Explore every episode of the podcast Board Game Hot Takes

In Episode 324 we give our hot take review on Drillers covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We discuss a poll on Board Game Packaging and then discuss some games on our table including Sky 5, Forbidden Stars, and The Hobbit: There and Back Again.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Poll Time: How important is the board game box?

12:14 Drillers Description

13:57 Gameplay and Mechanisms

27:41 Production and Theme

38:10 Final Thoughts

44:02 Sky 5

51:15 Forbidden Stars

1:06:55 The Hobbit: There and Back Again

1:13:05 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 323 we're joined by board game designer Connie Vogelmann to discuss our top 3 board games we wish we'd designed.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:56 Connie tells us about Tideward and Weaverbirds

12:16 Top 3 board games we wish we'd designed

15:26 Baseball Highlights 2045

19:04 The Gang

23:05 Dominion

26:27 Glass Road / Black Forest

33:03 Smartphone, Inc.

36:34 It's a Wonderful World

40:14 Blue Lagoon

44:47 Nemesis

49:56 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

52:58 Fromage

58:54 Super Motherload

1:04:08 Nexus Ops

1:12:29 Will the BGHT Hosts ever design a board game?

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In Episode 322 we discuss epic (big, long) board games. How do you define an epic game? Are they worth the time investment? What games do you consider epic games? How often do you want to be playing them?

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In Episode 321 we give our hot take review on Bus covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We discuss a poll on Duel Games and then discuss some games on our table including Ostia, Gunsen, and Jisogi: Anime Studio Tycoon.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:17 Poll Time: How do you feel about Duel games?

12:12 Bus Description

14:15 Gameplay and Mechanisms

29:01 Production and Theme

33:39 Final Thoughts

38:20 Ostia

51:26 Gunsen: The Battle for Toshi Ranbo

55:57 Jisogi: Anime Studio Tycoon

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In Episode 320 we discuss the board game collecting as a part of the hobby. Do we consider ourselves collectors? What makes an interesting collection? Why do board games make good (or bad) collections?

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In Episode 319 we give our hot take review on Gunsen COLON The Battle for Toshi Ranbo covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We discuss a poll on whether its okay to concede in a 2-player game and then discuss some games on our table including Ants, World Order, and Origin Story: Heroes and Villains.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:24 Poll Time: Is it acceptable to concede in a 2-player game?

12:38 Gunsen: The Battle for Toshi Ranbo Description

14:29 Gameplay and Mechanisms

40:10 Production and Theme

44:56 Final Thoughts

52:25 Ants

1:03:37 World Order

1:11:52 Origin Story: Heroes and Villains

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In Episode 318 we answer a bunch of mailbag questions asked by our Patreon supporters.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:39 What's your Spirit Game?

04:39 Have you ever sold or traded a game away but later decided you wanted it back in your collection?

10:07 What games are just dumb fun?

15:03 Are there any games you'd like to see get a digital implementation?

19:39 What are your most gifted games?

24:57 What game was reimplemented wrong and the original was much better?

30:39 What is the first favorite happy moment in board gaming that comes to mind?

36:10 Will we ever attend another public board game convention?

39:53 How have you grown as a person through playing board games?

44:48 If you could only play 2 games the rest of your life which ones would you select and why?

49:00 What are your Grail Games to play and/or own?

57:21 What mics and DAWs do we own and other questions about creating the podcast?

1:02:48 Which games are worse to play on Board Game Arena than in person?

1:07:21 How did the hosts of the show meet?

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In Episode 317 we give our hot take review on Wondrous Creatures covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We discuss a poll on discovery vs. mastery and also discuss some games that have ALMOST been on our table including World Order and Distilled: Cocktails.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Poll Time: Which do you enjoy most about enjoying board games - Discovery or Mastery?

10:20 Wondrous Creatures Description

12:28 Gameplay and Mechanisms

30:07 Production and Theme

37:12 Final Thoughts

44:39 World Order

51:32 Distilled: Cocktails

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In Episode 316 we play and discuss many of our favorite party games and you can play along with us.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:37 Balderdash

11:04 Wavelength

18:05 Green Team Wins

22:59 Skull

27:18 Poetry for Neanderthals

31:12 Scattergories

35:57 Flip 7

39:57 Hot Streak

43:59 Heads Up!

