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[StoOgE]

comic

:lol

I'm single so I don't have that problem, but my friends coming over on Lost nights have noticed the shelf on my wall for board games is growing larger and keep saying things. Especially since I've not actually played 2-3 of my games yet. :lol

 

[AstroLad]

Regarding Dominion,

how are you supposed to handle players on different "turns". When are you supposed to discard your hand and draw the next one? Because with some attack cards this could lead to someone having a 4 card hand if they are supposed to discard something back into their deck (I forget the card, but the one where you have to put a VP card back on top of your deck). If you do this and then play a card that allows an extra card you are just going to be picking your card back up and back into your hand.

We've been playing it where people do the actions after their "turn". Is this not correct? Are you supposed to just get your new deck right away and any attack cards apply to that new deck no matter what "turn" you are on?

each person does:
1. action
2. buy
3. cleanup

cleanup is when all that stuff you described above happens

 

[GDJustin]

Regarding Dominion,

how are you supposed to handle players on different "turns". When are you supposed to discard your hand and draw the next one? Because with some attack cards this could lead to someone having a 4 card hand if they are supposed to discard something back into their deck (I forget the card, but the one where you have to put a VP card back on top of your deck). If you do this and then play a card that allows an extra card you are just going to be picking your card back up and back into your hand.

We've been playing it where people do the actions after their "turn". Is this not correct? Are you supposed to just get your new deck right away and any attack cards apply to that new deck no matter what "turn" you are on?

Someone should look up the rules to double-check, but you draw your new hand of 5 as soon as your turn ends.

So, your turn ends, you draw 5 new cards.

Next player lays bueracrat. You take your V-card and place it on top of your deck.
Next player lays council room which has every other player draw a card. You then draw the v-card and put it back into your hand.

I'm 99.9% positive that you draw your new hand immediately after your turn ends, and then when other players lay shit to affect your hand, it resolves right then, immediately.

Otherwise you wouldn't know if you had a moat to block an attack, or not.

Edit: Just to clarify, the POINT of that attack card is that the player ha a 4-card hand, then draws that card back into their *next* hand.

 

[StoOgE]

That makes sense. We've been keeping our last hand seperate from our discard pile so that we can keep up with what we just had during that "turn".

It isn't game breaking or anything to do it the way we've been playing, but it is probably slowing us down more than anything.

 

[BowieZ]

Anyone up for some Facebook Scrabble?

 

[AstroLad]

That makes sense. We've been keeping our last hand seperate from our discard pile so that we can keep up with what we just had during that "turn".

It isn't game breaking or anything to do it the way we've been playing, but it is probably slowing us down more than anything.

the cards you play you are supposed to lay in front of you, they only go into discard in cleanup (except for cards you are told/choosing to discard). don't forget also reaction cards like moat you keep in your hand so they are never in play like action cards, treasure cards and the like

 

[XiaNaphryz]

the cards you play you are supposed to lay in front of you, they only go into discard in cleanup (except for cards you are told/choosing to discard). don't forget also reaction cards like moat you keep in your hand so they are never in play like action cards, treasure cards and the like

To clarify, reaction cards you play out of turn you keep in your hand - you could still choose to play them during your turn normally, and even if you didn't you'd still discard them at the end of your turn during cleanup.

 

[StoOgE]

the cards you play you are supposed to lay in front of you, they only go into discard in cleanup (except for cards you are told/choosing to discard). don't forget also reaction cards like moat you keep in your hand so they are never in play like action cards, treasure cards and the like

right, but where our confusion was coming from is when cleanup happens. We were playing the game as though there were turns. So I went first, so no one did the cleanup until we did a complete circle around the table and it got back to me.

It sounds like the cleanup is supposed to happen at the end of your turn, then you draw your new deck.

So if I go first and I have a moat in my deck and my turn ends that moat does me no good if the next person plays an attack card because I've already done my cleanup phase, regardless if we have made a complete lap around the table back to me.

One last clarification. If you have throne room in your hand (play any card twice) and you choose to play another throne room in your hand twice that would mean that you get to play two other action cards twice correct?

