watching expired appliances align

I look forward to seeing you on January 1st for board game madness in 3 (three!!!) rooms!

Have a blast celebrating the new year with friends!

The Winner's Board will be blank and ready for you to add details of your victories!

Your favorite games will be stacked on the shelves, waiting for players!

Tumblin' Dice will be ready for your best rolls (dice cascading from one platform to the next!).

Year old clay for Cluzzle will still seem fresh (I promise!).

2010's year in gaming poster will find itself secured to a wall (find out who won a rousing game of Power Grid this past February!).

Swing past for an hour or stay for the whole day and into the night.
(No hour is too late to arrive. Nurse you hangover and stop by at 8pm. The party will be going strong!)

Bring friends! Bring family! Bring a game you're interested in playing!

Posted by Marc at 11:20 PM | Permalink

The Big Board showing the 2010 New Year's Day Board Game Party Winners & the games they played!

Posted by Marc at 09:36 PM | Permalink

After the jump, images from the final hours of the 2010 New Year's Day Board Game Party!

Continue reading "Board Game Party - Evening Photos" »

Posted by Marc at 09:47 PM | Permalink

Midway through the 2010 New Year's Day Board Game Party I handed my camera to Adam. Here are a few images he captured:

Continue reading "Board Game Party - Photos by Adam" »

Posted by Marc at 05:18 PM | Permalink

During the January 1, 2010 New Year's Day Board Game Party some fun was had and some games were played. Also, a nap was taken.

After the jump, a dozen slightly more active photos.

Continue reading "Daytime Gaming (and napping)" »

Posted by Marc at 07:31 PM | Permalink

On January 1st, the 5th Annual New Year's Day Board Game Party took place. Over the next week or so, I hope to post a few photos from the party. I had a great time and I hope the same can be said for everyone who was able to attend. Needlesstosay, the winner's board pictured above was filled by 2am when the party concluded on January 2nd. The snapshots you see after the jump document some of the day's set up, available games and hint at one of the more popular games of the day (Dixit).

Continue reading "Party Prep and The First Game" »

Posted by Marc at 10:58 PM | Permalink

I had a blast on New Year's Day! Thank you for visiting and playing one of the many games that hit the tables over the course of the afternoon and night. I hope to have more photos soon!

If you weren't able to attend, I hope you had a great New Year's Day and I hope you can make it next year.

Have a happy and fun 2010!

Posted by Marc at 04:32 PM | Permalink

(And, yes, both copies of Cluzzle will have new clay.)

Posted by Marc at 12:09 AM | Permalink

Let's say you're at the 2010 New Year's Day Board Game Party and you really want to get to the Tumblin-Dice room but there's a line forming in the hallway. There's no better way to kill a few minutes than by trying one of the games from the group below:

SET - It's a pattern recognition card game! If this was electronic, you'd play it while waiting for someone to finish that never-ending game of Uno. (1+ players, 15 minutes)

NO THANKS! - Take a card or place a chip. I first read about this game on Defective Yeti. I saved the description in my RSS feed reader for 6 months until I found the card game in a shop. Why I didn't order it online, I have no idea. There's a headline in the idea that no one can say "No Thanks" to No Thanks. It's easy to learn and super addictive. The German name is "Geschenkt," which kind of reminds me of Wolverine. The game can be as ruthless as that famous X-Man. Keep your chips hidden but display your cards. Once the deck is depleted the person with the lowest point total in front of her wins the game. (3-5 players, 20 minutes)

RELATIONSHIP TIGHTROPE - Can you imagine a worse name for a game that really has nothing to do with relationships? The one was designed by an extremely prolific game designer named Reiner Knizia. This is one of his balancing-type games. There are tiny pink sticks and tiny blue sticks. And cards. And it's GOOD. (3-5 players, 30 minutes)

STRATEGO - It's got a spy. Kaci loves this and is already lining up her opponents. (2 players, 30 minutes)

SEQUENCE - Sort of like cards with your friends? Sort of like bingo? I've never played this 1982 blockbuster. (2-12 players, 10 minutes)

SHOGUN - Dude, this game has little magnets inside the checkers-like pieces - serious hi-tech gaming from 1976. (2 players, 10 minutes)

