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Board Game Mechanisms I Love

When you start playing board games, you quickly learn which type of games speak to you, and finding your “perfect fit games” is so rewarding.

Here are my ten favorite board game mechanisms, keeping in mind that many games have an overlap of several mechanics.

Engine-building

Engine builders are games in which each turn (should) build on previous turns, strengthening the cards in your play area and having them work off one another to earn more points as the game goes on. Engine-builders require a great deal of thought and planning for maximum points, making them incredibly fun and satisfying when you craft a powerful engine.

On our Shelf: San Juan, Oh My Goods!, Everdell

I can’t wait to play: Imperial Settlers, Wingspan, Century Golem Edition

Worker placement

Players select actions, usually represented by locations on a game board, and send out their “workers” to complete a task. Generally, once a player has taken a spot, this spot is no longer available to other players’ workers. Each worker’s tasks are important to game goals.

On Our Shelf: Rajas of the Ganges, Viticulture

I can’t wait to play: The Pursuit of Happiness, Raiders of Scythia

Tableau building

In tableau games, players are using cards to play into their individual player areas, usually using cards that work together to create a sort of scene and complete goals to earn points.

On Our Shelf: Santa Monica, Everdell

Tile laying/placement

In tile-laying games, players draft tiles to lay in the play area to score points or trigger events in the game.

On our Shelf: Cacao, Kingdomino

Drafting

Drafting is a mechanism of selecting and then passing cards or other game components to players as a means of completing tasks or scoring points (“pick and pass”). Sometimes the cards and components remain hidden as they are passed, and sometimes the cards or components are laid out for all to see and choose from.

On Our Shelf: Sushi Go, Draftosaurus, Fantasy Realms, 7 Wonders Duel, Point Salad

Deck / Bag / Pool Building

In deckbuilding games, players start with their own small deck of cards, playing them on their turns to acquire new cards and grow their deck in size and strength.

On our Shelf: Star Realms, Friday, Orleans

I can’t wait to play: Clank!, Marvel Legendary

Contracts

Contracts in games are goals that players must fulfill to earn points or other rewards. These goals, or contracts, can either be private or public goals that all players can view and attempt to complete.

On our Shelf: Funfair, Welcome to Your Perfect Neighborhood, Ticket to Ride

Dice rolling

Anyone that has played a board game is familiar with dice rolling, most likely a mechanic used to move in standard mass market games. (Yawn.) I love dice, and I love games that have dice with ways to mitigate the rolls.

On our Shelf: Pioneer Days, Quixx, King of Tokyo

I can’t wait to play: Champions of Midgard

Push-your-luck

In push-your-luck games, players do exactly that…taking a next turn and possibly losing all progress or continuing on and edging out the opponents. It’s the standard dilemma of risk versus reward, board game style, and so much fun.

On our Shelf: Push, Dragon’s Cave, Can’t Stop (I play this one on Board Game Arena.)

Set collection

The value of items is determined by collecting a set, usually in card games.

Board games often have several mechanics in action, and our favorite games use our favorite mechanics. (Makes sense, right?)

What is your favorite game mechanic? Join the group on Instagram for #mechanismsmonday to post your game photos based on the week’s theme!

A Few Podcasts I Love

I. Love. Podcasts.

I listen to podcasts constantly – when I am cooking and cleaning in the kitchen, when I am out walking, when I am driving to pick up our grocery order, when I go to bed, when I am on airplanes and by swimming pools.

Over the past ten years, I have watched personal favorites cease production (Yeah, It’s That Bad; Seen / Unseen) and new podcasts emerge to take the world by storm (Serial; Dirty John). I am constantly on the hunt for new podcasts, and always enjoy sharing my recommendations with others.

Here are some of my current top picks:

Currently Reading

When The Currently Reading Podcast made its debut a couple of years ago, I felt like I had truly found my reading people. I was missing Books on the Nightstand quite a bit and hadn’t really found another reading podcast that really struck a chord with me (and boy, did I check out many).

This has become a favorite of mine for two main reasons:
1.) Hosts Meredith and Kaytee are great – they are warm, genuine, enthusiastic, and have awesome chemistry when chatting books together. It’s an easy banter than makes for an easy listen.
2.) My book tastes align with theirs quite a bit, and if they recommend something and have strong opinions about it, I know to immediately add it to my reading list.

Each episode features a “bookish moment of the week”, a rundown of what each host is currently reading, a discussion topic, and a book each host wants to press into readers’ hands.

Where to Start? I recommend downloading any, since this is an easy podcast to duck in and out of.

I Hate It But I Love It

While this (primarly) movie-driven podcast isn’t new, it is new-ish to me, and I started bingeing episodes at bedtime during the pandemic. There are FEW podcasts that make me laugh out loud (see also Yeah, It’s That Bad) but the incredible quick wit of hosts Kat Angus (editor for Buzzfeed) and Jocelyn Gedde (television writer and comedian) always make me smile, at the very least.