So the reaction would be Throne Room -> Throne Room x2 -> Market x2 and Bureaucrat x2

 

[Neverfade]

One last clarification. If you have throne room in your hand (play any card twice) and you choose to play another throne room in your hand twice that would mean that you get to play two other action cards twice correct?

So the reaction would be Throne Room -> Throne Room x2 -> Market x2 and Bureaucrat x2

I keep track of throne rooms like so: X+1 (X= # of Throne Rooms) = # of action cards I'm actually throning.

And yes, your example is correct.

 

[platypotamus]

Got some Puerto Rico and Race for the Galaxy in this weekend. Forgot how much I liked Puerto Rico (it's been a long time). It helps that I destroyed everyone, I suppose

Now we're having a few folks over for games this weekend, and need to gateway. I'm resisting both Catan and Ticket To Ride, just because I'm not feeling either of them. But we can't Dominion ideally, because we'll have 5. Which rules out Stone Age as well. Might just have to suck it up and Catan away....

 

[AstroLad]

Citadels is good with five too.

 

[platypotamus]

Citadels is good with five too.

That's exactly what I wanted to do, but there's a Citadels hater coming :\

 

[AstroLad]

 

[GDJustin]

Carcassonne for 5P gateway game.

 

[StoOgE]

Got some Puerto Rico and Race for the Galaxy in this weekend. Forgot how much I liked Puerto Rico (it's been a long time). It helps that I destroyed everyone, I suppose

Now we're having a few folks over for games this weekend, and need to gateway. I'm resisting both Catan and Ticket To Ride, just because I'm not feeling either of them. But we can't Dominion ideally, because we'll have 5. Which rules out Stone Age as well. Might just have to suck it up and Catan away....

RoboRally?

 

[Evlar]

Got some Puerto Rico and Race for the Galaxy in this weekend. Forgot how much I liked Puerto Rico (it's been a long time). It helps that I destroyed everyone, I suppose

Now we're having a few folks over for games this weekend, and need to gateway. I'm resisting both Catan and Ticket To Ride, just because I'm not feeling either of them. But we can't Dominion ideally, because we'll have 5. Which rules out Stone Age as well. Might just have to suck it up and Catan away....

It's at times like these you need Small World.

 

[platypotamus]

RoboRally?

I wish. My wife has a complete irrational hatred of that game. It's ridiculous.

I'm actually thinking I'm going to go with Endeavor. It works as a gateway I think. I hope.

 

[XiaNaphryz]

Now we're having a few folks over for games this weekend, and need to gateway. I'm resisting both Catan and Ticket To Ride, just because I'm not feeling either of them. But we can't Dominion ideally, because we'll have 5. Which rules out Stone Age as well. Might just have to suck it up and Catan away....

Can't you do the 5 player Dominion variant? You'll need one of the expansions along with the base. Rules are described in Intrigue.

 

[platypotamus]

Yeah, I might, but adding one more player really makes attack cards kind of absurdly powerful at times. I did it once before, and it was brutal.

 

[StoOgE]

I wish. My wife has a complete irrational hatred of that game. It's ridiculous.

I'm actually thinking I'm going to go with Endeavor. It works as a gateway I think. I hope.

new wife?

 

[BomberMouse]

Carcassonne for 5P gateway game.

This, I really think hunters and gatherers is the best since the endgame points are much simpler. Plus, lots of animals wich women love.

 

[platypotamus]

new wife?

If she hadn't liked Twilight Struggle and Through The Ages....

 

[Neverfade]

Yeah, I might, but adding one more player really makes attack cards kind of absurdly powerful at times. I did it once before, and it was brutal.

Use a set without attack cards. That will alleviate both your problem and any potential newcomer frustration with getting destroyed by attacks.

Also, maybe something like Tribute, that just attacks one person.

Edit: Also got my PAX East badge in the mail today...now to find a hotel...

 

[AstroLad]

Use a set without attack cards. That will alleviate both your problem and any potential newcomer frustration with getting destroyed by attacks.