48:58 Mad Gab

53:48 Scattergories: Categories

56:17 Subjective

1:01:33 Wits and Wagers

1:04:31 Challengers!

1:10:41 Codenames

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In Episode 315 we discuss our top 3 resource economies in board games.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:25 Beat The Expert Contest Winners

04:43 Top 3 Resource Economies in Board Games (Brass: Birmingham, Clans of Caledonia)

13:12 Tinner's Trail

19:33 Power Grid

24:02 Modern Art

28:05 Keyflower

34:51 Creature Comforts

40:58 Smartphone, Inc.

44:58 M.U.L.E. The Board Game

51:19 Arborea

56:33 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

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In Episode 314 we give our hot take review on Entropy covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We discuss a poll on how other people's experience at the game table impacts you and also discuss some games that have been on our tables including Pokemon Modern Art, Wavelength, and Duel of Meloch.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:24 Poll Time: Does another player's bad experience impact your enjoyment of a board game

09:00 Beat the Experts Contest Update

11:50 Entropy Description

13:45 Gameplay and Mechanisms

31:54 Production and Theme

41:06 Final Thoughts

51:36 Pokemon Modern Art

53:26 Wavelength

58:32 Duel of Meloch

1:10:17 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 313 we discuss a bunch of recent games that we've been playing. We also catch listeners up on the BGHT Beat The Expert Contest.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

08:52 Dawn of Madness

24:18 Trio / nana

29:23 Wingspan Pocket

48:17 Sanibel

46:30 Mister Diamond

51:07 Gunsen: The Battle for Toshi Ranbo

1:01:22 Stationfall

1:10:37 Dominant Species

1:14:46 Railroad Tiles

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In Episode 312 we conclude the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 1-10.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Tournament of Champions Contest Update

03:25 Ark Nova

06:17 Azul

08:14 Pan Am

12:33 The Castles of Burgundy

16:27 Ankh: Gods of Egypt

19:23 Star Realms

23:41 Grand Austria Hotel

27:06 March of the Ants: Evolved Edition

29:16 Terraforming Mars

32:11 Nucleum

36:37 Pan Am

37:31 Blood Rage

39:54 Civolution

42:50 Smartphone, Inc.

45:33 Dune: Imperium - Uprising

48:12 Everdell

50:37 Wonderland's War

52:28 Gaia Project

55:29 Agricola

57:13 Sol: Last Days of a Star

1:02:44 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

1:05:28 Clank! Catacombs

1:08:20 Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory

1:10:31 Distilled

1:15:18 Gaia Project

1:17:31 Dune: Imperium

1:20:25 Darwin's Journey

1:25:56 Dune: Imperium - Uprising

1:30:19 Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy

1:33:54 Tapestry

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In Episode 311 we continue the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 11-20.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:47 Contest Announcement

05:10 Underwater Cities

08:33 Tycoon India 1981

11:03 Luthier

16:00 Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King

19:50 Manhattan Project: Energy Empire

22:31 Speakeasy

26:18 Blood Rage

29:05 The Expanse Board Game

32:45 Echoes of Time

35:55 Cthulhu: Death May Die

41:06 Blood Rage

42:02 Endeavor: Deep Sea

44:32 Darwin's Journey

47:12 Lords of Vegas

49:16 Teotihuacan: City of Gods

53:16 Lost Ruins of Arnak

56:53 Dune: War for Arrakis

58:40 La Granja

1:02:33 The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle Earth

1:05:26 Stockpile

1:08:21 Obsession

1:12:31 Wonderland's War

1:14:18 Baseball Highlights: 2045

1:16:47 Agricola

1:19:52 Terraforming Mars

1:21:24 Gaia Project

1:23:41 Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar

1:27:05 Tichu

1:29:54 Dune: Imperium - Uprising

1:31:21 Lost Ruins of Arnak

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In Episode 310 we continue the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 21-30.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:43 Le Havre

04:10 Shamans

07:02 Wonderland's War

09:22 Emberleaf

11:54 Tag Team

14:56 Azul

18:22 Marco Polo II: In The Service of the Khan

21:19 Emberleaf

23:44 Heat: Pedal to the Metal

27:28 Sea Salt & Paper

30:05 Frozen Frontier

33:36 Thurn & Taxis

37:00 Tapestry

40:22 Barrage

43:00 Reforest

45:50 Pirates of Maracaibo

48:10 Brian Boru: High King of Ireland

50:47 Civolution

53:16 Moon Colony Bloodbath

55:36 Battle for Rokugan

58:07 Ark Nova

1:01:55 Scythe

1:05:41 Dune

1:08:20 Scythe

1:09:32 Endeavor: Deep Sea

1:11:58 Terraforming Mars

1:14:27 7 Wonders Duel

1:17:27 Revive

1:19:47 Fractal

1:22:41 Barrage

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In Episode 309 we continue the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 31-40.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:41 Reforest

