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

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

Brad is the Director of Midwest GameFest. He joined me on the show this episode to talk about his convention, his gaming habits, and how his mother plays a ruthless game of Ticket to Ride. She doesn't care if Brad is her son. It is all about the "W!" I forgot to ask Brad, but via email, he prefers to play as RED!

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, I allow yet ANOTHER Green Bay Packers fan onto the show. Erik Arneson, part owner of the Packers, and I talk about his fantastic book, How to Host a Game Night, the importance of keeping your game collection under control (or just getting a bigger wall), how some games are classics while others are a simple one-and-done, and of course, Battleball!

Directing people to the get the games tab

I read a book about hosting game nights, and the next thing I know, I am hunting down a copy of a game from 2003 called Battleball: The Future of Football. This game is a riot. It is a fantastic 1v1 game where you are trying to be the first to score two touchdowns. The use of different sided dice is solid! It makes for a very interesting strategy, and it keeps a bit of luck, too! Sadly, it is not currently in production. Happily, there are consignment shops and eBay.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

Joe Slack, from Crazy Like a Box, returns to the show to talk about Expansions: how to market them differently than base games, the different types of expansions, and finding your niche. Joe has an expansion coming to Kickstarter on September 7, for his game Relics of Rajavahara.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Taran Kratz from Zeroic Games comes on to talk about his latest game and Kickstarter campaign for Thunder Rolls. We get off into the weeds when I have a mysterious sound from outside my window, and we discover that we would have been mortal enemies in college, as we went to rival Big Ten schools. Luckily, we met later in life. But, as I always say, "Board Games Build Bridges!"

Directing people to the get the games tab

This episode features the designer of Dice Fight: Chicken Edition, one of the most played games in my collection (no lie). Aaron has self-published and self-made each and every one of the games that he has sold. He says that he running low, and he is not sure what he will do when he runs out of chicken buckets. That's right, the game comes in a fried chicken take-out bucket. So, I urge you to go to dicefight.net and order a copy before he runs out. While you are there, check out his video for his roll-and-write and read the bios of the 80 chickens from the game. Each and every chicken is unique in look, name, and bio. Aaron and I also talk about using games to teach, how to get your little ones to love gaming, and finally getting back together in person!

Directing people to the get the games tab

Steven Lentz is the father of two board gamers in training. He wrote a book, The Guide to Board Gaming: Getting Past Candyland, in which he talks about how to get your little ones interested in board games. His "unlocking" idea is a keeper for sure! At the end of the episode, Steven was inexplicably dropped, that is why you do not hear him in the last few minutes. Anyway, we talk about games from our childhood, Mille Bornes, Battle Masters, and Scotland Yard.

Directing people to the get the games tab

I reached out to a Facebook group to find other board gamers that play with their coworkers at lunch. I knew I couldn't be the only one. Matthew Miller, a third shift call center employee, responded and we had a great conversation. We had some technical difficulties with his microphone, but the material is fantastic. We talk about the advantages of gaming at work, especially if you can get your boss involved. Matt talks about how receptive and inviting the gaming community is and how it has helped him. I mention a game called Cat, an RPG where you play a cat trying to save its oblivious human from things the humans cannot see. It is $4.99 at DriveThruRPG for the 45 page PDF.

Directing people to the get the games tab

Fellow board game reading nerd John-Michael Gariepy joins me in this episode. We talk about how there needs to be more books about board games that are not chess, his Kickstarter for his book Winning Streak, losing at Splendor, and then, John-Michael got lost. We laughed a lot during our conversation, but as usual, it is podcast GOLD!Contact for John-Michael:Popcorn RouletteDialD4DmWinning Streak BookSay Hellow to Black Jack Podcast

Directing people to the get the games tab

As you know from my other episodes, I read about board games a lot. While reading It's All a Game, I came across a designer that thought The Game of Life was too happy and needed to have decision-making and bad things happen, just like in real life. So, Chris Pender designed The Game of Real Life. A word of caution, this is not a family-friendly game. This has some adult content to it. Chris and I talk about how he came up the idea, how many he's made by hand, and his plans for a new game and new website. But, until he gets that new site up, you should go over to gameofreallife.com and pick yourself up a handmade copy of this very entertaining game!

