In a past episode, our guest Camilla Zamboni mentioned The Tabletop Revolution, a fascinating book by fellow professor Marco Arnaudo. In it, Prof. Arnaudo explores the dramatic evolution of board games—how mechanics have transformed from simple numbered cards to dynamic, multi-functional game elements. We dive into this revolution, celebrating classics like Acquire—a game so essential that Prof. Arnaudo calls it "foundational." (And honestly, he's right—everyone should play it!) Plus, we squeeze in a fun Planes, Trains, and Automobiles shoutout along the way. He also talks about donating some games to the Lilly Library. To find out how many, keep listening.

Get the book HERE!

Directing people to the get the games tab

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

I came across an article while reading a different article that I came across while reading another article that was referenced in a book I was reading about board games. I enjoyed the story and the experience that author talked about. So, I reached out to the writer, Morgan Ebbs.

Morgan joins me to talk about her entry into the gaming hobby, answer the standard questions, and how she has a $60 limit on games. We talked about this and more. Thanks for listening.

From Candy Crush to Catan article

Directing people to the get the games tab

Another great game from designer Steve Jackson. I love this game. In zombie dice you are a zombie trying to eat brains. My family takes this game of trips to play before bed. My sister wanted to play “The brain game”, we had no idea what she was talking about so we asked her to go get it. Then she brought in this game. It is based on a push your luck mechanic, and this game is simple enough a 5 year old can play it, but adults can also enjoy it.

So, gather your horde, sit down, and try to be the first to eat thirteen brains with Zombie Dice.

Directing people to the get the games tab

Facebook strikes again! A group that I follow had a post by a fellow member that her book was finally published. Of course, I had to read it. Professor Camilla Zamboni's book, Roll for Learning: 51 Micro Tabletop Role-Playing Games to Use in the Classroom, is a collection of TTRPGS with a lot of other information to help implement them. She graciaously joined me in this episode to talk about gaming in the classroom, gaming online, expansions (good or bad), and the usual questions. Thanks for listening.

Get the book in various formats: HERE

Directing people to the get the games tab

Facebook got me again! I am an easy target for ads about board games. I had heard of this one, but when the ad hit, and I clicked over, and it was only $50, I had to order Farms Race. It is the debut game from Medium Brow Games. (What a great name, by the way) This publisher was founded by one of the creators of Cards Against Humanity, Daniel Dranove. The other designer credited is Tom Weiner. This is his first game.

So, what drew me to Farms Race? It looked and sounded Catan-ish. The box art was beautiful. Intrigued, I did some digging into it. Turns out, the rules were available on BoardGameGeek. So, I gave them a peek. I was on the fence, but when the ad targeted me, I went for it.

Directing people to the get the games tab

Edward and I are always up for a good racing game. We have mentioned this in the past. We have a lot of different types of racing. When watching videos on YouTube of great racing games, 1500M came up. It is a racing game that came out in 2018 where you are a track runner in a, well, 1500M foot race. I instantly reached out to the creator, Eduardo Crespo, and his company Lucky Loser Games. Edward is a cross country and track runner. It seemed like a perfect fit. It arrived just before a vacation! I packed it, we didn’t play it, and it sat longer than anticipated. However, at the last gaming meetup at the local library, Edward and I took it with us and learned and played it with two of our friends.

In 1500M, you are a runner who has to balance mental health with your pace as you make the 3 and ¾ laps around the track. Gather your fellow athletes, and see who has the mental fortitude to push the limits and be the first to cross the finish line after a grueling 1500M.

Directing people to the get the games tab