03:42 Ada's Dream

05:53 Rats of Wistar

08:57 March of the Ants - Evolved Edition

11:33 Brass: Birmingham

14:26 Yokohama

17:36 Thunder Road: Vendetta

22:30 Reforest

23:28 Crokinole

25:52 Rebirth

27:37 Echoes of Time

29:07 A Feast for Odin

33:27 Rising Sun

35:00 Biohack

36:43 Revive

39:10 Manhattan Project: Energy Empire

42:50 Soothsayers

46:02 Godspeed

49:16 Stupor Mundi

53:40 Robot Quest Arena

54:29 Splendor: Duel

58:22 Clans of Caledonia

1:02:18 Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

1:03:45 Thunder Road: Vendetta

1:06:06 Boast or Nothing

1:08:11 Survive the Island

1:11:27 Outlive

1:15:44 Keyflower

1:18:54 SpaceCorp: 2025-2300AD

1:22:33 Clank! In! Space!

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In Episode 308 we start the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 41-50.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:50 Anachrony

06:31 Spirit Island

09:44 Let's Go To Japan

13:56 Harmonies

16:12 Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game

17:32 Maracaibo

20:31 Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

22:02 Masters of Renaissance: Lorenzo il Magnifico The Card Game

24:19 Biohack

27:05 Azul

28:51 Pax Pamir 2nd Edition

30:50 Cascadia

33:45 Woodcraft

36:10 Speakeasy

37:53 Emberleaf

42:39 The White Castles Duel

44:55 Revive

47:30 The Guild of Merchant Explorers

50:48 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game

53:51 Xenon Profiteer

55:08 Nemesis

1:00:16 Voidfall

1:02:41 Star Wars: Rebellion

1:03:59 Robot Quest Arena

1:06:41 Slay the Spire: The Board Game

1:11:39 High Society

1:12:49 Smartphone, Inc.

1:15:51 Tzolk'in The Mayan Calendar

1:17:54 Age of Galaxy

1:19:57 Cthulhu: Death May Die

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In Episode 307 we reflect on the year of 2026 in board gaming at this mid point to talk about some of our favorite (and most disappointing) board games and experiences so far.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

1:30 Which game do you want to take on a 2nd date after your first play in 2026? (Speakeasy, Off With Their Heads, Ada's Dream)

4:33 Which games hit the table more than any other this year? (Azul, Darwin's Journey, Obsession, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Tapestry, Formaggio, Captain Flip, Sea Salt & Paper, The White Castle Duel, Boast or Nothing, Dune: War for Arrakis, Manhattan Project: Energy Empire, Unicorn Fever)

07:47 What game's production and art has impressed you the most over the last 6 months? (Echoes of Time, Speakeasy, Dune: War for Arrakis)

13:28 What was your biggest surprise and biggest disappointment? (Steam Power, Reforest, The Old King's Crown, Earthborne Rangers, Aquaria, Tag Team, Amalfi: Renaissance)

22:36 What has been your most reliable introductory board game? (Flip 7, Ticket to Ride: San Francisco, Azul, Subjective, Lords of Vegas, Manhattan Project: Energy Empire )

28:50 Which 10+ years old title did you first discovery this year? (Thurn and Taxis, Parade, Medici: The Card Game, Biblios)

33:50 What's currently at the top of your wishlist? (Dawn of Madness, Everdell: Emerland, Entropy)

38:22 What's a creator, podcast, or channel that made your year better? (Punchboard Cathedral, Winner's Bias, Board Game Hangover)

45:00 What's your favorite episode you've created this year?

