Board Game Hot Takes

In Episode 320 we discuss the board game collecting as a part of the hobby. Do we consider ourselves collectors? What makes an interesting collection? Why do board games make good (or bad) collections?If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at https://www.patreon.com/boardgamehottakesFollow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/boardgamehottakes.bsky.socialJoin our Board Game Arena...

In Episode 319 we give our hot take review on Gunsen COLON The Battle for Toshi Ranbo covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We discuss a poll on whether its okay to concede in a 2-player game and then discuss some games on our table including Ants, World Order, and Origin Story: Heroes and Villains.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:24 Poll Time: Is it...

In Episode 318 we answer a bunch of mailbag questions asked by our Patreon supporters.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:39 What's your Spirit Game?04:39 Have you ever sold or traded a game away but later decided you wanted it back in your collection?10:07 What games are just dumb fun?15:03 Are there any games you'd like to see get a digital implementation?19:39 What are your most gifted games?24:57...

In Episode 317 we give our hot take review on Wondrous Creatures covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We discuss a poll on discovery vs. mastery and also discuss some games that have ALMOST been on our table including World Order and Distilled: Cocktails.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:31 Poll Time: Which do you enjoy most about enjoying board games -...

In Episode 316 we play and discuss many of our favorite party games and you can play along with us. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:37 Balderdash11:04 Wavelength18:05 Green Team Wins22:59 Skull27:18 Poetry for Neanderthals31:12 Scattergories35:57 Flip 739:57 Hot Streak43:59 Heads Up!48:58 Mad Gab53:48 Scattergories: Categories56:17 Subjective1:01:33 Wits and Wagers1:04:31 Challengers!1:10:41...

In Episode 315 we discuss our top 3 resource economies in board games.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:25 Beat The Expert Contest Winners04:43 Top 3 Resource Economies in Board Games (Brass: Birmingham, Clans of Caledonia)13:12 Tinner's Trail19:33 Power Grid24:02 Modern Art28:05 Keyflower34:51 Creature Comforts40:58 Smartphone, Inc.44:58 M.U.L.E. The Board Game51:19 Arborea56:33 Eclipse: Second...

In Episode 314 we give our hot take review on Entropy covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We discuss a poll on how other people's experience at the game table impacts you and also discuss some games that have been on our tables including Pokemon Modern Art, Wavelength, and Duel of Meloch.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:24 Poll Time: Does another player's...

In Episode 313 we discuss a bunch of recent games that we've been playing. We also catch listeners up on the BGHT Beat The Expert Contest.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction08:52 Dawn of Madness24:18 Trio / nana29:23 Wingspan Pocket48:17 Sanibel46:30 Mister Diamond51:07 Gunsen: The Battle for Toshi Ranbo1:01:22 Stationfall1:10:37 Dominant Species1:14:46 Railroad TilesIf you enjoy the show, please...

In Episode 312 we conclude the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 1-10.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:40 Tournament of Champions Contest Update03:25 Ark Nova06:17 Azul08:14 Pan Am12:33 The Castles of Burgundy16:27 Ankh: Gods of Egypt19:23 Star Realms23:41 Grand Austria Hotel27:06 March of the Ants: Evolved Edition29:16 Terraforming Mars32:11 Nucleum36:37 Pan...

In Episode 311 we continue the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 11-20.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:47 Contest Announcement05:10 Underwater Cities08:33 Tycoon India 198111:03 Luthier16:00 Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King19:50 Manhattan Project: Energy Empire22:31 Speakeasy26:18 Blood Rage29:05 The Expanse Board Game32:45 Echoes of Time35:55 Cthulhu: Death...