In-Person: I hate this game. Arboretum. Have you played Arboretum? Yes. What is the tiebreaker? The tiebreaker is the second
Ep3: I hate this game. Arboreman played Arboretum. Yes. What is the tiebreaker for that?
In-Person: tiebreaker's plant a tree and come back in five years to see who's has grown tallest. But I I still love that.
Ep3: But I still love that.
Ep5: Welcome to TableFlips Episode 3, a board game podcast where two grown men might actually believe board games are the secret to happiness. Who cares about rent, taxes, or the crushing weight of adult responsibility when I can trade two sheep for one wood and feel like an economic genius? I'm Blake Adams, and with me as always is Travis Bridges.
In-Person: Yep, you asked for it.
Ep3: Yep, US for
In-Person: Another board game podcast.
Ep3: On this episode, we're discussing the games we've been playing, then we'll give you a quick peek behind the curtain
In-Person: On this episode we're discussing the games we've been playing, then we'll give you a quick peek behind the curtain.
Ep3: at the questionable people hosting this show, followed by discussing what has us reaching for the nearest table edge this week in What Flips Our Table, and cap things off with our featured review of Soothsayers. Is it a prophetic masterpiece, or should someone have checked the cards before publishing it?
In-Person: Questionable people hosting this show, followed by discussing what has us reaching for the nearest table edge this week and what flips our table, and cap things up with our feature review of Soothsayers. Is it a prophetic masterpiece, or should someone have checked the cards before publishing it?
Ep3: Starting with what we played this week.
In-Person: Starting with what we played this week, Travis, I played Falling by Kentaro Yazawa. Came out in 2026 this year by Cat Stone.
Ep3: Travis, I played Falling by Kentaro Yazawa. Came out in 2026 this year by Capstone
In-Person: Games. You know, this game is a tight resource game. It was tighter than I expected. It had really beautiful anime art. The theme in this game, that's that's where it gets a little weird. You see, apparently a tower appeared in the sky. Where did it come from? Who knows? Neither did the rule book, apparently. And below it,
Ep3: Games. You know, this game is a tight resource game. It was tighter than I expected. It had really beautiful anime art. The theme in this game, that's that's where it gets a little weird. You see, apparently a tower appeared in the sky. Where did it come from? Who knows? Neither did the rulebook, apparently, and below it. A vortex-like space of light appeared. Yeah, that's the
In-Person: a vortex-like space of light appeared. Yeah, that's the
Ep3: actual quote from the rulebook. So this tower is falling into this vortex, and you basically are ransacking it or quote, discovering its secrets as the tower slowly descends floor by floor. So the mechanics, I mean, they're fun. You have this little flying machine that you can make go up.
In-Person: Actual quote from the rulebook. So this tower is falling into this vortex, you basically are ransacking it or quote, discovering its secrets as the tower slowly descends floor by floor. So the mechanics, I mean, they're fun. You have this little flying machine that you can make go up
Ep3: To different floors of the tower
In-Person: to different floors of the tower.
Ep3: to build contraptions. Now, every round of this game, two floors are just gonna drop off the board. They slide off because remember, the tower is falling into a what trava? Like a vortex like space of light? Yeah. Now the tricky
In-Person: To build contraptions. Now every round of this game, two floors are just gonna drop off the board. They slide off because remember the tower is falling into a wet trappice. Like a vortex-like space of light? Yeah. Now the trick.
Ep3: part with this game is that you get resources and points by getting contraptions off your board onto the tower, but you also get a lot of bonuses when the contraptions go into the
In-Person: But you also get a lot of bonuses when the contraptions go into the vortex like space of light. And then they come back to your board. So you're balancing what you want at certain times. Do I want this contraption to be out longer? So I need to build higher in the tower. Or do I want it to come back to me this round? So this game is just filled with like a lot of little dopamine shots, especially with the score tracker.
Ep3: like space of light. And then they come back to your board. So you're balancing what you want at certain times. Do I want this contraption to be out longer? So I need to build higher on the tower, or do I want it to come back to me this round? So this game is just filled with like a lot of little dopamine shots, especially with the score tracker. Once you make a lap around the score track, which is 10 points, then you basically just get this card that says 10 points on it.
In-Person: Once you make a lap around the score track, which is ten points, then you basically just get this card that says ten points on it to show you that you got ten points. But then on the other side you get a little pick-me-up. You might get money, gas, or another resource.
Ep3: To show you that you got 10 points. But then on the other side, you get a little pick-me-up. You might get money, gas, or another resource. There
In-Person: There are also different player powers that can make this game exciting. And yeah, Travis, they weren't too difficult to understand. It is very much to the point, crunchy, light Euro, with good decision spaces. I really enjoyed that balancing act of when to build on the tower.
Ep3: are also different player powers that can make this game exciting. And yeah, Travis, they weren't too difficult to understand. It is very much to the point, crunchy, light Euro with good decision spaces. I really enjoyed that balancing act of when to build on the tower.
In-Person: And the tower spaces, I tell you what, they can really fill up faster than I expected. And I only played this with a three-player game. And so
Ep3: And the tower spaces, I tell you what, they can really fill up faster than I expected. And I only played this with a three-player game. And so here's the main thing, Travis. And this really frustrated me, okay? If you do play this game, make sure you download the updated rule book. So flippin' annoying. It was just released, literally just released. And then Capstone is like, yeah, the the rule book could have been better.
In-Person: Here's the main thing, Travis, and this really frustrated me, okay? If you do play this game, make sure you download the updated rule book. So code in the normal. It was just released, literally just released, then Capstone is like, yeah, the the rule book could have been better.
Ep3: Yeah, it sucked, okay. the new one, yeah, it rocks. It explains everything very clearly. And I feel like Capstone kinda rushed this one. It's almost the same reason I haven't opened up my copy of Arkright
In-Person: Yeah, it sucks, okay? the new one, yeah, it rocks. It explains everything very clearly. And I feel like Capstone kinda rushed this one. It's almost the same reason I haven't opened up my copy of Art Right.
Ep3: and gotten you to play that with me. Well, at least they did that. I mean I'm still
In-Person: Well, at least they did that. I mean I'm still battling through the De Vere's Trans Galactica rule book. Which they haven't said what they're doing.
Ep3: Galactica in the book. yeah. They haven't said what they're doing.
In-Person: I don't think they're gonna reprint it. They're not gonna help the people who bought it, so you're just kinda on your own.
Ep3: That's so frustrating when they do that. again, that's Falling came out this year, twenty twenty six, by Kentaro Yazawa by Capstone Games. So your your description of that the scoring you just
In-Person: So your your description of that, the scoring you just go around a loop and you pick up a card that has ten points on it? Yeah, you just pick up a card, so at the of the game you just count how many cards you got, and those are your points. Yeah, that kind of reminds
Ep3: Yeah, you Yeah, you just pick up a card. So at the end of the game you just count how many cards you got, and those are your points. Yeah.