GHOSTS - I've yet to play this phantasmagorical treasure which features good ghosts and bad ghosts and two players manipulating a set of each! (2 players, 20 minutes)

LOOT - Admit it - you're a sucker for all things with pirate themes! Loot is a card game that's all about using your pirate ships to overtake ships filled with treasure. It's a battle on the high seas! Be careful playing the admiral! (2-8 players, 20 minutes)

FOR SALE - This real estate themed game follows that simple mantra - buy low and sell high! (3-6 players, 20 minutes)

Posted by Marc at 08:40 PM | Permalink

As much as I love a good party game, a good strategy game is always at the top of the heap. Here's a list of the strategy games I own. All will be on the shelves, crying for attention at the 2010 New Year's Day Board Game Party. Most are probably new to you and if you've got at least one competitive bone in your body, try something from the list below:

CARCASSONNE - Soooo good. The part of me that spent his pre-teen years mapping Ultima and Bard's Tale dungeons loves the idea of assembling tiles to create medieval cities, roads and farms. Use your meeples sparingly when claiming these assets for yourself! (2-5 players, 60 minutes)

THE SETTLERS OF CATAN - I have this game on semi-permanent loan from Jamie and Kaci. I do own the Travel Edition if anyone wants to borrow it for a vacation. A few years ago, Chris L. called this modern classic "Market of Gonad" and the AKA has stuck. He's yet to play but we all know he's going to love it as soon as he does. Players compete against each other to increase the size of their settlements by acquiring resources to build roads, houses, etc. There's trading involved. Who doesn't love trading? (3-4 players, 90 minutes)

PUERTO RICO - My favorite board game of all time. The object is to build a thriving Puerto Rico by developing plantations, creating buildings, populating the island and shipping goods. This game is a bit complex, but worth the time it takes to learn. (3-5 players, 90 minutes)

SAN JUAN - An offshoot of Puerto Rico, this card game is much simpler to learn and play (and almost as engrossing). (2-4 players, 45 minutes)

INGENIOUS - I love quick games of Ingenious. It's a tile placement game, sort of like dominoes but a lot more fun. You score points across a few different color tiles, but you've got to score the most of the least to win. (1-4 players, 20 minutes)

VEGAS SHOWDOWN - Sure, pirates are cool and werewolves are scary, but we all know Vegas is where a theme really hits the big time! Ask Josh Duhamel. Build the best casino and acquire patrons, money and fame! Bid on the slots or bid on the chance to add a restaurant, or just collect a fame point. Remember - build your structure so there's an easy path from the casino to the hotel (3-5 players, 75 minutes)

HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER - Start with script cards and bid on talent, special effects and sound design to assemble the best movies. (2-5 players, 45 minutes)

NIAGARA - I’ll be honest, the thought of sending my canoe over the falls while hunting for diamonds scares me. Sometimes you have to face the fears that trouble you most. The object of this "push your luck" game is to collect a variety of jewels and return to a safe spot upriver. (3-5 players, 45 minutes)

RA - Everyone's favorite Sun God is quite powerful. In this auction game that explores civilization in ancient Egypt your role is that of society builder. Collect river tiles, monuments, gold and more while watching out for droughts, earthquakes, etc. (3-5 players, 60 minutes)

TICKET TO RIDE: EUROPE - This finely crafted train game contains just enough interaction over specific routes to keep all players on their toes while making nimble use of collecting train cards, acquiring new destinations and building track. (2-5 players, 80 minutes)

POWER GRID - Supply power to more cities in Germany (or the U.S.) than your opponents. Sure, wind energy is great…but it’s expensive! (2-6 players, 120 minutes)

RHEINLANDER - Three years ago I learned the rules to this game. I forgot them the next day. It’s fun, though. Maybe we can break out this one in early January? (3-5 players, 70 minutes)

ARKADIA - Did I buy this two years ago for an extremely low price? It’s in the boardgamegeek.com top 200. It remains on my shelf. In shrinkwrap. (2-4 players, 60 minutes)

GHEOS - I’ve played this one once and it’s like taking Carcassonne into battle. Someone hand me a bourbon and let’s get to it! (2-4 players, 60 minutes)