Directing people to the get the games tab

I first came across CJ Connor's debut cozy novel Board to Death my usual way. I simply searched "board game" in the library online catalog. I recognized that I had not read it, so I checked it out. After about two chapters, I just decided to buy it. Edward read it before I had the chance. Anyway, we both loved it, and I reached out to CJ to be on the show. CJ and I talk the usual and when the next book is due out. Also, his connection to the narrator of the audiobook version of the book.

Get a copy of Board to Death now! Thanks for listening!

Directing people to the get the games tab

Aaron Wills is the creator of a game that comes in a take out bucket: Dice Fight Chicken Editionwww.DiceFight.net--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Chris and I talk about his design contest, his AMAZING game In Vino Morte, and a strange game called The Farming Game, that I now feel the urge to track down.In Vino Morte on PNP Arcade2021 Design Contest - Submit a game idea or to be a judge!

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Dave Eng joins me and we talk about our shelves of shame and game-based learning. Dave's website, UniversityXP is a wealth of information. It has links to his blog, videos, research, articles, and his own podcast.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

Like chaos? Like Wolfgang Kramer? Well, the latest iteration of his 1989 classic Midnight Party, called Escape from Hidden Castle, is the subject of this episode. It is quick and easy to teach, learn, and play.--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, I interview the "Average" part of Average Joe's podcast and Average Joe's Game Shop. Tom and I get off topic as usual. We talk about 3-legged cats, a bridge to Sweden, making a cross-country drive, and even some boardgaming!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

Wolfgang Kramer's Heimlich & Co. is a great twist on hidden information, social deduction games. It won the Spiel des Jahres back in 1986, and it recently got a facelift by Amigo Games. This is one you should check out!James Bond (and Austin Powers) Standees--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

This episode takes a look at Matt Leacock's Trilogy of Fobidden Games: Forbidden Island, Forbidden Desert, and Forbidden Sky. Each builds on its predecessors, has its own merits, but all are great fun for a lunch hour.

3D Desert Storm Tile

Variable Island Layouts (I can no longer find the desert ones, and I lost my file of them when my external hard drive took a nose dive off my desk thanks to the chaotic kitten.)

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

When I was first nurturing my collection, Machi Koro came up on many lists, as a game that I would like. So, I bought it, and I have played it many times since. This is a staple in my collection, has had its fair share of expansions and alternate releases, and is an evergreen delight.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

Adrian is the founder of Cockblock Studios. He and I met when I agreed to review his game, Turducken. It is currently live on Kickstarter as of April 26, 2021. He and I talk about his gaming habits, the games he has created, and some aspects of board game design along with not eating an oven and not using D-Con. What can I say? We got a little off topic.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, I talk with Ellie Dix from The Dark Imp. This is my first transatlantic interview! I came across Ellie's great book, The Board Game Family, at my local library. She talks about getting your kids and family to game together, a funny game called Murder, the importance of just having a deck of cards are you at all time, and more!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

Edward and I took a trip down to Paducah, Kentucky, to visit some friends we made at a convention. We taught kids our game, Fences, and I interviewed one of the owners of The Play Portal. Shannon mentions some great games, that Edward and played off the shelf. She also mentioned a game after we wrapped recording, Brutality. It looks and sounds like a great team, and more brutal, version of King of Tokyo. We obtained a copy off ebay, and we look forward to getting it to the table.

Anyway, here is the interview with Shannon Cope. Thanks for listening.

