In this episode, we found an order of druids attempting to learn the greatest secrets of the ancient oak tree.  We climb it's branches and visit temples to show our devotion in this worker placement game.  Listen to find out  how Rachel broke the game and why we backed it in the first place! Game Info: 1-4 Players 60-90 Minute Playtime Ages 14+ Board Game Geek Entry Social Media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Twitch

In this episode, we're getting warm and cozy with a nice cup of tea as collect flavorful ingredients and tasty addons in Chai.  This is an order fulfilment game where different types of tea shops are competing to serve the most customers and brew the highest quality tea.  There may even be a few famous cameos that drop in for a drink.  Listen to find out why we're all just kids waiting to get our allowance and how many episodes we have left before Y2K23. Game Info: 1-5 Players 20-60 Minute...

Today we are joined by our friend and game creator Niall Crabtree of Crab Studios to discuss bluffing and deception games.  We talk about the history and aspects of our favorite games that encourage us to lie to each other.  Listen to find out who is always the traitor and when they aren't, who they always suspect. You'll also be able to learn about our guest's Nordic inspired bluffing game that is now available. http://www.niallcrabtree.com/

In this episode, we venture into the Miskatonic University Museum to seal away an ancient one before they destroy the world!  We're collecting clues, solving puzzles, and killing monsters.  This dice chucking co-operative game gives you an easy and quick setup while offering a lot of replay-ability through its tough adventures.  Listen to find out how many hours are in a day and where Jake's shameless ability to win leads him. Game Info: 1-8 Players 90 Minute Playtime Ages 13+ Board Game...

In this episode, we're sewing together quilts and trying to fill in as much of it as possible!  However, the patches don't come in standard shapes so making your quilt quickly starts to feel like a puzzle.  This 2-person Tetris-like game offers many different themes, including one for Halloween!  So listen to find out why Rachel wants to catch 'em all and how Jake is going to bring competitive shape matching to your favorite sports station! Game Info: 2 Players 15-30 Minute Playtime Ages...

In this episode, we take to the high seas as mariner ocean creatures.  We're vying for control of the local islands as the Bluefin Squadron and Mollusk Union or bootlegging our way to the top as true pirate smugglers.  This asymmetrical dice rolling and area control game offers a Root-lite experience that's easy to learn and difficult to master.  Listen to find out who the most seaworthy player is and why scissors and pocket watches are piratey. Game Info: 1-4 Players 90-120 Minute...

In this episode, we take on the role of Medieval pharmacists prescribing potions to balance the humors (black bile, yellow bile, blood, and phlegm) of the local townsfolk.  We're talking to the creator of the game, Charlie McCarron, to understand all the love that went into the making of this game.  From the delightfully intricate scenes taking place all around town to the hidden musical scores found on all bard cards, this deception and deduction game is full of all the right fun for the...

In this episode, we become Loa or guardian spirits of an island where invading colonists have come to settle these undisturbed lands.  We take on aspects of nature to instill fear, destroy cities and towns, and incite riots from the peaceful locals to help take the land back from these invaders.  This complex co-operative game has a lot to offer with many spirits and adversaries across several expansions.  Listen to find out Jake's favorite way to destroy invaders and Rachel's plan for office...

Today we have some special friends join us on our journey through feudal japan! Emma and Tilly from the Geek Squared Show are discussing the zen experience of playing Tokaido! In this episode we discuss this wonderful game and describe our own journeys from Kyoto to Tokyo. Full disclosure we did play an electronic version of this as Emma and Tilly aren't exactly local here! Listen to this special episode to find out what kind of challenges and hilarious events occur as a result of using the...

In this episode, we become creepy mad scientists trying to complete the experiments left behind by our father.  This story-driven worker placement game offers 3 starting scenarios and 8 different endings per scenario that are driven by your decisions throughout the game.  You could end up in a bloody post-apocalyptic world  or one driven by science and knowledge, and everything in between!  Listen to find out why you should limit your trips to the town graveyard and what kind of crazy...

In this episode we talk about our experience at GenCon 2022, the largest gaming convention in North America.  It was our first time attending and it did not disappoint!  There were so many games to play, so many things to buy, and so much love for board games to share!  Listen to find out who got lost searching for games and who searched high and low for an out-of-print game! Also, join our giveaway! GenCon Stats Article Social Media: Facebook Instagram Twitter Twitch

In this episode, we're either relaxing in our garden or going to war over the flowers in Lotus by Renegade Games Studio.  This quick and simple card game about building flowers one petal at a time could make you feel either, depending on how you play.  The "take that" mechanics and Love Me Not mini expansion can definitely feel more cut throat if you want them to.  Listen to find out which way we're leaning and what Jake's real opinion is on "take that". Game Info: 2-4 Players 30 Minute...