Each episode is a deep-dive into one film (a couple of television series have been covered as well) and the women break down their past experiences with the movie, their thoughts on the rewatch, if they would recommend checking it out, and a full recap of the plot (which is usually when I start cracking up.) You’re not going to see any Oscar-winning titles here…look for episodes covering the likes of Varsity Blues, Practical Magic, Scream, and The Net.

Where to Start? I recommend scanning the list and downloading the I Hate it But I Love It episodes that feature movies you remember watching (and maybe liking).

True Crime Garage

Join Nic and The Captain from the garage in Columbus, Ohio, as they crack open a featured beer and embark on a thorough investigation and retelling of a true crime case, either solved or unsolved. Covering both famous and relatively unknown cases, the guys really do their research, presenting very in-depth coverage of the events, suspects, and timeline of the crimes. While some cases are presented in one to two episodes, some span four or more, really diving into the details. My hope with the popularity of true crime podcasts is that more people learn about unsolved cases, perhaps leading to their eventual solving. Nic and The Captain are generally good about warning about speaking of more gruesome details, so if you’re sensitive (like me) you can skip those episodes or segments.

Where to Start? If you’re looking for a particular case, there’s a good chance the guys have covered it, so just do a search on the True Crime Garage page. If you’re not sure where to begin, you might use this list as inspiration. Cases/episodes that have piqued my interest have been Brian Shaffer, Maura Murray, and Jennifer Kesse. I am always hopeful that the more ears hearing about unsolved cases, the more likely someone will remember something or have information helpful to law enforcement.

Sorta Awesome

Sorta Awesome makes me super happy. Meg, Rebekah, and Kelly know how to put a smile on my face discussing all of the awesomes of life. Each show kicks off with an “awesome of the week” and the hosts tell listeners about ANYTHING that brought them joy that week – this could be a beauty product, a YouTube channel, a type of planner, or a recipe website…literally, anything. From there, they discuss the week’s topic – this could be of the lighter variety such as personality types, interesting true crime cases, seasonal must-lists, television shows, or go-to recipes, or veer heavier by exploring themes such as developing social skills, navigating quarantine, or overcoming analysis paralysis. I always come away from each episode with good ideas and/or products to check out, so this podcast is always on my recommended list.

Where to Start: I especially love their seasonal episodes (including the holiday gift guide) so maybe check out Awesome List for Summer 2021 (episode #305) for some ideas on how to make this summer a super one! (As of writing this, I haven’t listened to this episode yet!)

The Family Gamers Podcast

Husband and wife Andrew and Anitra love board games, and their enthusiasm for family boardgaming with their three children is infectious. This weekly podcast kicks off with a recap of what the adults and family have been playing lately, then offers listeners SNAP Reviews and a discussion topic. If you’re excited to intoduce your family to modern boardgaming and gameschooling, The Family Gamers is a great resource as you start the journey.

Where to Start: Episode 168 features the family’s favorite Gamewright Games, a publisher that produces many games our family loves too. Episode 194, Quick Games, offers recommendations for games that have both quick set-up and play time. If you’re looking to move away from traditional mass-market games, try any of the episodes titled “Play This, Not That”.

Do you love podcasts? Tell me some of your favorites in the comments!

(Review) Dragon’s Cave

Dragon’s Cave is a fun, quick game that usually results in a lot of laughter around the table.

Here’s what we think about Dragon’s Cave, in our own words:

Stephanie: I am always up for a game of Dragon’s Cave. I enjoy push-your-luck games, and the suspense with this one is just enough for kids and families. We really get into the hiding of the gold in our hands – it is extremely dramatic. I feel like we rarely beat Brian, but, whatever.

Brian: I liked this game more with the first few plays, but it’s a great first game to introduce kids to the concept of probability. There are other children’s games I would rather play as a family, so this one isn’t a favorite of mine.

5 year-old: I like to play the game. I like the coins. I like the cards. I also like the little dwarves.

Who should play: families who want a quick game that is easy to learn and fun for all ages

Good for newbies? For sure – it’s an accessible family/children’s game.

Good for kids? Blue orange designs many fun family games. Dragon’s Cave works well for children as young as 4-5 years old.

Want to learn more about Dragon’s Cave? Check out this post that covers the game in-depth!

Dragon’s Cave

A shout-out to the awesome Andrew and Anitra over at The Family Gamers podcast, who sent us a copy of this game. Thank you!

Sneak through the dragon’s cave collecting gold…but look out! If the dragon guesses your next move, you’ll need to go back on the path and risk losing your gold!

Overview

Players take on the role of brave little dwarves who, lured by the promise of gold, enter the dragon’s cave to explore its riches. The dragon, played by an alternating player each round, tries to guess which colored area the dwarves will advance to, hoping to guess correctly, collect their gold, and send them back on the path.

Components

The components of the game are simple, but well-made and fit perfectly inside the box. The dwarves and dragon are nice chunky wood, and the treasure chests and gold coins are heavy cardboard. The cards are of good quality.

Rule Book

Easy to read – no issues.