Directing people to the get the games tab

What was the first game you backed on Kickstarter? Mine was Scuttle! It opened my eyes to Kickstarter, and it helped me delve deeper into this wonderful hobby. Scuttle! was followed by Ninjitsu! which was then followed by Brains! These three games form the Treasure Hunters Trilogy by Peter C. Heyward and Jellybean Games. All are great fun and easy to fit into a lunch 15 minutes.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

Sara Beauvais joins the show this episode. She is the artist behind one of my favorite games, Universal Rule! She has a website: http://thefairycircle.com/ where you can reach out to her, or see some of her artwork. We talk about how her daughter likes to retheme games to utilize bunnies, the fear of a game going to "the attic," and a childhood game that I am trying to locate: The Garden Game.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Aaron and I talk about oatmeal cookies, air fryers versus deep fryers, and maybe even some board games! Aaron and his family are behind AnSR games which made Drop Racers, Ch35s, and more!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Joe Slack of Board Game Design Course (among many other things) drops by to talk lunch time games. Joe is also an author of three great books (two fo which I can vouch for, I need to read his second book) and he has a fourth one in the queue. Joe maintains a fantastic email list for board game designers, and you can (and should) sign up here at https://boardgamedesigncourse.com/bgdc/

I want to thank Joe again, and I look forward to his future books and games!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Drop Racers and Drop Racers Battle are the focus. These games were designed by a young man (like less than 10 years old). They are dexterity games where you are flicking your car to collect drops from the table to either score points, or try to end the game. Both can be bought from: http://www.ansr-entertainments.com/ They are an absolute delight to play with adults and children alike.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, I look at three more small roll and write games: QWIXX, QWINTO, & RIPPLE RUSH. Each one is terrific and should be added to your collection. These three have seen plenty of table time, and they did not dent the wallet…too bad. Give me a roll and write that I should try next!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this interview, fellow game nerd and cross stitch designer Katie Pierce joins the show. She is the Etsy shop owner of Komodo Stitches. I have personally bought two so far, and look forward to getting a third. Katie talks about how she got into gaming, drops a couple of great games that you should check out, and says C-A-T-A-N, well, you will just have to give it a listen.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

Bang! is one of the few social deduction games that I find enjoyable. The act of deceiving your friends while at the same time trying to get certain ones to believe you, makes this game a blast every time we play it.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode John Kohn joins the show. He is a prolific Print and Play creator. I have backed many of his games on Kickstarter, and I look forward to backing many more. He can be reached at johnhkohn2016@gmail.com

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In 2018, Erin Dean interviewed over 50 game designers, and compiled all the interviews into a smash success Kickstarter campaign. The result, For the Love of Board Games! This fantastic book became the bedtime story I read to The Son each night. It has started us down a great tradition of reading about board games and game designers. I highly recommend picking up a copy from Erin. If interested, the email address is loveofboardgames@gmail.com Shoot her an email, and get your copy!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

I won’t beat a dead horse, but I will say it one more time: I love a good roll and write. Of course, there are variations on this mechanic, like the flip and write. So, when I first heard of Inside Up Games’s Draft & Write Records, I was immediately curious.

In Draft & Write Records, designed by Bruno Maciel, you are trying to build a band, take it on tour, release tracks and albums, and do press, trying to be better than your opponents. 

It plays 1 - 6 players. Oddly, I played it solo first. Why? Well, I was on a work trip back to my alma mater. One of my gaming cousins lives in the same town. She “forgot” I was coming into town, and ended up playing Draft & Write Records solo in my hotel room. At first, I was mad at her for bailing on me. Then, after playing this solo, and another game I had with me solo, I was no longer mad at her. It actually gave me a greater appreciation for the solo gaming realm.

Anyway, enough complaining about family disappointments. Gather your crew, name your band, and try to be the most successful manager in Draft & Write Records.