Also, maybe something like Tribute, that just attacks one person.

Edit: Also got my PAX East badge in the mail today...now to find a hotel...

stay where we're staying: colonnade

 

[Whifflebat]

Played some 3 player RoboRally this weekend for the first time. I liked it, and can really see how fun and bananacakes that game could get with more people.

One of the members of my gaming group is having a birthday this week. A buddy and I went splits on getting him Chaos in the Old World as a gift. That game looks like a lot of fun.

I am seriously considering getting Descent. I recently got into painting plastic minis and that set would be a fun, long term project. My gaming group is only 3 members at the moment, and I'm concerned that they won't be all that into the game. I read that 2 hero Descent is really tough on the players, and they may not want to have to manage multiple characters. What's everyone's impressions of the game? Worth the long playtime or not?

 

[platypotamus]

I am seriously considering getting Descent. I recently got into painting plastic minis and that set would be a fun, long term project. My gaming group is only 3 members at the moment, and I'm concerned that they won't be all that into the game. I read that 2 hero Descent is really tough on the players, and they may not want to have to manage multiple characters. What's everyone's impressions of the game? Worth the long playtime or not?

I enjoy it a lot, particularly with the one expansion that adds Campaign gameplay, as I think Descent does a good job of making you feel invested in your character, while vanilla also makes it so that character is only really at his peak of power for the last encounter (if that). I would not try to play it with just 2 players though, unless you allow them two characters each...

 

[Neverfade]

stay where we're staying: colonnade

No available rooms. But if you want to stick me on the sofabed, I'll be more than happy to pay you. :lol

 

[AstroLad]

No available rooms. But if you want to stick me on the sofabed, I'll be more than happy to pay you. :lol

Just fyi I got my room off the hotel site, not the PAX site, which only listed a few hotels available when I checked.

 

[joeyjoejoeshabadoo]

Made a couple trades for Mr. Jack and The Adventurers on BGG. I got Power Grid and Agricola of them. I think I made a decent trade.

Also, Neverfade, I put a bid on your copy of 1960: Making Of The President on BGG.(at least I think that's you) If I had know you were selling it I would have bought it from you here. Oh well now to wait until tomorrow.

 

[Neverfade]

Yeah that's me.


I found a hotel. Mariott Cambridge, a mile away, right across the river. That's going to be a long walk home after being on my feet all day. Lucikly my girlfriend talked her cousin into going and sightseeing with her while I expo, so I don't have to spend an arm and a leg.

 

[StoOgE]

Yeah that's me.


I found a hotel. Mariott Cambridge, a mile away, right across the river. That's going to be a long walk home after being on my feet all day. Lucikly my girlfriend talked her cousin into going and sightseeing with her while I expo, so I don't have to spend an arm and a leg.

That walk is doable but can be brutal.

If you can switch to something in the back bay area you can take the subway to the convention center.

Also, if you are going to PAX to go Galleria Umberto for pizza. It is AMAZING. It's in the North End just across the big dig from the convention center.

 

[jason10mm]

Played Caylus tonight. HOLY HELL is that a whole lotta eurogame! Has almost every euro concept in there somewhere and some nasty pvp twists. Lots of fun, but definitely on the heavy side for a euro. I hear Agricola is even worse

 

[platypotamus]

<3 Caylus. I actually toyed with the idea of using it with my gaming newbs this coming Saturday, despite the heaviness, because I think that once you get a round or two in, it's not confusing anymore, but decided nuts to that.

 

[Neverfade]

So it's Astro, Flynn, and myself from here that will be at PAX?

 

[StoOgE]

So, I'm going to be bad on Friday (or Monday depending on when I get paid).. I got a nice raise and want to well.. spend it on games for my first paycheck.

What are opinions of Race of the Galaxy as far as complexity? Is it much worse than Puerto Rico or Power Grid? It seems like it would be a fun game, and I think the lack of chits or a board to keep up with will at least make it seem less daunting to my friends.

I'm also thinking of Small World as a very light combat game.