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In Episode 306 we give our hot take review on Amalfi: Renaissance covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We discuss a poll on kingmaking and also discuss some games that have been on our tables including Unicorn Fever and Parade and Chris covers his first impressions after unboxing Dawn of Madness.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:22 Poll Time: Kingmaking Decision

07:56 Amalfi: Renaissance Description

09:47 Gameplay and Mechanisms

20:27 Production and Theme

25:41 Final Thoughts

32:37 Unicorn Fever

39:10 Dawn of Madness Unboxing Thoughts

43:32 Parade

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In Episode 305 we answer a bunch of mailbag questions asked by our Patreon supporters.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

2:28 For what game do you prefer the digital implementation? What game do you refuse to play digitally?

11:48 At what point do you decide to buy a game?

20:52 How often do you get nostalgia for games you haven't played in many years?

26:32 Are there any goals for the pod over the next 5 years?

33:34 Has having the podcast taught us anything we didn't know about ourselves?

36:41 What legacy game would we want to play next?

42:25 What are some tips for teaching a complex game without a 30 minutes rules explanation?

48:35 If there's a game that your fellow hosts need a head start on what would it be?

51:54 What is one board game you'd like to see made into a movie or show?

56:53 If you can invite one guest onto the podcast, who would it be and what would you ask them?

1:01:10 What's your favorite game mechanic written in the form of a haiku or limerick?

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In Episode 304 we give our hot take review on Emberleaf covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We discuss a poll on anthropomorphic animals in board games and also discuss some games that have been on our tables including Dune: War for Arrakis and Blueprints and Chris discusses his excitement about finally receiving (after 8 years) his crowdfunded Dawn of Madness.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:22 Poll Time: Anthromorphic Animals?

09:11 Emberleaf Description

11:30 Gameplay and Mechanisms

31:27 Production and Theme

39:44 Final Thoughts

47:48 Dawn of Madness

50:56 Dune: War for Arrakis

1:04:27 Blueprints

1:11:25 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 303 Tim discusses all of the games played during his recent weekend at BGGCon in Dallas.

We also discuss a poll related to making friends at board game conventions.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Poll Time: Have you ever made friends at a board game convention?

09:28 BGGCon Spring

12:42 Coming of Age

24:15 Underwater Cities: Data Era

28:23 The White Castle Duel

34:58 SETI: Space Agencies

39:02 Moon Colony Bloodbath

40:37 Encyclopedia

44:14 Lacrimosa

44:49 Vantage

46:46 Formaggio

50:01 Everdell: Silverfrost

57:01 The Gang

1:01:59 Lightning Train

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In Episode 302 we discuss a bunch of recent games that we've been playing. We also discuss a poll on how many games you get played in an average session.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:37 Poll Time: How many games do you get played in your regular game sessions?

07:55 Emberleaf

17:38 Off With Their Heads!

25:35 Tag Team

34:04 Postcards

41:30 Euphoria: Essential Edition

54:46 Soothsayers

1:03:44 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 301 we feature two games by Vital Lacerda: Speakeasy and Kanban EV. We also discuss a poll on heavy games and include our final thoughts on heavy games in general and whether Vital Lacerda is a designer we want to revisit.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:53 Poll Time: How many board games do you own that are rated over 4.0 weight on Board Game Geek?

12:43 Speakeasy Description

14:10 Gameplay and Mechanisms

31:55 Production and Theme

37:33 Kanban EV Description

39:13 Gameplay and Mechanisms

51:56 Production and Theme

55:40 Final Thoughts

1:08:56 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 300 we reflect on doing the show for so long and share tons of our favorite clips from the history of the show.

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In Episode 299 we discuss all of the games played during the second half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering in San Diego, California.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Stroganov

12:14 Manhattan Project: Energy Empire

23:19 Boast or Nothing

29:15 Grand Austria Hotel

40:44 Mule: The Board Game

53:03 Echoes of Time

59:41 Nokosu Dice

1:07:03 Burn the Fort

1:14:35 River Rush

1:30:43 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 298 we discuss all of the games played during the first half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering, this time in San Diego, California.