In this episode, we review the little heard of game Guild Master.  We're building up our guild structures and trying to make the best teams to go out into the world and fulfill all those adventurer contracts!  The person who builds the most fame will claim the title of Guild Master!  Listen to find out why Jake prefers playing with only 2 people and how Rachel needs to roll all the dices!

In this episode we review the new and popular Euro game, Ark Nova.  We're putting on our zoo uniforms and rolling up our sleeves to get dirty building animal enclosures, partnering with other zoos and universities, and participating in wildlife conservation projects.  Listen to find out who can't stop talking about some other game and who spent DAYS (!?) reading the rule book!

This is the third episode in our Short and Sweet series! In this episode our hosts take on the highly praised, award winning game; Azul! We compete to see who can create the nicest spanish tile artwork while also avoiding dropping the tiles on the floor. Also listen to this episode to find out whether or not Jake is learning how to behave during a teaching game!

In this episode we interview Jamey Stegmaier from Stonemaier Games to answer the burning questions the community has.  He tells us about what his day to day job looks like and what advice he has for other game designers/developers.  Listen to find out what Jamey is willing to throw in for our Viticulture giveaway winner and whether or not you can expect a Big Bird card in Wingspan. 

In this episode we are making and selling "Grown Up" grape juice, aka wine! We're discussing Viticulture; an amazing Stonemaier Game about making and selling wines. We also would like to announce our newest giveaway!! Listen to this episode to find out how you can win your very own copy of Viticulture! This week we also find out who's Mama and Papa set them up for success!

In this episode, we're getting down and dirty with the war of the woods in Root.  This asymmetric area control game offers different woodland critters the opportunity to protect, take back, or liberate their homeland.  Each faction has a very unique play style that gives players different ways to experience the game.  Listen to find out what's Jake's favorite faction is and how sometimes more rulebooks is not necessarily better. Got Socials?

In this week’s episode we’re excited to be talking to the co creator of Lander, a new game that will be on kickstarter later this year! (link below) This game sounds like a lot of fun! It’s got some elements that might remind you of some of your favorite games but is unlike anything you’ve played before! Find out why we are excited to back this project and listen to find out what makes this game Rachel...

It's a podcast takeover!  The hosts of The Geek Squared Show are here to talk about Love Letter!  They're competing for the attention of the princess in this fast-paced card game.  Listen to find out how these lovable geeks try to bluff their way to the top but sometimes forget what they were doing. THE GEEK SQUARED SHOW Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegeeksquaredshow/ email [email protected] Support the show and fund the chaos!     Support the show...

In this episode Chris, from The Charity Boardgamer, joins us to talk about all things cooperative games!  We break down co-op games into sub-categories and discuss examples that fit in each.  It turns out there's a lot of games out there with cooperative elements and it was difficult to limit the conversation to an hour.  Listen to find out who's back hurts from carrying us so much and who just loves to rain down chaos! CBG Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCharityBoardgamer CBG Twitch:...

In this very special episode we’re celebrating our 1 year anniversary!!! What better way to do that with ANOTHER giveaway!! Listen to our episode to find out all the ways you can enter, for FREE! What are we giving away you ask? Well, we’re giving away a copy of today’s episode: Dune: Imperium!! Tune in to also hear us totally butcher words and phrases from Frank Herbert’s masterpiece series and which one of us played as a spice addict!

In this episode, Rachel and Jake fall head over heals in Fog of Love.  This two-player game attempts to recreate a romantic comedy with players acting out sweet, serious, or dramatic scenes in a relationship as they try to navigate making themselves and their partner happy.  The game ends with the romantic couple either meeting or failing their destinies but either way, hopefully it was a fun ride!  Listen to find out who has jiggly legs and where Patrick Swayze fits into the equation.

In this episode Rachel and Jake are collecting jewels and gems as traders in Splendor!  This quick paced game has us building a collection and attracting nobles.  This is the second episode in our new short and sweet series where games can be played in 45 minutes or less.  Listen to find out Jake's patented strategy to almost always win!