I think I'm going to nab the two Dominion expansions and am looking for one "heavier" game without being too crazy and another group game.

 

[AstroLad]

So it's Astro, Flynn, and myself from here that will be at PAX?

I think that's the gang for now. Seems like a handful of other gaffers are going but they don't seem to be boardgamers. Wife will be with me as well.

What are opinions of Race of the Galaxy as far as complexity? Is it much worse than Puerto Rico or Power Grid? It seems like it would be a fun game, and I think the lack of chits or a board to keep up with will at least make it seem less daunting to my friends.

Lighter for sure. Some people get tripped up by all the symbols but it's really not that complicated a game, just requires a handful of plays to get used to. It is often intimidating to pure casuals though (people who only have experience with TtR, Catan, etc.) because of the symbols.

 

[Flynn]

Looking forward to meeting and gaming with you guys.

 

[jason10mm]

<3 Caylus. I actually toyed with the idea of using it with my gaming newbs this coming Saturday, despite the heaviness, because I think that once you get a round or two in, it's not confusing anymore, but decided nuts to that.

Yeah, Caylus isn't that hard to PLAY, but to grasp all the different strategies with the provost, nabbing favors for castle building, getting resources in the right order along with build options, using money appropriately, etc, there is a LOT going on. It is nice that most of the VPs are earned during the game, unlike Stone Age, Puerto Rico, and some others were it always seems like the last guy suddenly explodes out with 200 VPs from nowhere I liked it as it is much more dynamic than the typical "semi-solitaire" euro game, but it requires mucho brain juice, or at least properly REWARDS those who can number crunch.

 

[BomberMouse]

I want to pick one of the Ticket to Ride games, wich one would you recommend?

 

[Evlar]

I want to pick one of the Ticket to Ride games, wich one would you recommend?

How big is your group? If you want to be able to scale the game up to 5 players you should get Ticket to Ride (USA), but you must also get the 1910 expansion- a replacement deck which corrects some broken routes and replaces the small, non-standard train cards with larger ones.

If you only expect to play 2 or 3 player games get TtR Nordic Countries. It incorporates more complex mechanics but rewards the players with a more strategic (and cutthroat) experience.

You could also consider Ticket to Ride: Marklin (the Germany board). I haven't played it but it is often cited to be the best 5-player version of the game. It introduces more complex and fiddly mechanics like passengers. The original TtR (USA) is a light gateway game that truly can be taught in five minutes- it's a marvel of minimalist game design. TtR Nordic introduces tunnels and ferries and particular rules about how to use wildcards that make it a little harder to teach. Marklin (from what I've been told) steps up the complexity slightly beyond the USA or Nordic editions.

 

[StoOgE]

I want to pick one of the Ticket to Ride games, wich one would you recommend?

I only have the US edition with the 1910 cards so I can't speak to all of them, but it is a really fun game that is always a hit on game night. If you are looking for a game with really really simple core mechanics, but surprising strategy you can't go wrong. It isn't Puerto Rico or anything, but it takes real strategy to win the game and an ability to think on your feet/switch plans when things don't go your way (someone blocks your route, the cards you want just aren't coming up). This is one of those games that is so simple anyone will pick up how to play in 10 minutes, but it has enough depth that you can still get something out of it after a bunch of playthroughs.

The base edition of the game has a few problems. Namely the cards are tiny little mini cards (half size or so) and you can get lucky with some of the routes. For example you can draw 3 routes than overlap 80% of the time which makes it extremely easy to complete multiple routes since you aren't doing much extra work.

The 1910 version corrects both of these by giving you a full size deck and different cards to play with. You get the original set. You get a set of cards for "big cities" and a deck for "1910" edition.

Big Cities connects nothing but major cities, 1910 is a smaller deck of cards that works better to avoid the overlap problems and then you can play combinations of various cards including the "big game" where you just use all of the destination cards.

Another benefit of the US version of the game: no hunting for cities. I would worry playing a map I'm not as familiar with that someone might not know instinctively where a city is located. Might not be a huge concern but I took it into consideration.