If you enjoy the show, please vote for Board Game Hot Takes for best podcast in the annual Board Game Geek Golden Geek Awards here: BoardGameGeek

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

04:53 Ayar: Children of the Sun

14:40 Captain Flip

17:57 Lords of Vegas

28:15 Endeavor: Deep Sea

33:13 March of the Ants: Evolved Edition

40:25 Origin Story

45:15 Civolution

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In Episode 297 we discuss how board games trigger dopamine and name our top 5 games loaded with dopamine hits.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

Top 5 Dopamine Loaded Board Games

05:57 Endeavor: Deep Sea

9:02 No Thanks

11:43 Champions of Midgard, Batman: Gotham City Chronicles, Eclipse: 2nd Dawn for The Galaxy, Arcs, Star Wars Rebellion

16:00 Nippon: Zaibatsu

19:48 Sol: Last Days of a Star

22:32 Kanban EV, Barrage, Tapestry

26:18 Slay the Spire: The Board Game

28:15 Tycoon: India 1981

30:53 Can't Stop, Quacks, Wonderland's War

35:35 Grand Austria Hotel

37:38 Dune, Fractal, Glory to Rome, Blood Rage

43:45 Rebirth

45:25 Brass: Birmingham, Steam Power

49:06 Motor City, Darwin's Journey, Rajas of the Ganges: The Dice Charmers, Cribbage

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In Episode 296 we talk through our real-time nominations for the 2025 boardgamegeek.com Golden Geek Awards.

If you enjoy our show and would like to support us by nominating us for Best Board Game Podcast you can do that here: https://boardgamegeek.com/goldengeek

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

04:05 Above and Below: Haunted

04:57 Ada's Dream

06:53 Ape Town

08:35 Aquaria

09:32 Ayar: Children of the Sun

11:03 Clank! Catacombs - Underworld

12:44 Dark Heists

14:26 Dewan

15:55 Dune: Imperium - Bloodlines

17:28 Echoes of Time

18:56 Eternal Decks

19:46 Etherstone

20:12 Everdell Duo

20:40 Finspan

22:08 Fliptoons

23:23 Galactic Cruise

25:47 Gems of Iridescia

27:11 Great Western Trail: El Paso

28:07 Hot Streak

30:15 Hyperspace

31:17 Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship

32:54 Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring: the Trick Taking Game

33:40 Luthier

34:50 No Loose Ends

35:50 Iliad

36:53 Lost Ruins of Arnak: Twisted Paths

37:44 March of the Ants: Evolved Edition

39:36 Quorum

40:11 Scoville: 2nd Edition

41:32 SHASN: AZADI

42:36 Steam Power

43:52 Moon Colony Bloodbath

45:10 The Old King's Crown

46:33 Origin Story

47:23 Sea Salt & Paper: Extra Pepper

48:31 Speakeasy

50:28 Stupor Mundi

52:26 Toy Battle

53:02 Tycoon: India 1981

55:04 Vantage

57:30 Wroth

59:34 Best Board Game Podcast Category

59:58 Chris' News

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In Episode 295 we give our hot take review on Endeavor: Deep Sea covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We talk about the games we'll be playing at our bi-annual (or semi-annual) BGHT Con and also discuss some games that have been on our tables including Captain Flip, Endless Space 2, and Earthborne Rangers.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:22 BGHT SandyCon Excitement Chat (M.U.L.E, Stroganov, Kanban E.V., Speakeasy, March of the Ants, Echoes of Time, Lords of Vegas, Civolution, Aquaria, Endeavor: Deep Sea, Beyond the Horizon)

7:50 Endeavor: Deep Sea Description

10:47 Gameplay and Mechanisms

31:27 Production and Theme

37:21 Final Thoughts

41:23 Captain Flip

45:22 Endless Space 2

53:46 Earthborne Rangers

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In Episode 294 we invite board game designer, Andy Schwarz, on to discuss his experience with self-publishing a game and he shares lessons learns, tips and tricks, and some real financial numbers.

You can read Andy's blog post covering some of the discussed topics here: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/3215750/an-analysis-of-what-it-costs-to-self-publish-a-gam

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In Episode 293 we each cover 5 board games that integrate animals themes.

We also discuss a poll on packing board games when travelling on a plane.

00:00 Introduction

03:50 Poll Time: How do you pack board games when travelling via airplane

11:40 15 Great Animal Themed Games

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In Episode 292 we give our hot take review on two board game expansions - Viticulture: Bordeaux and Revive: Call of the Abyss

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

0:35 Viticulture: Bordeaux

0:51 Gameplay and Mechanisms

19:36 Production and Theme

21:29 Final Thoughts

28:03 Revive: Call of the Abyss

28:51 Gameplay and Mechanisms

39:04 Production and Theme

40:33 Final Thoughts

45:29 News and Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 291 we look back at some hidden gems from 2020-2024. We each name at least one game that doesn't get discussed much anymore from each of these years and talk about why they deserve more attention.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:49 Top 5 Overlooked Board Games (2020-2024)

