Bards of the Board

Welcome to the Table, and we’re back with another fantastic episode!! Yall loved our Top 10 games to start a collection with, well today we’re taking things a little lighter in episode 20! Today’s episode contains Jason and Robbie’s Top 10 Party Games!! Now the definition of Party Game can feel a little loose, and depending on your group certain games are going to hit better than others. What games do the Bards bring out with the crowds?? You'll have to watch to find out!! Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:24 What We've Been Playing 11:20 What is a Party Game?? 16:20 Robbie’s 10 18:44 Jason’s 10 23:50 Jason’s 9 26:33 Robbie’s 9 30:00 Robbie’s 8 35:36 Jason’s 8 40:00 Jason’s 7 44:37 Robbie’s 7 47:15 Robbie’s 6 50:44 Jason’s 6 54:50 Jason’s 5 1:00:57 Robbie’s 5 1:09:00 Robbie’s 4 1:10:47 Jason’s 4 1:14:08 Jason’s 3 1:16:04 Robbie’s 3 1:19:10 Robbie’s 2 1:22:59 Jason’s 2 1:28:47 Jason’s 1 1:31:34 Robbie’s 1 1:38:22 Honorable Mentions 1:47:39 Final Thoughts

What if I told you there was a way to play a deck builder where you ALSO got to experience moving pieces around on a board? For many gamers you have two worlds, card games and board games, well today's game combines those incredible worlds. Here you'll see a world of Dungeon Diving taken to the extreme as you race against your friends building the best decks and stealing treasure. What do the bards think of this game? You’ll have to watch to find out! You can find CLANK! for yourself at: https://amzn.to/4btcVTo Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:30 What We've Been Playing 19:30 CLANK! 53:30 Cookie Scale 1:00:15 Final Thoughts

For the Anime Fans of the world, hearing the big three brings three fantastic shows to mind that have shaped modern anime. In the Hobby Board Game world, the big three include: Settlers of Catan, Carcassone, and today's classic Ticket To Ride. TTR is a drafting placement game where players are creating train routes across North America to get the most points. An iconic staple of the BG world, what do our bards think of it?? You’ll have to watch to find out! You can find Ticket to Ride for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3UFvBJO Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 4:00 What We've Been Playing 26:00 Ticket to Ride 54:30 Cookie Scale 1:03:30 Final Thoughts

Sagrada Familia is one of the modern wonders of the world in its beauty and construction. The immaculate stain glass windows will wow most who see them, and in today's game you get the task of building their next piece. This board game takes translucent die and allows players to follow a strict pattern where you can consctruct works of art. This dice drafting game is almost as beloved as the windows that inspired the game! What do our bards think of it?? You’ll have to watch to find out! You can find Sagrada for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3UhmGy5 Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:15 What We've Been Playing 21:34 Sagrada 50:30 Cookie Scale 56:30 Final Thoughts

Comic Books have taken ahold of many lives since we were children, but in the mid 2000's we saw Marvel Comics go one step further and take over the theatre. Comic Movies have changed cinema (for the positive or negative) and the Heroes we know have become parts of our lives. In today's episode we discuss a new board game mechanic, Co-Op games, where you will play together to defeat the board. The catch...it's you and other super heroes against some famous Villains in Marvel United!! What do our Bards think of this Smashing Adventure Game?? You’ll have to watch to find out! You can find Marvel United for yourself at: https://amzn.to/4cUTp3I Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:21 What We've Been Playing 29:00 Marvel United 59:49 Cookie Scale 1:05:50 Final Thoughts

Today we welcome our first guest to the channel, and yall it’s one who we never dreamed would be possible! Jamey Stegmaier is a Board Game Business Owner, Game Designer, Game Publisher, and Disc Golfer!! He’s a perfect guest to have on the show with Jason and Robbie, and today we’re talking Board Game Mechanics. Whether it’s Dice Chucking, Push Your Luck, or a little Deception with Hidden Role there are hundreds of game mechanisms out there. Today’s episode the Bards and Jamey discuss their favorites showcasing that if a game has “THIS” mechanic…they are likely to love it. What mechanics intrigue them the most?? You’ll have to watch to find out! To Check Out Jamey’s Content and Stonemaier Games! Head to the following Links!! https://www.youtube.com/@JameyStegmaier https://stonemaiergames.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jameystegmaier/ Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:26 What We've Been Playing 14:17 Our Favorite Mechanics 30:55 Beginners Reasons to Enjoy These Mechanics 1:08:06 Final Thoughts