In-Person: me of Taverns of Teethenthal. Do you remember that game? Yes I do. It made scoring
Ep3: Yes, I do. That's been a while.
In-Person: really easy when you did that. kind of appreciated
Ep3: I forgot about that.
In-Person: that.
Ep3: But what's really neat about this game is you do get these little bonuses on the back of those cards. And so it's a nice little resource that you get. There was a little balancing issue at first because when it first released, it had these special foil cards. There's maybe fifteen special ones out of a stack of like a hundred, but those special ones had like double
In-Person: But what's really neat about this game is you do get these little bonuses on the back of those cards. Yeah. So it's a nice little resource that you get. There was a little balancing issue at first because when it first released, it had these special foil cards. There's maybe fifteen special ones out of a stack of like a hundred, but those special ones had like double.
Ep3: the bonuses you would get. And so people thought it was unfair because my goodness, what if one person got
In-Person: the bonuses you would get. And so people thought it was unfair because, my goodness, what if one person got
Ep3: all those bonuses. And then there was one special player power where I could draw three of those cards and choose one and put the rest back. So I left those out. again that was falling from Capstone Games.
In-Person: all those bonuses? And then there was one special player power where I could draw three of those cards and choose one and put the rest back. So I left those out. again that was falling from capstone games.
Ep3: Travis, I don't want to keep talking about what I've been playing, but I wanted to come back to down up.
In-Person: Tramps, I don't want to keep talking about what I've been playing, but I wanted to come back to down up. It's your favorite game ever, right?
Ep3: It's getting there. It's getting there. I really enjoyed it. I played it with a a four player game and then another five player game.
In-Person: It's getting there. It's getting there. I really enjoyed it. I played it with a a four player game and then another five player game. Five player game lasted a little longer than I wanted it to, but I was starting to see a lot more of the strategy where I was looking at what people put down and wanting
Ep3: Five player game lasted a little longer than I wanted it to, but I was starting to see a lot more of the strategy where I was looking at what people put down and wanting to grab that into my hand, knowing at first it's gonna make my hand worse and a lot bigger, because again, I need to shed cards, and the coolest thing about this game is that when you pick up cards from the table, you're reversing them in your hand. And so I was seeing a lot more of that strategy. I was laying down a lot more cards that I wanted.
In-Person: My hand, knowing at first it's gonna make my hand worse and a lot bigger, because again, I need to shed cards, and the coolest thing about this game is that when you pick up cards from the table, you're reversing them in your hand. And so I was seeing a lot more of that strategy. I was laying down a lot more cards that I wanted to get taken back up into my hand to make it better. So I'm coming around trying to. Yeah, I I've seen people on
Ep3: to get taken back up into my hand to make it better. So I'm coming around, Travis. Yeah. I've seen people
In-Person: board game arena try that strategy. But I haven't seen it be particularly successful. But I I've seen people grow their hands to
Ep3: I I've seen people grow their hands too.
In-Person: twenty cards in in order to get, you know, four or five sets, but they don't really rarely have the time to play all of the cards. So there's definitely a a balance there. It's it's interesting you mentioned I haven't played this with five players. but I did play it with three with
Ep3: It's it's interesting you mentioned I haven't played this with five players. I did play it with three.
In-Person: my wife and my daughter. And I gotta say I'm not a huge fan of the three player.
Ep3: three, okay. I gotta say I'm not a huge fan of the three player game. So there's just not enough plays, table space to get that interesting I'm you know, trunking you, you have to take those cards back. So when there's three, you have basically one shot to get trunked and then, you know, you're throwing your cards away even though it's you know may not be a good set. So you're playing a strange game of like deep
In-Person: game because there's just not enough plays, table space get that interesting I'm you know trumping you, you have to take those cards back. So when there's three, you have basically one shot to get trumped and then you know you're throwing your cards away even though it's you know may not be a good set. So you're you're playing a strange game of like defense. I think the four player game is much better. So it's three player game
Ep3: I think a four player game is much better. So is three player game a lot faster? Yeah, it's it's faster, but you don't feel
In-Person: Yeah, it's it's faster, but you don't feel like the tension as much as you do in the four player game. So you need to let your cards go around the table. Just having that extra player means that usually you have one player who just can't figure out how
Ep3: Interesting. You need to let your cards go around the table. Just having that extra player means that but usually you have one player you just can't figure out how
In-Person: to play. And but e then you have like more opportunities to get trumped and have to figure out how to navigate the handle bit better. I just think it's a better four player game. And then I think with
Ep3: I just think it's a better four-player game. And then I think with five, it was almost too much because again, it drug out the game, not in each individual round, but like that there were more rounds that had to be played because different people won. And so to get to the winning condition to actually spell done up and get all four letters took a little bit longer. It might have been because we all kind of sucked at it, but it just drug out a little bit. And then you have too many.
In-Person: was almost too much because again it drug out the game not in each individual round but like that there were more rounds that had to be played because different people won and so to get to the winning conditions actually spell done up and get all four letters took a little bit longer. It might have been because we all kind of sucked at it. But yeah drug out a little bit then you have too many opportunities to get you know Trump you know so then you have to be a I think you have to use the other
Ep3: Yes.
In-Person: actions a little bit more cleverly like playing on other people's sets or taking their sets into your hand. So So just taking a look
Ep3: sets or taking their sets in your hand. Definitely. And that was just taking a look back at Down Up.
In-Person: Alright, so let's talk about Dracula versus Van Helsing. this is originally published in 2023, designed by Maxime Rambourg and Theo Rivieri. it's published in the US by 25th century.
Ep3: Alright, so let's talk about Dracula versus Van Helsing. this is originally published in 2023, designed by Maxime Rambourg and Theo Rivieri. It's published in the US by 25th century.
In-Person: so this is a two player that's like card, but it's more tiles in this game. it's a battling game. I've heard some people call it a trick taking game. so we could say that. We call it a trick taker. It has
Ep3: so this is a two player let's say card, but it's more tiles in this game. it's a battling game. I've heard some people call it a trick taking game. so we could say that. You call it a trick taker. It has you know card suits with ranks, there's a trunch suit, so I guess you could call it a trick trick taking game, but you really have a hand of these tiles and you're battling
In-Person: You know, card suits with ranks, there's a trump suit. So I guess you know you could call it a tr trick taking game, but you really have a hand of these tiles. and you're battling
Ep3: straight across your opponent's hidden hand of the same tiles. the first thing that's striking is really the art style. the arts by Weberson Santiago, who's quickly becoming one of my favorite board game artists. he did the Bloody Inn,
In-Person: straight across your opponent's hidden hand of the same tiles. the first thing that's striking is really the art style. the arts by Weberson Santiago, who's quickly becoming one of my favorite board game artists. he did the bloody in.
Ep3: which is not a great game. I haven't played that. Yeah I I I don't particularly like it. some people it's you know one of their favorite games but I just
In-Person: Which is not a great game. I haven't played that. Yeah, it's I I don't I don't particularly like it. some people it's, you know, one of their favorite games, but I just I didn't like how restrictive it was. But the art is just so striking in that game. he also did La Familia, which is a great game. and then he's providing the new art for Schadenfreude. So there's the new reprint of that, by Office Dog. that looks great.