05:00 2020 - Whistle Mountain (Rajas of the Ganges: The Dice Charmers, The Castles of Tuscany, Star Wars Unlock, Mariposas)

10:22 2020 - Godspeed

11:23 2020 - New York Zoo

15:20 2021 - Viking See-Saw (Boon Lake, Mille Fiori, Messina 1347)

21:26 2021 - Dune: A Game of Conquest and Diplomacy

25:42 2021 - The Emerald Flame

27:33 2021 - That Time You Killed Me

33:18 2022 - Vagrantsong (Sea Salt & Paper, Woodcraft, Creature Comforts, Paperback Adventures)

39:49 2022 - Mosaic: A Story of Civilization

41:47 2022 - Age of Galaxy

42:37 2022 - Aeon Trespass Odyssey

44:29 2022 - Three Sisters

48:45 2023 - Imperial Miners (Pirates of Maracaibo, Rats of Wistar, Surfasaurus Max)

53:56 2023 - Fractal, Robot Quest Arena

56:35 2023 - Europa Universalis: The Price of Power

59:28 2023 - Sea Dragons

1:03:33 2024 - Lone Wolves (Let's Go To Japan, Fromage, Rebirth, Windmill Valley, Flip 7, Captain Flip, Invincible: The Hero Building Game, Stamp Swap, Spring Cleaning)

1:08:50 2024 - Frozen Frontier, Biohack

1:10:08 2024 - Reforest, Looot

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In Episode 290 we discuss board game strategy, how we approach it, and why we care about strategy when we're playing board games.

We also discuss a poll about discussing strategy after a play.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:25 Poll Time: Do you discuss the strategy of your play after finishing a game?

12:05 Board Game Strategy

12:38 How do you approach strategy on a first play of a board game?

17:15 What's your approach for getting better at board game strategy after your first play?

24:57 Is getting better at strategy important to you?

32:35 Are there any games you feel you're the best you'll ever be?

37:29 Are there any games you aren't good at and don't know how to get better?

46:08 If you aren't getting better at strategy in a game does that game become less fun for you?

52:54 Have you every looked for strategy tips online for a game?

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In Episode 289 we give our hot take review on Dewan covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We also discuss some games that have been on our tables including Speakeasy, Saltfjord, and Ape Town.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:41 Dewan Description

02:18 Gameplay and Mechanisms

18:40 Production and Theme

23:55 Final Thoughts

28:25 Speakeasy

37:25 Saltfjord

45:06 GameCon at House on the Hill (Portland Metro Area)

47:53 Ape Town

57:53 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 288 we dive into the mailbag in search of our listener's best board game related questions.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

2:14 Theme that doesn't exist that you'd like to see in a game?

12:28 What are your once a year games?

20:02 What is the best deal you've ever scored on the secondary market and what is your most regrettable board game purchase?

29:53 Thoughts on ordering a game outside of the U.S.A?

34:35 Most promising board game designers to look out for?

41:47 What does a typical productions schedule for an episode look like?

50:07 Do you feel like your preference for playing complex board games is affected by the mental load you have in life?

54:30 Do you manage to pull 4 Azul tiles out of the bag every single time?

55:40 Do we pay too little for board games?

1:00:18 Does your family life suffer as a result of your board game hobby?

1:07:58 How old are we?

1:10:25 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 287 we give our hot take review on Forest Shuffle and Reforest and cover the gameplay and production of both and then discuss which we preferred.

We also discuss a poll on separating resource components when setting up a game and then discuss some recent plays of Fibbage and Super Motherload.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:22 Poll Time: Separating Resources

8:27 Forest Shuffle Description

9:52 Gameplay and Mechanisms

22:14 Production and Theme

28:11 Reforest Description

29:48 Gameplay and Mechanisms

41:32 Production and Theme

46:24 Final Thoughts - Forest Shuffle and Reforest

58:56 Hot Streak, Fibbage, and Flip 7

1:01:10 Super Motherload

1:07:15 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 286 we cover 5 board game expansions each that are (almost) mandatory.

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Board game expansions we won't play without

03:31 Look back at Top 5 Board Game Expansions from Episode 47

10:17 Roll Player - Monsters and Minions

15:02 Agricola - Belgium, France, Gamer's Deck, etc.

