January 17, 2005
will i start with corn or indigo?
A little over a month ago I mentioned board games and the article in the morning news about board games that made great gift ideas.
As a result of the article I purchased a game called PUERTO RICO, which is one of the highest rated games at boardgamegeek.com. (so popular, actually, that there's a Puerto Rico meet up group).
I've had trouble explaining the game, so I've swiped the following bit of text from the publisher's website (and the box copy, if memory serves):
Prospector, captain, mayor, trader, settler, craftsman, or builder? Which roles will you play in the new world? Will you own the most prosperous plantations? Will you build the most valuable buildings? You have but one goal: achieve the greatest prosperity and highest respect! This is shown by the player who earns the most victory points. He will win the game!
The game is more fun than I expected. It's one of those games that I immediately want to play again as soon as it's over. Eight days ago, some friends came by and we played a few games. I took a few pictures.



Unfortunately, these snapshots do little to convey the excitement of the game. Obviously, no one shouts "You sank my battleship!" or "Connect Four. I win!" But winning is part of the fun. The other part of the fun is after the game when you sit around with the other players and discuss strategy.
Man, I'm a nerd.
Posted by marc@balgavy.com at January 17, 2005 03:11 AMWhen is the next PR fest?! I have not been so into a board game since junior high.
Posted by: jim at January 17, 2005 01:53 PMBummed I missed it - count me in for next time.
Posted by: mas at January 18, 2005 01:11 PMyesterday i stopped by the hobby shop in fredericksburg. i picked up san juan, the card game version of puerto rico. by no means am i trying to suggest that puerto rico is "played out." puerto rico wasn't in stock and i thought i might have a chance to play some games last night or tonight. i had to be prepared. haven't played san juan yet, but it looks like it could be fun, just not as much fun as puerto rico.
Posted by: marc b. at January 22, 2005 10:01 AM