EURORAILS - This is the first game that helped me realize there's more to board games than Sorry! (2-4 players, 30 minutes) and Museum Caper Clue (2-4 players, 30 minutes and not bad at all). The first time I played this was in the upstairs kitchen at Spaghetti House in the spring of 1995. Playing this game and listening to Fugazi and Rail Road Jerk are now linked in my brain forever. Did you know there's a whole genre of railroad games? In this one, players build railroads and deliver goods from one European city to another. It comes with crayons! You can draw on the board! What's not to like (besides the obscenely long playing time)? (2-6 players, 180 minutes)

Posted by Marc at 06:12 PM | Permalink

I own three word games and all of them will be available at the 2010 New Year's Day Board Game Party. Each one is worth your time. Here's a list of what to expect:

BOGGLE - The shaking of that cube is something I'm sure you remember about this simple game for the word freaks in the house. I love watching the intense, concentrated silence that comes over people as they search their brains like twisted dictionaries. (2-6 players, 10 minutes)

BUY WORD - I really like this game because it combines a few elements. Not only are you trying to create smart, complex words, you're trying to do so cheaply. Pay a tiny amount for letters, then sell big words to the bank for more money. It's an elegant little game mechanic that adds a tiny bit to the classic word building to which you may be accustomed. (2-4 players, 45 minutes)

SCRABBLE - Need a dictionary? I'm sure there's an iPhone app. (2-4 players, 90 minutes)

If anyone wants to bring another word game, please do!

Posted by Marc at 11:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

For newcomers to the 2010 New Year's Day Board Game Party, I thought it might make sense to review my collection of board games. Take a few minutes to look over this list and find something you're especially keen to play. I strongly encourage you to check out games that are new to you! This entry will focus on...

PARTY GAMES

WITS AND WAGERS - Trivia like you've never played it! This fast paced 7-question game where all the answers are numbers is surprisingly addictive. Everyone answers a question then wagers on which is closest to the correct answer. (3-7 players, or teams, 20 minutes)

BALDERDASH - A game for all word maker uppers (word makers upper?). (3-6 players, 60 minutes)

APPLES TO APPLES - It's the party game that almost everyone loves! Every round features a new judge to be impressed by your word-relating skills. (4-10 players, 30 minutes)

WEREWOLF (possibly known to you as MAFIA) - This party game requires a large number of players and can be surprisingly fun. Someone please remind me to place a sign-up sheet on the fridge, so we can play a big game around 9pm. Two people are werewolves and at least half a dozen people are villagers. There are two phases to this game - night and day. At night everyone starts with closed eyes, the werewolves open their eyes and identify each other. Then they slaughter a villager! During the day everyone talks openly, trying to reach a consensus about who among them is secretly a werewolf. The villagers then decide on someone to hang. As the week progresses, there are fewer and fewer people actively playing the game. A winning team is declared once the villagers kill all the werewolves or the werewolves kill enough villagers to reach parity. Oh, and for those who are into mystical awareness, there's a seer who can detect the hint of lycanthropy! (8-24 players, 45 minutes)

DIXIT - This is a storytelling game based on beautiful card images. In his list of 2009 Good Gift Games Matthew Baldwin describes the objective "for the Storyteller...to craft a description cryptic enough to fool someone, but not everyone." I think it plays a little like APPLES TO APPLES but also a little like CLUZZLE with a bit of BALDERDASH thrown in for good measure. I've played a handful of times and I'm positively enthralled. Also, the little bits you get to move around are wooden bunnies. Can you resist the cuteness? (3-6 players, 30 minutes)

LIAR'S DICE (aka PERUDO) - Can you bluff and lie and con your way into capturing everyone's dice? If so, add your name to the winner's board. (2-6 players, 15 minutes)

SCATTERGORIES - A few years ago a rather beat up version of this game was added to my collection. I'm missing the giant letter covered die, but little scraps of paper do an adequate job. This is a party favorite that never fails to disappoint. The last time I played I had to vigorously defend "krumping" as a kind of dance. (2-6 players, 30 minutes)

CLUZZLE - Fun clay sculpting and hilarious interaction! This one is always a hit and as I promised in this year's party invite, I'm going to find new clay. (3-6 players, 45 minutes)

TUMBLIN-DICE - This fast paced game has competitors shooting dice down a four-tiered board. The more high-numbered dice you can land on the smaller pads at the bottom, the higher your score. Be warned - very simple math skills are required. Also, I like to play with a slight variation that adds more randomness to the game. (2-4 players, 15 minutes)

Posted by Marc at 06:42 PM | Permalink

Thank you for attending the 2008 New Year's Day Board Game Party! I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. I'm still on the exhausted from all the holiday partying so pictures have yet to be added to my computer - the party officially ended at 1:30AM, January 2nd. I hope to post photos soon.