 

[platypotamus]

True story: My wife just said to me last night "maybe we should get another Ticket To Ride". Those last two posts were thus, quite relevant to my interests. I like the idea of a more indepth TtR, so Marklin sounds pretty appealing.

 

[BomberMouse]

I want to keep the gameplay simple for now. Most friends + family are still mocking me for buying carcassonne (though they loved it) so anything more hardcore would really turn them off (at least for now ). I think I'll get the vanilla version + 1910.

Also, is Dominion simple to learn? Is it good for a 2p game? I play mostly with my wife so I'm looking for a good 2p game

 

[Evlar]

I want to keep the gameplay simple for now. Most friends + family are still mocking me for buying carcassonne (though they loved it) so anything more hardcore would really turn them off (at least for now ). I think I'll get the vanilla version + 1910.

Also, is Dominion simple to learn? Is it good for a 2p game? I play mostly with my wife so I'm looking for a good 2p game

Very easy to learn the rules. I just picked it up last week and it's been a hit with my wife.

 

[StoOgE]

I want to keep the gameplay simple for now. Most friends + family are still mocking me for buying carcassonne (though they loved it) so anything more hardcore would really turn them off (at least for now ). I think I'll get the vanilla version + 1910.

Also, is Dominion simple to learn? Is it good for a 2p game? I play mostly with my wife so I'm looking for a good 2p game

Vanilla Version + 1910 will go over very well with casuals. Extremely simple game, and the US map will make it easier to access right away.

Dominion is a great gateway game. I have gone completely nuts for it over the last week or so. Everyone who has played it has absolutely fallen in love with it.. form my parents to my friends. It is slightly more complicated to learn to play than Ticket to Ride or Carcasonne are going to be, but not too much. Everyone has picked up what they are doing and the strategy about halfway through the first game.

Get it, don't even think twice. I've probably purchased 10 games in the last month and I've played Dominion more than the other 9 combined. Every time someone comes over and we get to playing a game either they ask to play Dominion or when I am picking a game my hand is drawn to it. I don't think it is possible to recommend that game too much.

 

[AstroLad]

Looking forward to meeting and gaming with you guys.

Ditto that. Considering there are, what, ten regulars in this thread, it's pretty impressive that we're getting three at PAX. Also an environment much more conducive to boardgaming than E3. (Just hoping I can find a nice space to set up.)

 

[Zalasta]

Personally I despise Marklin. Unnecessarily complicates the design of TTR. If I want to play a real pick up and deliver game, I'd go with Railroad Tycoon or Age of Steam, not some half-baked effort like Marklin.

 

[StoOgE]

Ditto that. Considering there are, what, ten regulars in this thread, it's pretty impressive that we're getting three at PAX. Also an environment much more conducive to boardgaming than E3. (Just hoping I can find a nice space to set up.)

I may go to one of the Pax's next year. The tickets are pretty affordable and I can always use a vacation. I'm smack dab in the middle of the country, so Pax East vs West is an actual choice.

I know this is really way off topic, but how is the video game selection for games that aren't out yet at Pax?

 

[biggyfries]

I want to keep the gameplay simple for now. Most friends + family are still mocking me for buying carcassonne (though they loved it) so anything more hardcore would really turn them off (at least for now ). I think I'll get the vanilla version + 1910.

Also, is Dominion simple to learn? Is it good for a 2p game? I play mostly with my wife so I'm looking for a good 2p game

I picked up the original+1910. The kids (9 and 7) love it, and the wife...not so much. She is not a gamer at all. Honestly, if it doesnt involve a TV, then it isnt for her.

I got the 7-yo into gaming, and she's pretty good. the 9-yo is *very* picky, but has come around for TtR.

Other games they like: Fluxx, Kinder & Killer Bunnies (they like Killer more), Mmm..Brains, Ingenious, Blokus, and Icehouse.

Sorry to derail the thread a bit...just wanted to explain why TtR is "kind of" a hit in my house.

 

[AstroLad]

Yeah if a casual can't get into TTR, just forget it. GAME OVER MAN