How the Game Plays

Each player receives a colored dwarf, a coordinating set of colored cards representing the spaces on the cave’s path, a treasure chest, and a treasure square.

The youngest player will play the first round as the dragon, and then this role will move clockwise around the table. The other players will be dwarves.

Decide which colored area you would like to move your dwarf to, laying the corresponding card face-down on the table. Once all players have selected and laid out their cards, the dragon chooses a colored space at the top of the board.

If the dragon chooses your color: you must take any treasure NOT inside your treasure chest, secretly place it in one hand or divide between both hands, and allow the dragon to choose a hand. You must then move back to the previous square of the same color.

If the dragon does not choose your color: you advance your dwarf and take any gold earned, placing it on your treasure square – NOT in the treasure chest.

Any cards played remain in front of each player until the player “resets” their hand by playing the grey treasure chest card and moving the gold coins from the treasure square to the treasure chest, which protects the coins from the dragon. The cards then go back into the player’s hand.

Play continues, rotating roles, until a dwarf reaches the end of the path and takes the bonus coins. Count up all coins in your treasure chest and on your treasure square – the player with the most coins wins.

Who Should Play?

This is a fun children’s/family game that could play well with children as young as 4-5 years old. It’s relatively quick and has silly moments, sure to make for lots of laughs. Children could become frustrated if the dragon keeps guessing the color they choose, preventing them from advancing through the cave.

10 Books I Can’t Wait to Read This Summer

People We Meet on Vacation

by Emily Henry (available now)

Although opposites in many ways, Alex and Poppy become the best of friends following a shared car ride home from college. Despite moving away from one another after graduation, they meet each year for a week-long vacation together. After a falling-out drives a wedge between them, Poppy eventually convinces Alex to spend one last vacation together to save their relationship.

Wild Women and the Blues

by Denny S. Bryce (available now)

It’s 1925 and in Chicago, jazz is king. Honoree Dalcour is trying to dance her way to the top at the Dreamland Café, the hottest club in town. Nearly 100 years later, past and present intertwine when film student Sawyer Hayes interviews Honoree on her deathbed to hear her story and finish his thesis.

Survive the Night

by Riley Sager (release date July 6th)

Charlie is anxious and grieving the death of her best friend who was the third victim of a murderer stalking their college campus. Wanting to get away, she accepts a ride from the school’s ride-share board with Josh, who claims to be leaving to care for his sick father. During the drive, she begins to suspect Josh might be the Campus Killer and the night becomes a fight for her life.

The Final Girl Support Group

by Grady Hendrix (release date July 13th)

final girl: the term given to the girl who survives the horror movie

Lynette Tarkington is a real-life final girl who survived a massacre but is haunted by its memory each day. She meets regularly with five other “final girls” and a therapist, who work together to try to reassemble their lives following the horrific events they experienced. When one of the girls goes missing, Lynette realizes someone knows about their support group and is hunting them one by one.

Shoulder Season

by Christina Clancy (release date July 6th)

Small-town good girl Sherri Taylor dons a too-small costume and too-small high heels for a job as a bunny at the nearby Playboy Resort.

The summer is magic – sex, drugs, rock and roll, friendships, and first love. Caught up in a love triangle by season’s end, a tragedy will haunt Sherri for the next several decades.

The Husbands

by Chandler Baker (release date August 3rd)

Norah Spangler is a high-powered attorney, wife, and mother who finds herself pulling most of the weight at home. When the family purchases a new home in neighborhood Dynasty Ranch, Norah is introduced to the successful women who reside there – authors, surgeons, CEOs – who are supported by their husbands. When Norah agrees to assist one of the wives with a wrongful death suit, she begins to uncover that things in Dynasty Ranch are just…different. And that maybe the key to “having it all” is worth killing for.

That Weekend

by Kara Thomas (release date June 29th)

A group of friends sets off for a fun weekend away at a lake house, but when Claire awakens alone and bloody on a hiking trail to find her friends missing, she fears the events of the previous night are locked in her memory.

Haven Point

by Virginia Hume (release date June 8th)

A family saga spanning seventy years, Haven Point explores the traditions of family and small towns, love and betrayal, and wars and storms.

The seaside setting of Haven Point, Maine, provides the backdrop of this family’s story and this novel is recommended for fans of Elin Hilderbrand.

Revival Season

by Monica West (available now)

Miriam Horton and her family spends their summers traveling through small southern towns for revival season, where Miriam’s famous-pastor father holds healing services.

When Miriam witnesses an act of violence she discovers she has the power to heal, but her church believes that such power is denied to women, forcing Miriam to grapple between faith, family, and her powers to help others, which she must conceal.

One Last Stop

by Casey McQuinston (available now)

August moves to New York City, waiting tables in a diner and trudging through her days. When she spots Jane, a punk-rock vision in leather, her subway crush becomes the highlight of her commute. When August discovers that Jane is displaced from the 1970s and cannot leave the subway, August’s past and present collide as she tries to help her.