adults can also enjoy it. So, gather your horde, sit down, and try to be the first to eat thirteen brains with Zombie Dice. Directing people to the get the games tab…

Facebook strikes again! A group that I follow had a post by a fellow member that her book was finally published. Of course, I had to read it. Professor Camilla Zamboni's book, Roll for Learning: 51 Micro Tabletop Role-Playing Games to Use in the Classroom, is a collection of TTRPGS with a lot of other information to help implement them. She graciaously joined me in this episode to talk about gaming in the classroom, gaming online, expansions (good or bad), and the usual questions. Thanks for listening. Get the book in various formats: HERE Directing people to the get the games tab…

Facebook got me again! I am an easy target for ads about board games. I had heard of this one, but when the ad hit, and I clicked over, and it was only $50, I had to order Farms Race. It is the debut game from Medium Brow Games. (What a great name, by the way) This publisher was founded by one of the creators of Cards Against Humanity, Daniel Dranove. The other designer credited is Tom Weiner. This is his first game. So, what drew me to Farms Race? It looked and sounded Catan-ish. The box art was beautiful. Intrigued, I did some digging into it. Turns out, the rules were available on BoardGameGeek. So, I gave them a peek. I was on the fence, but when the ad targeted me, I went for it. Directing people to the get the games tab…

Edward and I are always up for a good racing game. We have mentioned this in the past. We have a lot of different types of racing. When watching videos on YouTube of great racing games, 1500M came up. It is a racing game that came out in 2018 where you are a track runner in a, well, 1500M foot race. I instantly reached out to the creator, Eduardo Crespo, and his company Lucky Loser Games . Edward is a cross country and track runner. It seemed like a perfect fit. It arrived just before a vacation! I packed it, we didn’t play it, and it sat longer than anticipated. However, at the last gaming meetup at the local library, Edward and I took it with us and learned and played it with two of our friends. In 1500M, you are a runner who has to balance mental health with your pace as you make the 3 and ¾ laps around the track. Gather your fellow athletes, and see who has the mental fortitude to push the limits and be the first to cross the finish line after a grueling 1500M. Directing people to the get the games tab…

In this episode, I am joined by father and son designers Cory and Gavin Neslon. They are the duo behind The Naughty Jester. Their debut game, Chivalry is Dead: Race for the Crown, is currently up on Kickstarter. It is a fantasy themed racing game. I can't wait for it. We talk about Kickstarter, racing games, inspiration, and ha lot of other fun things. Thanks for listening. Chivalry is Dead: Race for the Crown Directing people to the get the games tab…

I preordered Horrified: Greek Monster Edition against my better judgment. Once I was not overly impressed with the American Monsters Edition, I do not know what possessed me to preorder this newest edition. Anyway, I did, from Target. It was scheduled for delivery on October 9. Oddly, I received a notification from Target that it was out for delivery on September 29. When I clicked for more details, the UPS website said it was out for delivery, scheduled to arrive on 10/9. This meant it was going to be riding around on the UPS truck for 10 days. Well, it showed up on that Friday, September 29, and I played it September 30. As I said in my Horrified episode, I was stoked for this edition. I was hoping that with all the rich lore Greek Mythology offers, this edition would be ripe with theme. In the Greek Monsters Edition, Pandora’s box has been opened and six mythological monsters have escaped. You and your team are trying to track down 2-4 monsters per game and trap them. Let’s see if the Greek Monsters Edition was worth the impulsive purchase.…

I came across De'Von Truvel's board game while trying to find a book for the kids about the Greenwood Massacre, as we were planning a trip to Tulsa. I found a book on Amazon, Black History Adventures of Rose and Rodney: Greenwood and Tulsa's Black Wall Street. The book said it was from the creators of Play Black Wall Street the Board Game. So, I bought both. De'Von talk about the game, the event, and much more. He talks about his work with schools and the community to promote good financial decisions and education. He is a truly inspiring individual. Thanks for listening. Directing people to the get the games tab…

Dad found Kuddly Kymera at a gaming convention. It was designed and published by Mythica Gaming. They are the same team behind one of our other favorite games, Dueling Dice! Kuddly Kymera is a game about creating the cutest animal possible. Players take turns playing down cards from their hand onto themselves or other players. My dad, sister, and I had a blast playing it so we introduced it to my grandparents on vacation, and they really enjoyed it. The true definition of chimera is spelled with a “C” and it is a “fire breathing monster with a lion's head, goat's body, and a serpent's tail. But luckily we are making cuter animals than that. Why they spelled them both with a “K” when they are truly spelled with a “C” I don't have a clue. Gather your friends and family to see who can create the cutest animal. Get your copy HERE Directing people to the get the games tab…