Risk is one of the most classic board games of all time. World domination is the goal and for many folks it is their first real dive into a more strategy intense game. In today’s episode we’re going to talk about a Modern Hobby Gaming alternative that brings a little more whimsical fun to world domination. Small world is inhabited by a zany cast of characters such as dwarves, wizards, amazons, giants, orcs, and even humans, who use their troops to occupy territory and conquer adjacent lands in order to push the other races off the face of the earth. How does it pan out for our Bards?? You’ll have to watch to find out! You can find Small World for yourself at: https://amzn.to/48RDBvq Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:50 What We've Been Playing 21:15 Small World 1:00:05 Cookie Scale

Released in 2008 we head back in time of Modern Hobby Gaming to head to the STONE AGE!! In this Introductory Euro style game you'll be using worker placement with your tribe to gather resources and advance your way towards Buildings and Civilization in today's game. A classic in Jason's house while being a first time play for Robbie...it's sure to have an effect on the Cookie Scale. How does it shake out?? You’ll have to watch to find out! You can find Stone Age for yourself at: https://amzn.to/42R7Rov Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:54 What We've Been Playing 32:05 Stone Age 1:03:44 Cookie Scale 1:13:11 Final Thoughts

Trick Takers Unite!! Whether you come from Hearts, Spades, or even Rook today we dive into a massive genre of games and tackle The Crew! In this game, you and your crew are traveling through space trying to complete a series of 50 missions that increase in difficulty as you go. We thought Jason and Robbie had a bond, and them playing today’s game together took the friendship to an entirely different level! So what brings this game so much fun and joy?? You’ll have to watch to find out! You can find The Crew for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3HPMY3u Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 5:55 What We've Been Playing 23:32 The Crew 46:52 Cookie Scale 50:06 Final Thoughts

"You are a monarch, like your parents before you, a ruler of a small pleasant kingdom of rivers and evergreens. Unlike your parents, however, you have hopes and dreams! You want a bigger and more pleasant kingdom, with more rivers and a wider variety of trees. You want a Dominion!" In this CLASSIC Deck Builder you'll experience what is sitting just outside of the Big 3 in Modern Hobby Gaming. Is this a Double Doozie of a Game?? You'll have to watch to find out!! You can find Dominion for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3OfB8U3 Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:50 What We've Been Playing 21:52 Dominion 54:03 Cookie Scale 1:01:30 Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Table, and if you're our target audience for this podcast...this episode is ESPECIALLY for you!! In today's episode, the Bards sit down and discuss the top 10 games you should consider acquiring if you're looking to start a modern hobby-gaming collection. Now we've set up some special parameters to not just list our previous 9 episodes while also including some classic hobby games. With both Jason and Robbie keeping their lists a secret, will there be overlap?? You'll have to watch to find out!! Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:33 What We've Been Playing 25:33 Honorable Mentions 28:47 Jason's 10 30:33 Robbie's 10 32:38 Robbie's 9 34:25 Jason's 9 37:21 Jason's 8 39:07 Robbie's 8 42:59 Robbie's 7 44:46 Jason's 7 48:21 Jason's 6 51:21 Robbie's 6 55:17 Robbie's 5 1:01:05 Jason's 5 1:04:38 Jason's 4 1:07:00 Robbie's 4 1:09:04 Robbie's 3 1:11:14 Jason's 3 1:14:09 Jason's 2 1:16:30 Robbie's 2 1:20:40 Robbie's 1 1:22:35 Jason's 1 1:28:36 Final Thoughts

In this dice-rolling extravaganza, we welcome you to the LOVELY city where you'll be the Mayor! Constructing new structures like fields, restaurants, and even a mall if you're lucky! This is an evergreen game that sits just outside of the classics of modern Hobby Gaming, and our bards have some mixed feelings!! Our first episode where someone changes their cookie rating mid-episode?? Who flips?? You'll have to watch to find out!! You can find Machi Koro for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3TGzKgr Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 5:13 What We've Been Playing 23:18 Machi Koro 51:33 Cookie Scale 59:37 Final Thoughts