Ep3: I didn't like how restrictive it was, but the art is just so strange in that game. he also did La Familia, which is a great game. and then he's providing the new art for Schadenfreude. There's the new reprint of that by Office Dog. that looks great. so this game it lasts five rounds. You're assuming roles either as Dracula or as Van Helsing.
In-Person: So this game, lasts five rounds. You're assuming rolls either as Dracula or as Van Helsing. and like I said, you have a hand of five tiles, they go in a rack. they're numbered one to eight in four different colors. one of those colors is basically a trumpsuit. And then on your turn, you draw a tile, and then you have to discard a tile from your hand. each number has a good or bad thing that happens when you gets discarded.
Ep3: I said you have a hand of five tiles, they go on a rack. They're numbered one to eight in four different One of those colors is basically a trumpet suit. And then on your turn, you draw a tile, and then you have to discard a tile from your Each number has a good or bad thing that happens when it gets discarded. So as soon as you decide which tile you're giving away, you'll do some sort of action with that tile. At the end of each hand,
In-Person: So as soon as you decide which tile you're giving away, you'll do some sort of action with that tile at the end of each hand, which is typically because the end of hand can be declared by a player. or if the stack runs out, you compare your rack of tiles with your opponents. and then each tile is basically competing for a region of villagers on the board.
Ep3: which is typically because the end of hand can be declared by a player. Or if the stack runs out, you compare your rack of tiles with your opponents. And then each tile is basically competing for a region of villagers on the board. So there's five regions on the board, each with four villagers.
In-Person: so there's five regions on the board, each with four villagers.
Ep3: If you're Dracula, you can win by flipping villagers to vampires. So if you can do that, all four villagers in the region you win. Van Helsing wins if he wins enough tricks to take away all 12 of Dracula's hearts.
In-Person: if you're Dracula, you can win by flipping villagers to vampires. So if you can do that to all four villagers in a region, you win. Van Helsing wins if he wins enough tricks to take away all twelve of Dracula's hearts.
Ep3: So after five rounds, if Dracula has any hearts left, Dracula wins. so I I really like this game because although it seems like there's this propensity for some sort of blowout victory, like a trick taking game could just be I got all the best cards, I'm going to, you know, win. most of the games I play to this come down really to the wire. So there's like a lot of high tension in this game. Yeah, I was
In-Person: So after five rounds, if Dracula has any hearts left, Dracula wins. so I I really like this game 'cause although it seems like there's this propensity for some sort of blowout victory, like a trick taking game could just be I got all the best cards, I'm going to, you know, win. most of the games I play to this come down really to the wire. So there's like a lot of high tension in this game. Yeah.
Ep3: shocked about that when you and I played it.
In-Person: Yeah, so f for instance, like Dracula wants to focus and win the regions, so they'll find ways to try and manipulate their hand and put their strongest tile towards one or two regions, hopefully to win that, put pressure on the other player. there are mechanics on the cards that you have to reveal a part of yours or your opponent's hand, or reveal the top tile of the deck, which stays visible, so
Ep3: Yeah, so for instance, like Dracula wants to focus and win the regions, so they'll find ways to try and manipulate their hand and put their strongest tile towards one or two regions, hopefully to win that, put pressure on the other player. there are mechanics on the cards that you have to reveal a part of yours or your opponent's hand, or reveal the top tile of the deck, which stays visible, so
In-Person: you have some partial information sometimes about what is in the other player's.
Ep3: You have some partial information sometimes about what is in the other player's rack, even though it's no longer in their rack, it's kind of in front of their rack. So you can kind of manipulate your hand and try and win certain regions. what's interesting is like sevens will change the trump suit, and eights allow you to end the hand early, as long as they're in six cards to start it.
In-Person: rack, even though it's no longer in their rack, it's kind of in front of the rack. So you can kind of manipulate your hand to try and win certain regions. what's interesting is like sevens will change trump suit and eights allow you to end the hand early as long as there have been six cards discarded. so I I I I really like it because I've seen the game go all the way to the end and be down to the last few tricks as to whether
Ep3: So I I I really like it 'cause I've seen the game go all the way to the end and be down to the last few tricks as to whether, you know, Van Helsing can knock those last twelve the last of the twelve hearts away or
In-Person: You know, Van Helsing can knock those last twelve the last of the twelve hearts away, or if Dracula
Ep3: If Dracula can just outlast the game, which is one of the winning conditions. So you look at it and you think this game cannot possibly be balanced, and then you start playing it and you realize, okay, this is really gonna go down right to the end. Definitely. And I love, isn't it Dracula who can choose almost when to end the game early or in the round earlier?
In-Person: can just outlast the game, which is one of the winning conditions. So i i y you look at it and you think this game cannot possibly be balanced. And then you start playing it and you realize, okay, this is really gonna go down right to the end. Yeah, I mean I love isn't it Dracula who can choose and almost went to end the game earlier or in the round earlier?
Ep3: Well, both players can choose to end the round. Okay. Then you give the other player another chance to play. Okay. But if six cards have been discarded and you discarded eight, which is the
In-Person: Well, both players can choose to end the round, but then you give the other player another chance to play. But if six cards have been discarded and you discard an eight, which is the top tile, you can make the hand end immediately. Yeah. And so that was an interesting
Ep3: That's what it is, yes. And so that was an interesting aspect of trying to get a good hand and end it as soon as you can to try to catch your play your opponent off guard. Really enjoyed that. The production for that, just like you were talking about, was beautiful. the tiles, using those instead of cards was so much fun. And I was even able to play this with my ten year old son, and he actually beat me. Well people do that.
In-Person: A good hand and end it as soon as you can to try to catch your play your opponent off guard. Yeah. Enjoy that. The production for that, just like we were talking about, was beautiful. the tiles, using those instead of cards was so much fun. Now they even have to play this with my ten year old son and actually be Well most people do that.
Ep3: So that was an enjoyable game. I really want to come back and play that one more. I kind of forget about that one. but again, yeah, the production on that just made it so fun. And the powers on it, at first, they feel a little random, but then you can see how you can use them to your advantage. and then they're used upon you, and it hurts a little bit. but the idea of being able to reveal some of your opponents' tiles, being able to switch with some of your opponents, and then just the idea of how.
In-Person: So that was enjoyable game. I really want to come back and play that one more. I kind of forget about that But again, yeah, the production on that just made it so fun. And the powers on it, at first, they feel a little random, but then you can see how you can use them to your advantage. and then they're used upon you, and it hurts a but the idea of being able to reveal some of your opponents' tiles, being able to switch with some of your opponents, and then just the idea of how where your tile is.