19:43 Radlands - Cult of Chrome

22:05 Thunder Road: Vendetta - Choppe Shoppe

24:36 Blood Rage - Kickstarter Exclusive Monsters

29:04 Stockpile - Continuing Corruption

31:04 The Castles of Burgundy - Trade Routes

34:51 Obsession - Upstairs, Downstairs

38:36 Chaosmos - The Temple

42:16 Downforce - Danger Circuit, Wild Ride

46:07 Tapestry - Plans and Ploys

50:20 Gaia Project - The Lost Fleet

53:13 Fantastic Factories - Manufactions

55:12 Dune: Imperium - Rise of Ix

59:33 March of the Ants: Evolved Editions - Predators and Prey

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In Episode 285 we give our hot take review on The Old King's Crown covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We talk about the BGG Hall of Fame inductee, For Sale, and then discuss some games that have been on our tables including Reforest, Biblios, and Subjective.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:21 BGG Hall of Fame: For Sale

05:40 The Old King's Crown Description

08:18 Gameplay and Mechanisms

33:50 Production and Theme

38:52 Final Thoughts

46:20 Echoes of Time

48:22 Reforest

53:06 Dead Cells

54:25 Biblios

58:53 Subjective

1:04:25 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 284 we give our hot take review on Echoes of Time covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We cover a poll on motivations to engage with the board game hobby and then discuss some games that have been on our tables including Sanctuary and Fearsome Floors and a first look at some games that have recently arrived including Chaosmos: The Temple and Speakeasy.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:21 Poll: What is your primary motivation for being a part of the board gaming hobby?

09:18 Echoes of Time Description

10:57 Gameplay and Mechanisms

27:08 Production and Theme

37:26 Final Thoughts

47:00 Sanctuary

56:06 Recent Arrivals: Chaosmos: The Temple and Speakeasy

59:51 Fearsome Floors

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In Episode 284 we take a look back at 2025 and discuss some of the great (and no so great) games we played last year. Most of them were even published last year.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

2:27 Biggest Surprises in 2025 (Dead Cells, Hot Streak, Slay the Spire: The Board Game)

16:45 Biggest Disappointments in 2025 (Wroth, Scoville 2nd Edition, SETI: Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence)

25:04 Best New to Us in 2025 (Lords of Vegas, Thurn and Taxis, Crokinole, Nokosu Dice)

30:23 Best Production Published in 2025 (Hot Streak, March of the Ants Evolved Edition, Stupor Mundi)

36:51 Lookback at Best Games of 2024 (Unconscious Mind, Fromage, Civolution)

40:35 Best Games of 2025 (March of the Ants Evolved Edition, Luthier, Moon Colony Bloodbath)

48:40 Board Game Resolutions

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In Episode 282 we discuss the current state of the hobby and if it's the best it's ever been. Are we in peak board gaming? Where do we go from here?

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In Episode 281 we look back at the games we played once for the first time in 2025. Great games and we want to play them more.

We briefly look at last year's list and see how we did.

00:00 Introduction

04:24 Last Year's List

04:34 Luthier

05:04 Marrakesh

05:21 Dune

06:12 Unconscious Mind

07:25 Thunder Road: Vendetta

08:27 Lancaster

09:44 Dune: Imperium Uprising (6 Player)

09:53 Biohack

10:01 Ceres

10:39 March of the Ants

11:36 Clockwork Wars

12:38 Hallertau

12:55 Walnut Grove

15:01 Black Forest

15:42 Endeavor: Deep Sea

16: 32 Top 5 Games We Only Played Once in 2025

16:44 Moon Colony Bloodbath

20:14 Modern Art

23:45 Crokinole

27:56 Chaosmos

30:51 Frozen Frontier

32:30 Rebirth

34:34 Manhattan Project: Energy Empire

36:27 Stroganov

39:35 SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

41:17 Crystal Palace

43:57 Ada's Dream

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In Episode 280 we look back at last year's list of games we wanted to get played and then we discuss the games that are top of mind we hope to get to try over the next year.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:12 Last Year's Top 5 we wanted to play in 2025 (and how we did)