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Adam looks at the "Clever Trilogy" by Wolfgang Warsch These games are: That's Pretty Clever, Twice as Clever, and Clever Cubed. These are fantastic roll and write games that elevates the game of Yahtzee. No more waiting on everyone else to roll on their turn while you do NOTHING. You are invested in every turn. Each one is colorful with its scorepad and dice. Each is video conferencing friendly. Each one is very affordable.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episdoe, Chip Beauvais joins the show. He is the creator of Universal Rule and Smoke & Mirrors, both available on PnPArcade.com. Chip talks about his new game Jackpot Payout that is going to hit Kickstarter later this year, as well as some hidden gem games that you should check out.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

Downforce by Wolfgang Kramer is the focus of this episode. Adam covers the game, the two expansion tracks, and talks about combining Downforce with Monopoly Gamer Mario Kart edition.Feel free to get sucked in this thread about Mario Kart: https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2056934/mario-kart-downforce-variationShare your pics or rule variations!--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

This episode covers TWO fantastic dexterity games by Haba: Rhino Hero and the sequel Rhino Hero: Super Battle. What started out as a show and tell at my office has turned into a regular engineering exercise.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Adam reviews Universal Rule by Chip Beauvais and published by Button Shy Games. It is also available as a print and play on PnPArcade.com. This is a wonderful 18-card 4x game that plays in less than a lunch hour. Believe it! Thanks for listening, and keep building those bridges!

Universal Rule on PnP Arcade

Universal Rule on Button Shy Games

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this interview, the Chief Creative Officer of Fireside Games, Justin De Witt joins Adam on the podcast. He is the creator, and artist, behind the fantastic cooperative board game Castle Panic! Justin and Adam talk about board gaming, how Castle Panic got on Wil Wheaton's Tabletop, how Justin got to design Star Trek Panic, and more! Thanks for listening, and keep building those bridges!

www.firesidegames.com

Fireside Games Facebook Page

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Adam talks about Alan R. Moon's Ticket to Ride, two expansions, 3 city editions, a PNP version, and First Journey.  This is a must have in any office colletion. Come listen and find out why!

Stay at Home Edition is a free print and play that can be found at that link!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Adam looks at Carcassonne, the classic Spiel des Jahres winning tile-laying game by Claus-Jurgen Wrede. Adam talks about the game and 9 mini-expansions!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, I look at Justin De Witt's cooperative castle defense game, Castle Panic!, its three full expansions, and multiple promos, This is my personal favorite co-op game. It is simple, easy to get to the table, and has been enjoyed many times by many people. Justin will be a guest later this year!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episiode, Adam interviews fellow board game podcaster, Joe Hamerly of Average Joe's Gaming Podcast. They discuss lunchtime gaming, go to games, and more. This is also the debut of more music from The Son.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

As you know, I have been playing a lot of Long Shot and Long Shot: The Dice Game. I have been waiting for the next release, WIN, to finally hit the stores. Well, last week, I received the email that my preorder was in! So, I drove out to the FLGS to pick up my copy of Chris Handy’s seventeenth game in the Perplext Pack-O-Games series, WIN: A Long Shot Game.

Once again, in WIN, you and your opponents are betting on the horses at the track. The bettor who has the most cash at the end of the race, is the winner!

I was curious how Chris could pair the game down to fit into the gumpack sized box. I was worried that the game would lose its fun, its chaos, its hilarity. So, how did he do? Let’s find out, as we wait for the bugle call….there it is, and we are off to the races once more, with WIN!

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, Adam talks about the game that started all of this lunch time gaming fun, Catan. He also discusses the scenarios: Helpers of Catan, Oil Springs, Frenemies, Santa Claus/Easter Bunny, and Global Warming. 

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

This episode features original music by my 8 year old. I asked him for a theme song, and he made it for me on Garage Band. Also, I discuss 7 Wonders, 2 expanions, and some extras. This is another must-have in your office playing library.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab

In this episode, I discuss the king of the mountain, Yahtzee style, kaiju monster mayhem game, King of Tokyo. I look at the base game, its two expansions, and the subsequent four monster packs. This is a great game to start a gaming group in your office! Board Games Build Bridges!

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/adam-f-collins/support

Directing people to the get the games tab