Ep3: Where your tile is, it's lined up in that region and it's gonna be playing in that region. And so that was an interesting mechanic that I really enjoyed with that game. Yeah, I I've you know, played a
In-Person: It's lined up in that region and it's gonna be playing in that region. So that was an interesting mechanic that I really enjoyed with that game. Yeah, I I've you know, played of a lot of the little two player trick taking card games that have come out recently, Fox in the Forest or Lone Wolves. I think this is this is the most interesting, I think, to me. compare to Fox of the Forest. that one, I haven't played that yet. Yeah, I I it's it's fine.
Ep3: Compared to Fox in the Forest. I have that one. I haven't played that yet. Yeah, I I it's it's fine. that's more cooperative, you're working together, right? No, there's there is a cooperative.
In-Person: that's more cooperative if you're working together, right? No, there's there is a cooperative version of that game, but that is competitive. it's one of those games where you you're doing tricks, but you don't want to win too many tricks. so you don't want to blow out the other player. You have you're trying to win more tricks, but try and keep it close. It's kind of an interesting thing. But I think this this one's more interesting because of the you're trying to play for
Ep3: It's one of those games where you you're doing tricks, but you don't want to win too many tricks. So you don't want to blow out the other player. But I think this this one's more interesting because of the you're trying to play it for certain regions on the board, so it's kind of more
In-Person: certain regions on the board, so it's kind of more
Ep3: of
In-Person: of like a lane battle sort of game. So that's Dracula versus Van Helsing.
Ep3: So Dracula versus Van Helsing. we know board gamers want to hear about games. And if you're anything like me, you want your host to keep the banter to the bare minimum. On table flips, I promise, we promise you'll never hear about things that are not board games or related to the hobby.
In-Person: we know board gamers want to hear about games. And if you're anything like me, you want your host to keep the banter to the bare minimum. On table flips, I promise, we promise, you'll never hear about things that are not board games or related to the hobby.
Ep3: We are not here to talk about our lives and to treat this podcast like therapy.
In-Person: We are not here to talk about our lives and to treat this podcast like therapy, but we thought you might like to get to know us a little bit. So you know who we are, why we like this crazy hobby, and perhaps a few games that really make us love this hobby. So Travis, who the hell are you? I I'm Travis. I thought we covered that.
Ep3: But we thought you might like to get to know us a little bit. So you know who we are, why we like this crazy hobby, and perhaps a few games that really make us love this hobby. So Travis, who the hell are ya? I'm Travis.
In-Person: no, I'm I'm old. Older than you. I've I've been playing hobby board games since
Ep3: Older than you. I've I've been playing hobby board games
In-Person: about nineteen ninety-two. when I was a kid, my family played, you know, all the trivial pursuit and Pictionary and Scatter Cories or whatever. and I was a tournament chess player, so I learned to play chess in the fourth grade. Did not know about that. Yeah, so I we'd go to five or six tournaments a year.
Ep3: So I learned to play chess in fourth grade. Did not know about that. Yeah, so I we go to five or six tournaments a year, state tournaments. it was just part of the curriculum, and then it just kept going from fourth to eighth grade. and then when after my eighth grade year, my dad got transferred to Great Falls, Montana, which is a lot different from Chicago.
In-Person: state tournaments. it was just part of the curriculum. And then it just kept going from fourth to eighth grade. and then when after my eighth grade year my dad got transferred to Great Falls, Montana, which is a lot different from Chicago where I grew up. I went into high school and people told me
Ep3: where I grew up. I went into high school and people told me since I play chess that I should talk to the chess coach. So I went to it was basically my history a war teacher. and I said, Yeah I heard you're the chess coach and he laughed at me. He said, We don't play chess here, but we play games, and a lot of the players in there
In-Person: Since I played chess, that I should talk to the chess coach. So I went to it was basically my history of war teacher. and I said, I heard you're the chess coach, and he laughed at me. He said, We don't play chess here, but we play games. and a lot of the players in there were RPG players, which I didn't really enjoy.
Ep3: G players, which I didn't really enjoy.
In-Person: but his son had a stack of games from the eighties. So we will play Kingmaker, Swashbuckler,
Ep3: but his son had a stack of games from the 80s. So we would play Kingmaker, Squash Buckler.
In-Person: some of the Avalon Hill games. and so I started buying games. So I bought Axis and Allies, Battlemasters. I really started
Ep3: some of the Adam Lun Hill games. And so I started buying games. So I bought Axis and Allies, Battlemasters. I really started getting more into games when I got into college. So I played Sellers of Tan in probably like 1997 or so. And then when I got to graduate school, I just I actually had well I didn't I really have
In-Person: getting more into games when I got into college. So I played Sellers Catan, you know, probably like nineteen ninety seven or so. And then when I got to graduate school, I just I actually had well I didn't I didn't really have money, but I like to think I did. So I just started buying games. one of the interesting stories when I really didn't know much about games,
Ep3: So I just started buying games. one of the interesting stories when I really didn't know much about games.
In-Person: I don't know if you remember Fun Again. You remember Fun Again?
Ep3: Mm yeah. No. They're a story in Oregon.
In-Person: There was a store in Oregon, and I had ordered a game called Pueblo. So the first edition of Pueblo. Cause I saw it in Games magazine. This is like 2002 and 2003, maybe. And I got Puerto Rico in the mail instead. And I was like, What is this? Puerto Rico? This is dumb. So I called them up all angry.
Ep3: game called Pueblo, so the first edition of Pueblo. And 2003 maybe. And I got Puerto Rico in the mail instead. And I was like, what is this? Puerto Rico? This is dumb. So I called them up all angry. But
In-Person: I was like, why did you send me Puerto Rico? I ordered Pueblo. And the person I talked to said, Well, have you played Puerto Rico? And
Ep3: why did you send me Puerto Rico? I ordered Pueblo. And the person I talked to said, Well have you played Puerto Rico?
In-Person: I go, No, who would want to play this game? Look at this cover. It's ridiculous. He's like, Why don't you just play it? And I'll send your Pueblo out to you for free. And so that really started
Ep3: No, who would want to play this game? Look at this cover. It's ridiculous. He's like, Why don't you just play it? And I'll send your pubble you. That's hilarious. And so that really started
In-Person: me into buying a lot of stuff. So
Ep3: stuff. And you like Peblo butter, right? Probably initially I actually.
In-Person: Probably initially I did actually, but I don't anymore. so yeah, I I say that I probably don't like maybe eighty percent of the games I play. So I'm kind of a curmudgeon and I I think it's just from a long history of you know, playing everything. Just I had groups that were playing esoteric games, were importing stuff, random wild things that nobody probably should.
Ep3: So yeah, I I say that I probably don't like maybe eighty percent of the games I play. So I'm kind of a curmudgeon and I I think it's just from a long history of you know, playing everything. Just I had groups that were playing esoteric games, were recording stuff, random wild things that nobody probably should play. So but even so now I'm
In-Person: play. So but even so now I'm trying be really discerning about, mechanics and that sort of thing. I mean there are some games that I like that most people don't. So I wrote I just jotted down a short list of here. I see if you played any of these. in the Shadow of the Emperor.