History is filled with iconic and powerful figures who have helped shape the world as we know it today. Let's take a minute to be honest though: most of the history books tell the stories of the men throughout. In today's game we get to learn Her story. HerStory introduces us to the stories of powerful and amazing women who helped influence history! We play the role of authors documenting these incredible stories in the game. How does it play out?? You'll have to watch to find out!! You can find HerStory for yourself at: https://amzn.to/41jj2FT Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:30 What We've Been Playing 17:24 HerStory 53:01 Cookie Scale 1:04:00 Final Thoughts

Whether it's F1 or Nascar or even Derby Racing...there is something to the thrill of speed. Watching vehicles fly around corners whilst pushing the limits of physics can feel like an absolute rush. Even if you live a less adrenaline-filled life and prefer racing in the realm of Mario, we can all find some form of motorsport we enjoy. Finding a BOARD GAME that meets that thrill?!? It can be tough for most, but not once you've experienced the rush of today's exciting game!! What do the Bards have to say about it? Are we due for another Double Double Doozie?? You'll have to watch to find out!! You can find Downforce for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3uALDtX Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

We are the Bards of the Board and we welcome you to our podcast!! Here we are in our 6th episode taking you to a different part of the Tabletop world!! Our first game isn't really a board per se (Splendor had tiles laid out) but this card game will make any Yugioh/Magic/Pokemon TCG player ecstatic to get to the table. One of Robbie's favorite games ever, Smash Up has extreme strategic complexity with a very simple layout. With over 90 factions available and thousands of possible combinations, this is sure to be an exciting episode!! You can find Smash Up for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3R0fkxl Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

We are the Bards of the Board and we welcome you to our podcast!! Here we are in our 5th episode taking you back in time to the Reinassance! In this set collection game you'll be heading to the market buying land and merchants in order to attract local nobles to visit you. A Spiel des Jahres nominee, this green will be listed as a classic for years to come!! What makes the game Splendor great? How do the Bards feel about it?? You'll have to watch to find out! You can find Splendor for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3QQCne9 Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

We are the Bards of the Board and we welcome you to our podcast!! Episode Four takes us to a simpler time in a town full of sick citizens! Quacks of Quedlinburg was one of the first games Robbie and Jason played together, and it's one of Jason's most played in the last year. What is to love about this press-your-luck bag-building adventure?? You'll have to watch to find out! You can find Quacks of Quedlinburg for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3Qm2x81 Get the Mega Box Here: https://amzn.to/3rXTZeg Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

We are the Bards of the Board and we welcome you to our podcast!! In Episode Three takes us to a Sushi Restaurant in this card drafting and set collection wonder! Sushi Go Party was one of the first games Robbie added to his collection, and it's one Jason often finds himself recommending. How does this party actually go? Do you have to love sushi in order to love this game?? You'll have to watch to find out! You can find Sushi Go Party for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3PGPTPA Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

We are the Bards of the Board and we welcome you to our podcast!! In Episode Two we head to the Northwest corner of the United States to a land filled with Foxes, Hawks, Elk, Bears, and Salmon! In this tile laying, varied final scoring, beautiful game there is something in there for everyone. Whether you love nature, or enjoy a nice scenic board Cascadia has something for you. What do Jason and Robbie think of this, and where will the first game fall on the Cookie Scale?? You'll have to watch to find out! You can find Cascadia for yourself at: https://amzn.to/45VGaM1 Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

We are the Bards of the Board and we welcome you to the pilot episode of our podcast. Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone! In our pilot episode, we each give a little background into our gaming experience as well as highlight how future episodes will be structured. We also discuss a few games that we’ve had on the table recently and we close out the episode with each of us suggesting two games that we feel are perfect for non-gamers. We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table! Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well! https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/ We also apologize for the quality of Robbie's Mic. He had a tech issue with his normal mic and had to use a backup one for this first episode! That will be fixed for future episodes!!