For those who didn't attend but would like to pretend they did, I have extra iron-on transfers of the logo seen above. I've got them in a few different colors and for dark and light t-shirts. If you want one, just let me know. I'm also willing to do the ironing for you, if you'd like to bring me a shirt.

Posted by Marc at 02:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I'm excited for the 3rd Annual New Year's Day Board Game Party. Since last year's event, I've acquired a few more games. The list below contains some of the highlights. I expect to see you playing them.

FOR SALE - This game of buying and selling real estate falls into the "Appetizers" section of last year's board game menu. The idea behind this real estate themed game is simple - buy low and sell high! (3-6 players, 20 minutes)

HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER - Despite the current writer's strike, film production is still going on at this party. Start with script cards and bid on talent, special effects and sound design to assemble the best movies. Drop this game into the slightly more "Hearty Fare" portion of last year's menu. There's something about auction games that have me hoping this one will hit the table. (2-5 players, 45 minutes)

LIAR'S DICE (aka PERUDO) - Can you bluff and lie and con your way into capturing everyone's dice? If so, add your name to the winner's board. I'll be honest, I haven't played this game but I really want to and I will force you into joining me for a game or two on Tuesday. (2-6 players, 15 minutes)

NIAGARA - The thought of sending my canoe over the falls while hunting for diamonds scares me. That can't happen. The object of this "push your luck" game is to collect the jewels and return them to a safe spot upriver. (3-5 players, 45 minutes)

RA - Everyone's favorite Sun God is quite powerful. In this auction game that explores civilization in ancient Egypt your role is that of society builder. Collect river tiles, monuments, gold and more while watching out for droughts, earthquakes, etc. This is a fun one, and currently ranked 15th on boardgamegeek.com. (3-5 players, 60 minutes)

TUMBLIN-DICE - I haven't played this game once during the past month. I cannot wait to take on all challengers. This fast paced game has competitors shooting dice down a four-tiered board. The more high-numbered dice you can land on the smaller pads at the bottom, the higher your score. Be warned - very simple math skills are required. (2-4 players, 15 minutes)

I will also have a new single player version of ELECTRONIC FROGGER available.

Posted by Marc at 01:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Posted by Marc at 08:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I just finished posting the photos from New Year's Day. The set is now complete. If you want to check out the party photos click on this one, and move forward through the set.

">

Posted by Marc at 11:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Did you know I created a profile at boardgamegeek.com a few weeks ago? I'm not overly active in updating it. And by reading it you get the impression that my list of favorite movies hasn't been updated in more than ten years. It's amazing I don't list Star Wars on there.

Mostly this is just an update to report that tonight a few friends came over for VEGAS SHOWDOWN followed by CARCASSONNE. Jamie used leftover New Year's Day sparkling wine to make champagne cocktails. They were fantastic. Barfy, I know you were responsible for bringing one of the bottles - thank you! I will make sure Jamie mixes up some bitters and sugar for you soon!

Posted by Marc at 01:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I just posted a few photos from my board game party preparations.

They're located in a flickr set.

Posted by Marc at 01:19 AM | Permalink

As Chris M. stated before leaving after the final game of the night (Apples to Apples), "it was a great party, but MVP of the night goest to Mitchard Dawson." I couldn't agree more. For hosting a rousing live version of Family Feud (with theme music and everything!), Mitchard Dawson wins MVBG (Most Valuable Board Gamer)!

I've never seen more contestant kissing in my life!

Posted by Marc at 09:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Thanks to everyone for coming to the 2007 New Year's Day Board Game Party! I had a blast and I hope everyone else had a great time, even if your name didn't appear on the Winner's Board!