Ep3: Try be really discerning about mechanics and that sort of thing. I mean there are some games that I like that most people don't. So I wrote I just jotted down a short list one here. see if he played any of these. in the Shadow of the Emperor. No. Yeah, see it's one of those pastel
In-Person: Yeah, see. That's one of those pastel like I think it's Rio Grande Hans and Glück games that I think I've seen it on yourself, but never played it. Yeah, Ricochet Robots. Classic Classic Hatred. Yes.
Ep3: I think it's real grand games that I think I've seen it on your shelf but never played it. Yeah, Ricochet Robots. Classic. Classic hatred? yes. Breaks my brain every time.
In-Person: what about Witness? Played it with the Yeah.
Ep3: Played it with you. Enjoyed it.
In-Person: So I I mean I I like games that are
Ep3: Games are
In-Person: just really, really different. And Witness
Ep3: This is one of the ones that takes the cake there.
In-Person: is one of the ones that takes the cake there for sure. so that's that's me. Well my name is Blake. first time
Ep3: That's that's me. Well my name is Blake. first time I ever actually heard about hobby board gaming was when a friend said he got back from a cruise. A board gaming cruise. And at that time I thought that was the dumbest, geekiest thing I've ever heard of in my life, and now it actually sounds like heaven. I was introduced to Arkham.
In-Person: said he got back from a cruise. A board gaming cruise. And at that time I thought that was the dumbest, geekiest thing I've ever heard of in my life, and now it actually sounds like heaven. I was introduced to Arkham
Ep3: Arkham Horror with all the expansions and and it wasn't actual horror. It almost scared me off from board games altogether.
In-Person: Horror with all the expansions and and it wasn't actual horror. It almost scared me off from board games altogether.
Ep3: Travis, playing that game in itself is a beast, but with every expansion and cards after cards, talk about humongo deck of cards that you can't even shuffle together. Well, this game took over two days to complete. It was three of us.
In-Person: Travis, playing that game in itself is a beast, but with every expansion and cards after cards. Talk about Mungo deck of cards that you can't even shuffle together. Well, this game took over two days to complete. It was three of us. And I almost completely walked away from board games altogether after that. then my mom got diagnosed with cancer. Sorry, I got a little dark right there.
Ep3: And I almost completely walked away from board games altogether after that. then my mom got diagnosed with cancer. Sorry, I got a little dark right there. While she was on hospice, games became an escape for me. It was a way our family came together in difficult times. The outside world was chaotic. the board game world had rules. I knew what was going to happen, and I could get lost into them. And then.
In-Person: While she was on hospice, games became an escape for me. It was a way our family came together in difficult times. The outside world was chaotic, the board game world had rules. I knew what was going to happen and I could get lost into them. And then
Ep3: I was introduced to my first medium heavy Euro Terra Mystica. And I was hooked
In-Person: I was introduced to my first medium-heavy Euro Terra Mystica. And I was hooked.
Ep3: right off the bat. I still remember getting excited to play that game. My friend had it. I had heard about it. It was going to be my first medium heavy type game. I was so excited. And when I played it, and then when I was playing that magic system of moving those cubes into those three different bowls.
In-Person: right off the bat. I still remember getting excited to play that game. My friend had it. I had heard about it. It was going to be my first medium heavy type game. I was so excited and when I played it and when I was playing that magic system of moving those cubes into those three different bowls,
Ep3: It blew my mind and trying to figure out how long I could stay in each round, how I can min manipulate the board to my advantage.
In-Person: it blew my mind and trying to figure out how long I can stay in each round, how I can manipulate the board to my advantage.
Ep3: It just got me hooked. from then on, I got obsessed with board games and started getting my hands of hold of everything I could, then finally realized that was impossible and cold some of my games. yeah, some games that I love that are not typically on the hot list or
In-Person: It just got me hooked. from then on I got obsessed with board games and started getting my hands up hold of everything I could, then finally realized that was impossible cold some of my games. yeah, some games that I love that are not typically on the hot list or top one hundred are Tribune. Have you played that, Travis? I played it once. Once no
Ep3: Top 100, our Tribune. Have you played that, Travis? I played it once and you loved it. No.
In-Person: I played it once. That's a really in your face worker placement. That's the most yeah, confrontational worker placement game I've played and I really enjoy that. Medici, I know it's a classic, it's one of my favorite Reiner Tonicia games. it's part of his Biddy trilogy, but it's a really push-your luck with bidding and I really love that. Broom Service, a fister game that doesn't get enough love that I think is another push-your luck game.
Ep3: That's a really in your face worker placement. That's the most yeah, confrontational worker placement game I've played and I really enjoy that. Medici, it's a classic. It's one of my favorite Reiner Kenizia games. part of his bidding trilogy, but it's a really push your luck with bidding, and I really love that. Broom Service, a fister game that doesn't get enough love that I think is another push-your-luck game. Ginkopolis getting a little bit heavier right there. Hyper Borea. Hyper Borea, sorry. A bag building game with cubes that's kind of meeples on a map-ish, kind of, but really enjoyed that. Revive, another recent one that came out. And so that's just a little bit about your host for table flips. Now it's time for what flips our table.
In-Person: Gingopolis getting a little bit heavier right there. Hyper Borea. Hypaborea, sorry, a bag-building game with cubes that's kind meeples on a map-ish, kind of, but really enjoyed that. Revive another recent one that came out. And so that's just a little bit about your host for Table Flips. Now it's time for what flips our table.
Ep3: Again, we have a passion for this hobby, but wow, are there some things that can make us just want to flip the table? Travis, what's flipping your table this week? Let's talk about shared victory. Ooh.
In-Person: Again, we have a passion for this hobby, but wow. Are there some things that could make us just want to flip the table? Travis, what's flipping your table this week? Let's talk about shared victory, shall we? I'm not talking about draws like diplomacy or chess or cosmic encounter. I'm talking about games that end in ties without a sufficient
Ep3: Talking about games that end in ties without a sufficient
In-Person: tiebreaker. my contention is that ties in board games should have a robust tiebreaker system, even if it is elaborate or silly. I want the NFL playoffs tiebreaker, where the eleventh tiebreaker is net points in conference games followed by a televised coin toss.
Ep3: Contention is that ties in board games should have a robust tiebreaker system, even if it is elaborate or silly. I want the NFL playoffs tiebreaker, where the 11th tiebreaker is net points in conference games followed by a televised coin toss.
In-Person: I appreciate games that have an ending tiebreaker in their mechanics too. have you played Fractured Sky?
Ep3: I appreciate games that have an ending tiebreaker in their mechanics too. have you played Fractured Sky? Fractured Sky, that sounds so familiar.
In-Person: This one from like last year. I it just it kind of reminds me of this topic 'cause there's a in the game, the tiebreaker is based on turn order in the game. So when you play your final airship, you take turn order and that determines the tiebreaker.
Ep3: just it kinda reminds me, of this topic 'cause there's a in the game the tiebreaker is based on turnover in the game. Yeah. So when you play your final airship, you take turnover and that determines the tiebreaker.