02:21 Civolution

05:40 Joyrides: Survival of the Fastest

06:08 Wroth

06:32 SETI: Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence

09:58 Dune: War for Arrakis

10:48 Windmill Valley

12:21 Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle Earth

13:46 Endeavor: Deep Sea

15:18 Resafa

16:05 Andromeda's Edge / Rock Hard: 1977

17:26 World Order

18:47 Wondrous Creatures

19:44 Rats of Wistar

21:35 Power Vaccuum

22:40 Top 5 Games we want to play in 2026

22:40 Coming of Age

25:04 Primacy: A Coyote and Crow Card Game

29:31 Eternal Decks

34:12 Echoes of Time

38:55 Lords of Baseball

41:33 Everdell: Silverfrost

43:54 Burn the Fort

48:57 Rise and Fall

52:08 Ants

54:15 Rebuilding Seattle

1:00:33 Unicorn Fever

1:03:20 Sanctuary

1:09:03 Speakeasy

1:12:42 Ayar: Children of the Sun

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In Episode 279 we give our hot take review on Ada's Dream covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We cover a poll on Multi-player Solitaire board games and then discuss some games that have been on our tables including Lords of Vegas, Ticket to Ride, and Nokosu Dice.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

00:25 Poll: How do you feel about 'Multi-player Solitaire' Games?

15:19 Ada's Dream Description

18:06 Gameplay and Mechanisms

38:58 Production and Theme

48:51 Final Thoughts

1:00:42 Lords of Vegas

1:06:13 Ticket to Ride

1:08:11 Nokosu Dice

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In Episode 278 we discuss the top 5 games that each of us thinks will be a big hit for families of all types (family gatherings, gaming with kids, etc.)

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:12 Top 5 Family Board Games

07:50 Flip 7

10:55 Skull

14:39 Cheeky Monkey /Can't Stop / Viking See-Saw

20:39 Sushi Go

23:13 No Thanks

27:28 Camel Up / Hot Streak

31:22 King of Tokyo

34:44 Balderdash

38:31 Ticket to Ride

42:45 Unlock / Exit (Escape Room in a Box Games)

49:31 Dino Battle: Logical Game

52:38 Robot Quest Arena / My Little Scythe

57:31 Quacks

1:00:51 Survive the Island

1:06:02 Return to Dark Tower / Slay the Spire

1:10:55 Honorable Mentions: Crokinole, Tripole, Love Letter, Kingdomino, Bot Factory

1:14:40 Listener Shoutout

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In Episode 277 we discuss why and how we rate board games on BGG and run through each of the rating levels, how they're described on BGG, and provide samples of our ratings at each level.

We also discuss a poll about rating board games on BGG.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

01:29 Poll Time: Do you rate games on BoardGameGeek?

7:42 BGG Ratings Topic Introduction

9:40 1 - Awful Defies Game Description

15:34 2 - Very Bad, Won't Play Ever Again

19:30 3 - Bad, Likely Won't Play This Again

23:24 4 - Not So Good, But Could Play Again

27:51 5 - Mediocre, Take It Or Leave It

32:34 6 - OK, Will Play If In The Mood

38:05 7 - Good, Usually Willing To Play

42:47 8 - Very Good, Enjoy Playing And Would Suggest It

47:59 9 - Excellent, Very Much Enjoy Playing

53:27 10 - Outstanding, Will Always Enjoy Playing

57:32 Final Thoughts

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In Episode 276 we give our hot take review on Joy Ride: Survival of the Fastest covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.

We cover a poll on board game convention attendance and then discuss some games that have been on our tables including Stroganov and Origin Story and a future take on Otter Chaos.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:28 Poll: How many board game conventions did you attend in the last twelve months?

11:10 Joyride: Survival of the Fastest Description

13:43 Gameplay and Mechanisms

26:08 Production and Theme

34:46 Final Thoughts

44:45 Stroganov

51:09 Origin Story

1:09:24 Future Take: Why I Otter, An Otter Won, Otter Chaos

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In Episode 275 we return to the mailbag and answer a bunch of our listener's board game related questions.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

1:31 What are some of your go-to games for groups that have varying levels of gamers?

9:55 What are the parts of this hobby that annoy you the most?

13:16 What do you think are the biggest omissions from BGHT feature reviews?

17:36 What is your most played board game (in person)?

21:27 How do you decide between the urge to play something you know you like versus the obligation to play something new?

27:07 Are there groups of family or friends you don't bring out games for or to?

30:40 What are your forever games?

36:09 Which games make you feel clever?

46:12 Can you detail your current game groups?

55:53 Do you have any house rules you use?

58:55 Words of advice for a weekend gaming event inspired by BGHT cons?

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