I hope to have a wrap-up with photos soon.

In the meantime, congrats to Heather who guessed the number of game pieces in the glass jar. She guessed 845 and the actual count was 865. Sadly, she forgot her prize copy of BuyWord on one of the game tables. I'll make sure you get it soon.

Speaking of things left here, there are at least three umbrellas in my living room. Just let me know if one belongs to you.

If anyone took pictures, let me know so I can link to them.

Posted by Marc at 02:43 AM | Permalink

Monday's the day. I hope everyone can make it bright and early! Here are a few more games I'll have available at the 2007 New Year's Day Board Game Party:

LOOT - Admit it - you're a sucker for all things pirate themed! Loot is a card game that's all about using your pirate ships to overtake ships filled with treasure. It's a battle on the high seas! Be careful playing the admiral! (2-8 players, 20 minutes)

WEREWOLF - This could be one of the best party games of all time. It's going to require a lot of people, and I think I'll have a sign-up sheet on the wall.

Two people are werewolves and at least half a dozen people are villagers. There are two phases to this game - night and day. At night everyone starts with closed eyes, the werewolves open their eyes and identify each other. Then they slaughter a villager! During the day everyone talks openly, trying to reach a consensus about who among them is secretly a werewolf. The villagers then decide on someone to hang. As the week progresses, there are fewer and fewer people actively playing the game. A winning team is declared once the villagers kill all the werewolves or the werewolves kill enough villagers to reach parity. Oh, and for those who are into mystical awareness, there's a seer who can detect the hint of lycanthropy! (8-24 players, 45 minutes)

VEGAS SHOWDOWN - Apparently, it's themed games I'm mentioning today. Sure, pirates are cool and werewolves are scary, but Vegas is where the theming gets really exciting. Just ask Josh Duhamel. I played this last night for the first time. All you have to do is build the best casino to help you acquire patrons, money and fame! Bid on the slots or bid on the chance to add a restaurant, or just collect a fame point. Remember - build your structure so there's an easy path from the casino to the hotel! More info about the game and an introduction to it (via video) are available here. (3-5 players, 75 minutes)

Did I mention there will be bourbon at the party?

Posted by Marc at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

GET READY FOR MAGNETS.

Posted by Marc at 01:02 AM | Permalink

Last year I had the list of games for my New Year's Day Board Game Party in one email. This year, I'm mentioning a few games per day. Here's another small list:

NO THANKS! - Take a card or place a chip. I first read about this game on Defective Yeti. I saved the description in my bloglines for 6 months until I found the card game in a shop. Why I didn't order it online, I have no idea. There's a headline in the idea that no one can say "No Thanks" to No Thanks. It's easy to learn and super addictive. The German name is "Geschenkt." The name kind of reminds me of Wolverine - and the game can be as ruthless as that famous X-Man. Keep your chips hidden but display your cards. Once the deck's depleted the person with the lowest point total in front of her wins the game. (3-5 players, 20 minutes)

RELATIONSHIP TIGHTROPE - Can you imagine a worse name for a game that really has nothing to do with relationships? I bought this online recently. It was designed by an extremely prolific game designer named Reiner Knizia. There are tiny pink sticks and tiny blue sticks. And cards. (3-5 players, 30 minutes)

STRATEGO - It's got a spy. (2 players, 30 minutes)

SEQUENCE - On January 4th, 2006 Adam left a comment on Listmaker's blog entry about the 2006 New Year's Day Party. He said we have to try Sequence. So we are. (2-12 players, 10 minutes)

APPLES TO APPLES - It's a little astonishing that I've never played this game, as it's a party game that almost everyone loves. I feel like I'm missing out. Earlier this week Planbreaker demanded (well, lightly asked) that this game be played at the party. I concur! If you're curious about what the game's like, or how to play, check out this video. (4-10 players, 30 minutes)

I'll have snacks (and you're welcome to bring your own). Pizza can be ordered or picked up, as can other food. I've got my fingers crossed The Smoke Joint (liked by the PSG) will be open, but that's unlikely.

Posted by Marc at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

In case I've failed to mention it elsewhere (elsewhere meaning a few entries ago - I'm trying to create an evite but the process keeps forcing my browser closed), please bring your own board games to the party, especially if it's something you're really excited about playing or don't get to play often.