In-Person: so I I appreciate games that at least can build it into their mechanics, but even if not, like try and have something to decide a victory.
Ep3: So I appreciate games that at least can build it into their mechanics. But even if not, like try and have something to decide a victory. I hate it when it says share your victory or rejoice together or something stupid like that. So why do you hate ties
In-Person: I hate it when it says share your victory or rejoice together or something stupid like that.
Ep3: though? Because it's just just figure it out. Somehow. Just finish designing the game.
In-Person: Cause just just figure it out somehow. Just finish designing the game. some b some games try to be cute with their tiebreakers, and I hate this game. Arboretum. Have you played Arboretum? Yes. What is the tiebreaker? The tiebreaker is the second
Ep3: some some games try to be cute with their tiebreakers and I hate this game. Arboreman played Arboretum. Yes. What is the tiebreaker for that?
In-Person: tiebreaker's plant a tree and come back in five years to see who's has grown tallest. But I still love that.
Ep3: But I still love that. At least it's something in there. That just makes me happy that they thought about it. I guess, but come up with a definitive.
In-Person: I guess, but come up with a definitive victory. Nobody wants to tie. spend two hours and then
Ep3: I agree. I I don't want to spend two hours and then tie with someone. I'd rather almost lose in that sense. This may be more perception, but what is more satisfying? Having a game end where both people say, well, I guess we both win. We're doing something that's not in the spirit of the game to decide victory. for instance, like in we talked about Hanami in the previous episode. Like the ties could be frequent in that one.
In-Person: Yeah, I mean this may be more perception, but what is more satisfying? Having a game end where both people say, well, I guess we both win or doing something that's not in the spirit of the game to decide victory. for instance, like in we talked about Hanami in a previous episode. Like the ties can be frequent in that one. So you have the second tiebreaker is having the most tokens, and then it says then share victory. What why not have something there? Why not?
Ep3: So you have the second tiebreaker is having the most tokens and then it says then share victory. What why not have something there? Why not who has the most symbols on the remaining tiles or least tiles played or randomly draw and then whoever has the most symbols on that tile wins?
In-Person: Who has the most symbols on the remaining tiles or least tiles played or randomly draw and then whoever has the most symbols on that tile wins. I I like I appreciate games that feel kind of the same way I do. So I I know in Tom Vassal's nothing personal. there's seven tiebreakers. Do you know do you know what the seventh tiebreaker is? No, it's that whoever's the first player to throw the game off the roof.
Ep3: Games that feel kind of the same way I do. So I I know in Tom Vassel's nothing personal. there's seven tiebreakers. Seven. Do you know what the seventh tiebreaker is? No, it's that. whoever is the first player to throw the game off the roof. That is amazing. And believe me, if I made it through the first six ties, I don't care if it's your game, I'm taking it, running to your while I can't.
In-Person: And believe me, if I made it through the first six ties, I don't care if it's your game, I'm taking it. I'm running to your well, I can't. I'm not gonna get on the roof. I'll throw it over the roof or onto the roof. Maybe. Now cooperative is a different story for me, but you know
Ep3: I'll throw it over the roof or under the roof. And you probably could. Maybe. Now cooperative is a different story for me, but you know, I actually like certain cooperative games with trader elements. So there can be a winner in those. You know, I'm not a tryhard. I'm not hell bent on winning. That's
In-Person: can be a winner in those. You know, I'm not a trying art, I'm not hell bent on winning.
Ep3: not why I don't like ties. I just
In-Person: I just
Ep3: like that competition element and for there to be a final winner. For me, it makes it more fun.
In-Person: and for there to be a final winner. For me, it makes it more fun. Yeah, I mean, and sometimes you have to make it up on the spot. Like, just stake everything for something really stupid. Like, one of my favorite gaming memories was I had a tie in Raw the Dice game. And so I and another player who were tied decide to roll off. Three rolls, most son wins. Go.
Ep3: Yeah, I mean that and sometimes you have to make it up on the spot. Like, just stake everything for something really stupid. Like one of my favorite game memories was w I had a tie and raw the dice game. And so I and another player dis who were tied decided to roll off. Three rolls, most sub wins. Go. And I rolled three out of four on my final roll and I've won. And I remember that, and it's like twenty years ago, but I know that wasn't in the rule book
In-Person: And I rolled three out of four on my final roll and I won. And I remember that and it's like twenty years ago, but I still remember that.
Ep3: though?
In-Person: No. There's no tiebreaker? No, but we weren't gonna tie and share victory. That's just dumb.
Ep3: No. There was no tiebreaker? No, but we weren't gonna tie and share victory. That's just dumb. And that is what flips our table this week. We interrupt this podcast to bring you a new product from our sponsor. Hey, it's Vince Coffer here. Are you tired of friendly ties? Shared victories? I'm here to tell you about the newest product from Roe, the Shambo.
In-Person: We interrupt this podcast to bring you a new product from our sponsor. Hey, it's Vince Coffer here. Are you tired of friendly ties? Shared victories? I'm here to tell you about the newest product from Roe, the Shambeau. The Roe Shambeau will clean your ties. Get a little dirty from your last contested victory? Shambeau it. The Roe Shambeau will clean you up and make you all shiny when you defend that victory.
Ep3: The Roe Shambeau will clean your ties. Get a little dirty from your last contested victory. Shambeau it. The Ro Chambeau will clean you up and make you all shiny when you defend that victory. Just apply to your tie and wipe away all that grimy sharedness. Get your shambeau now.
In-Person: Just apply to your tie and wipe away all that grimy sharedness. Get your shambeau now.
Ep3: Now on to our featured review. South Sayers from 2026, designed by Jeff Grayson Play, published by Play to Z. This game
In-Person: Now on to our featured review. Suisseyers from twenty twenty six, designed by Jeff Grizzenthwaite, published by Play to Z. This game
Ep3: really came out of the blue for me, Travis. it's a really interesting game with Mechanics that I really love. So in this game, you're trying to gain a certain amount of fate tokens just depending on player count. Everyone has four starter cards in their tableau, and they are the four actions that they can take in this game. There's a market of cards that can make each one of your four action cards more powerful. And then there is another market of tarot cards that give you powers that end up being game-breaking and sometimes, yes.
In-Person: You're trying to gain a certain amount of bait tokens just depending on player account. Everyone has four starter cards in their tableau, and they are the four actions that they can take in this game. There's a market of cards that can make each one of your four action cards more powerful, and then there's another market of tarot cards that give you powers that end up being game-breaking and sometimes, yes, game-ending.
Ep3: game ending. So on your turn, you select select an action and then do it. Then everyone else gets to follow that action in a less powerful way, similar to Raid for the Galaxy or Puerto Rico. You're either gaining money, drafting cards from the market, upgrading your action cards, or capturing those powerful tarot cards. All to buy or gain those special fate tokens. You get a certain amount of them,
In-Person: So on your turn, you select an action and then do it. Then everyone else gets to follow that action in a less powerful way, similar to Race for the Galaxy or Puerto Rico. You're either gaining money, drafting cards from the market, upgrading your action cards, or capturing those powerful tarot cards, all to buy or gain those special bait tokens. You get a certain amount them
Ep3: And you win.
In-Person: and you win.
Ep3: Now, I can't remember if I have ever won this game, but this game again is like a lot of little dopamine shots at once. Travis, what'd you think about this? Yeah, I'm I'm really a big fan of Suiciders. I I think this is
In-Person: Now, I can't remember if I have ever won this game, but this game again is like a lot of little dopamine shots at once. Travis, what'd you think about this? Yeah, I'm I'm really a big fan of Suisseyers. I I think this is in the top three of the best games I played so far this year. Definitely. It plays quick, but you're just always
Ep3: Definitely it plays quick but you're just always
In-Person: actively in the game. and I like games
Ep3: Games
In-Person: that are all about pressure. which is what I I think this that's what this game is. It's it's applying pressure to your opponents and trying to improve your position at the same time. I I have kind of a soft spot for games like this. it's the idea or mechanic it just imbalances the table. one of the first games I played like this was Attica. you played Attica. Yes. Yeah, I mean if it's a two player game.
Ep3: Which is what I I think this that's what this game is. It's it's applying pressure to your opponents and trying to improve your position at the same time. I I have kind of a soft spot for games like this. it's the idea or mechanic, it just imbalances the table. one of the first games I played like this was Attica. you played Attica. Yes. Yeah, I mean if it's a two-player game, you know, the pressure to have to act.
In-Person: you know, the pressure to have to act to save the game, like, feels natural, but even in the three player game of Attica, it can kinda, rub people the wrong way that maybe you have to, you know, upend all your actions to be totally defensive. but you have to kind of work almost as a team to keep other players from winning. so you kind of have this feeling of your right of that player
Ep3: to say the game. It feels natural, but even in the three-player game of Attica, it can rub people the wrong way that maybe you have to you know upend all your actions to be totally defensive. But you have to kind of work almost as a team to keep other players from winning. So you kind of have this feeling that if you're right of that player, you kinda have this responsibility to block them.
In-Person: You kinda have this responsibility to block them. some games like that, like Innovation or even Tigers and Euphrates to a certain extent where you kind of see what p other players are to your left are doing and try and give them like hard time.
Ep3: Some games like that like Innovation or even Tigers and Freides to a certain extent where you kinda see what other players you're to your left are doing and trying to give them like a hard time.
In-Person: so I I know like Innis, Innis some people talk about a lot. I'm not a fan of that game because it kinda seems more like a stalemate and then you have to capitalize on somebody's air.
Ep3: So I I know like in this in this some people talk about a lot. I'm not a fan of that game because it kinda seems more like a stalemate and then you have to capitalize on somebody's hair. Right there with you. but South Sayers is very dynamic. so the games of South Siders I played usually with three or four or sometimes on VGA.
In-Person: but Sous Sayers is very dynamic. so the games of Soussayers I played usually with three or four or sometimes on B GA.
Ep3: It plays up to five, right?
In-Person: it might.
Ep3: I don't know if it would play well at five if it did. Yeah, I think it would ch it would just be longer. I think three is good. Four is good too. I just kinda like that feeling it's like once a player's on the cusp, you're looking immediately for like their weaknesses and actively attempting to block the routes to victory and try and put yourself like on the cusp of victory. s that's just a very interesting me. And at two I don't think there'd be enough going on in the game.
In-Person: Yeah, I think it would j it would just be longer. I think three is good. Four is good too. I just kinda like that feeling is like once a player is on the cusp, you're looking immediately for like their weaknesses and actively attempting to block their routes to victory and try and put yourself like on the cusp of victory. it's that's just a very interesting mechanic for me. And at two, I don't think there'd be enough going on in the game.
Ep3: But I think you're right, three or four is the sweet spot with that game.
In-Person: Yeah, I I mean I could think of better two player games to play than that. I I think the lead and follow mechanic makes you feel like you have to play with three or four in order to to get the most out of that. Definitely. So for me it's a combination of, you know, Race for the Galaxy and Innovation, like you said, which are two great games. Innovation was the first card game that I played that for me revolutionized card games.
Ep3: Definitely. And so for me, it's a combination of, you know, Rage for the Galaxy and Innovation, like you said, which are two great games. Innovation was the first card game that I played that for me revolutionized card games. and then I feel like the the tarot cards and Soothsayer are reminiscent to the cards and innovations. And innovations, you keep drafting cards that make you think.
In-Person: And then I feel like the the tarot cards in Soothsayer are reminiscent of the cards and innovations. In innovations, you keep drafting cards that make you think,
Ep3: my goodness, this card's overpowered. I'm gonna slaughter. Then all of a sudden another card pops out. So in this game, you have the lesser tarot, they come out first, which are less powerful, obviously. And the further you get into the game, then the greater tarot come out.
In-Person: my goodness, this card's overpowered, I'm gonna slaughter. Then all of a sudden another card pops up. So in this game, you have the lesser tarot, they come out first, which are less powerful, obviously. And the further you get into the game, then the greater tarot come out.
Ep3: And the powers you see on those cards, I mean, they just make you giddy.
In-Person: And the power sh you see on those cards, I mean, they just make you giddy.
Ep3: What are some things that just stuck out to you that you didn't like? yeah, I mean the it's hard to to bag on the production, but I can.
In-Person: What are some things that just stuck out to you that you didn't like? yeah, I mean the it's hard to to bag on the production, but I I cause it 'cause I mean it it is a small box game and it's you know in a very value sized package, I guess. I mean I I did have to print
Ep3: I mean I I did have to print
In-Person: new 3D print new fate tokens.
Ep3: 'Cause
In-Person: 'cause I just the the cardboard in it is not very satisfying. And then for the start player marker, I I went on Timuzon and and bought a, you know, a mini crystal ball that you know you could hand around the table. Like 10 bucks. Yeah, I mean it's just something to add to the game to make it a little bit more, you know, tactile because it's I mean card game fine, but then you have, coins, you have fate tokens and their cardboard and they just it just
Ep3: I just the the cardboard in it is not very satisfying. No. For the start player marker, I went on Timuzon and and bought a you know mini crystal ball that you know you could hand around the table. For like ten bucks. Yeah, I mean it's just something to add to the game to make it a little bit more, you know, tactile because it's I mean card game fine, but then you have coins, you have fate tokens and their cardboard and they just the just
In-Person: doesn't seem
Ep3: doesn't seem to be you need something just a little bit more there. And with it when it comes to that crystal ball, what I like about getting that one from Amazon is you're using that in the game to put it on a card to show the action that you're taking. So just the the physical act of picking up that heavy crystal ball and placing it on the card and being able to pass that around so everyone can do that on their turn. I really enjoyed adding that aspect instead of just having this flimsy piece of cardboard.