For the party I'm hosting on January 1st, I'll have a few games on the shelf. Over the next week, I'll update my website with a list of what I plan to have available. Here's part two of the list:

INGENIOUS - Last year I couldn't stop playing quick games of Ingenious. It's a tile placement game, sort of like dominoes but a lot more fun. You score points across a few different color tiles, but you've got to score the most of the least to win. I think. I haven't played in months and I'm anxious to break this out as people arrive. (1-4 players, 20 minutes)

THE SETTLERS OF CATAN (Travel Edition) - I've only played this once. This travel version of the original has really tiny pieces. I've never played the original but it's better than this one, and that means it's got to be an awesome game. Players compete against each other increasing the size of their settlements - acquiring resources to build roads, houses, etc. There's trading involved. Who doesn't love trading? (3-4 players, 90 minutes)

EURORAILS - This is the first game that helped me realize there's more to board games than Sorry! (2-4 players, 30 minutes) and Museum Caper Clue (2-4 players, 30 minutes and not bad at all). The first time I played this was in the upstairs kitchen at the Spaghetti House. Playing this game and listening to Fugazi and Rail Road Jerk are now linked in my brain forever. Did you know there's a whole genre of railroad games? In this one players build railroads and deliver goods from one European city to another. It comes with crayons! You can draw on the board! What's not to like? (2-6 players, 180 minutes)

BALDERDASH - A game for all word maker uppers (word makers upper?). (3-6 players, 60 minutes)

SET - It's a pattern recognition card game! If this was electronic, you'd play it while waiting for someone to finish up that game of Uno. (1+ players, 15 minutes)

WITS AND WAGERS - Trivia like you've never played it! This fast paced 7-question game where all the answers are numbers is surprisingly addictive (I wish I had a room full of cards with answers I'd never seen). Everyone answers a question then wagers on which is closest to the correct answer. If you want to learn how to play before swinging by, check out this video explanation and review of the game. (3-7 players, or teams, 20 minutes)

Posted by Marc at 04:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

For the party I'm hosting on January 1st, I'll have a few games on the shelf. Over the next week, I'll update my website with a list of what I plan to have available:

CLUZZLE - Last year's surprise favorite party game! It's clay sculpting and hilarious interaction! (3-6 players, 45 minutes)

BOGGLE - The shaking of that cube is something I'm sure you remember about this simple game for the word freaks in the house. I love watching the intense, concentrated silence that comes over people as they search their brains like twisted dictionaries. (2-6 players, 10 minutes)

PUERTO RICO - My favorite board game of all time. The object is to build a thriving Puerto Rico by developing plantations, creating buildings, populating the island and shipping goods. This one remained on the shelf at last year's party. It's a bit complex, but worth the time it takes to learn. (3-5 players, 90 minutes).

SAN JUAN - An offshoot of Puerto Rico, this card game is much simpler to learn and play (and almost as engrossing). (2-4 players, 45 minutes)

TRIVIAL PURSUIT - Pop Culture DVD Edition - If you know what's good for you, you'll leave this one on the shelf. Last year a team called DANovan won and got to put their names on the winner's board. (2-? players, team play, 60 minutes)

I'll list more games soon. Don't forget to bring your own games from home.

Posted by Marc at 03:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

As the hourglass that Father Time uses to measure our calendar year begins to empty, it's time to imagine flipping the plastic hourglass that comes packaged with Boggle (or Cluzzle or Wits & Wagers).

On January 1 I'm hosting the 2007 New Year's Day Board Game Party. Clear your calendar now and get your dice throwing arms and trivia answering minds into gear!

I'll have a variety of games on hand, so if you're hung over from the night before or are swearing to start the year on an intellectual and strategic note, there's no need to worry. Of course, if you've sworn to start the year on a "strategic note" I do wonder what's gotten into you.

Three rooms of casual board gaming action will be available and expect new games in addition to old favorites.

The party will start in the late morning with selected events (large scale hosted games) happening at certain times during the afternoon and evening. In the past year I've realized I'm a bit of an addict, so I'm ready for the party to go all night!

Posted by Marc at 03:06 PM | Permalink