In-Person: Right. It seems to be you need something just a little bit more there. And I think when it comes to that crystal ball, what I like about getting that one from Amazon is you're using that in the game to put it on a card to show the action that you're taking. So just the the physical act of picking up that heavy crystal ball and placing it on the card and being able to pass that around so everyone can do that on their turn. I really enjoy adding that aspect instead of just having this flimsy piece of cardboard. Now
Ep3: Now, again, talking about the artwork, I think the cards are great. I love the tarot theme. I love the artwork on the cards and especially on the back of the cards. I really felt like it brought me into this game. Now, some people out there they might not like tarot cards. I have no issues with them. I thought it was a beautiful addition to this game. What really just ugh made me hate the artwork was
In-Person: Again, talking about the artwork, I think the cards are great. I love the tarot theme. I love the artwork on the cards, and especially on the back of the cards. I really felt like it brought me into this game. Now, some people out there, they might not like tarot cards. I have no issues with them. I thought it was a beautiful addition to this game. What really just ugh made me hate the artwork was the coins.
Ep3: Coins.
In-Person: Yeah, yeah. Yeah, and there's way too many of them for the box, so I cut it in half. And you don't really need that many. No. You better be spending your money in that game. So And again, all I did was spend ten dollars on Amazon and get these like metal pirate tokens that fit perfectly with the game. So now my little lightweight game's come pretty hefty. I'll say that.
Ep3: I think they're literally just like grey tokens with numbers on them. Yeah, and there's way too many of them for the bonds. Unbelievably annoying. No. And again, all I did was spend ten dollars on Amazon and get these like metal pirate tokens that fit perfectly with the game. So now my little lightweight game is pretty hefty. I'll say that, but I really Enjoyed it. I've played this at three and I played it at four. I think the first time that I played this game, I was really excited to get into the greater tarot cards. And I think we kind of messed up at first when we first played this game. We put way too many lesser tarot on top. And so we barely got into the greater tarot. And so it was that excitement and innovation. With innovation, you're trying to
In-Person: enjoyed it. I played this at three and I played it at four. I think the first time that I played this game, I was really excited to get into the greater tarot cards. And I think we kind of messed up at first when we first played this game. We put way too many lesser tarot on top. And so we barely got into the greater tarot. And so it was that excitement and innovation with innovation, you're trying to
Ep3: Go up the clock. And the further up the clock you go, the more powerful the cards get. And you can't wait to go to our seven, hour eight, hour nine and see these amazing cards that are just game breaking. And that's the feeling that I got in Soothsayers. And then when we played the rules correctly, we got there faster, and I was able to see how those game-breaking cards were so much fun when everybody had
In-Person: Go up the clock, and the further up the clock you go, the more powerful the cards get. And you can't wait to go to Hour 7, Hour 8, Hour 9 and see these amazing cards that are just game-breaking. And that's the feeling that I got in Soothsayers. And then when we played the rules correctly, we got there faster, and I was able to see how those game-breaking cards were so much fun when everybody had.
Ep3: them. 'Cause almost everybody ended up being on the cusp of actually winning the game. And that was really enjoyable. Yeah, and the one thing is you have to be careful when you you have this game, there's two sets of tarot and one of them is
In-Person: everybody ended up being on actually winning And that was really enjoyable. Yeah, I think the one thing is you have to be careful if you have this game, there's two sets of tarot and one of them is very outlandish in some of the powers and they're very aggressive. and it kind of some of them just kinda don't fit. I think if you just play with the basic
Ep3: just kind of don't fit. I think when you just play with the basic game and you stack the tarot deck correctly, it works out really perfectly.
In-Person: game and you stack the tarot deck correctly, it works out really perfectly at three and four players that you get into that second deck at the right time of the game to like send it over to the ending.
Ep3: get into that second deck at the right time in the game to like send it over to the ending.
In-Person: but I just like it you just have to always watch like what what is this person doing? Can you know what what is their weakness. Okay, now I can take them over here so that they can't get close to victory on their next turn.
Ep3: What is this person doing? Can you know what what is their weakness? Okay, now I can take them over here so that they can't get close to victory on their next turn. Then they're hopefully they're doing the same thing. So they're they're watching what you're doing and where your weaknesses are, and you just it's just that kind of like drag out battle. somebody will eventually win it. It's just you know.
In-Person: And then they're hopefully they're doing the same thing. So they're they're watching what you're doing and where your weaknesses are. And you're just it's just that kind of like drag out battle. but somebody will eventually win. It's just, you know, it's all about that pressure. So it's it's very, very good.
Ep3: It's all about that pressure. So it's it's very, very good. Sous-sayers from 2026 designed by Jeff Christenswaite and published by Blade Z.
In-Person: Su Sayers, from twenty twenty six, designed by Jeff Christenthwaite and published by Play Dizzy. Thanks for
Ep3: Thanks for joining us on TableFlips. I'm Blake Adams. I'm Travis Bridges. Now get out there and play some games.
In-Person: I'm Travis Bridges. Now get out there and play some games.
Ep3: Bye!
In-Person: Bye.
Ep3: I hate this game. Arboreman played Arboretum. Yes. What is the tiebreaker for that?
In-Person: tiebreaker's plant a tree and come back in five years to see who's has grown tallest. But I I still love that.
Ep3: But I still love that.
Ep5: Welcome to TableFlips Episode 3, a board game podcast where two grown men might actually believe board games are the secret to happiness. Who cares about rent, taxes, or the crushing weight of adult responsibility when I can trade two sheep for one wood and feel like an economic genius? I'm Blake Adams, and with me as always is Travis Bridges.
In-Person: Yep, you asked for it.
Ep3: Yep, US for
In-Person: Another board game podcast.
Ep3: On this episode, we're discussing the games we've been playing, then we'll give you a quick peek behind the curtain
In-Person: On this episode we're discussing the games we've been playing, then we'll give you a quick peek behind the curtain.
Ep3: at the questionable people hosting this show, followed by discussing what has us reaching for the nearest table edge this week in What Flips Our Table, and cap things off with our featured review of Soothsayers. Is it a prophetic masterpiece, or should someone have checked the cards before publishing it?
In-Person: Questionable people hosting this show, followed by discussing what has us reaching for the nearest table edge this week and what flips our table, and cap things up with our feature review of Soothsayers. Is it a prophetic masterpiece, or should someone have checked the cards before publishing it?
Ep3: Starting with what we played this week.
In-Person: Starting with what we played this week, Travis, I played Falling by Kentaro Yazawa. Came out in 2026 this year by Cat Stone.
Ep3: Travis, I played Falling by Kentaro Yazawa. Came out in 2026 this year by Capstone
In-Person: Games. You know, this game is a tight resource game. It was tighter than I expected. It had really beautiful anime art. The theme in this game, that's that's where it gets a little weird. You see, apparently a tower appeared in the sky. Where did it come from? Who knows? Neither did the rule book, apparently. And below it,
Ep3: Games. You know, this game is a tight resource game. It was tighter than I expected. It had really beautiful anime art. The theme in this game, that's that's where it gets a little weird. You see, apparently a tower appeared in the sky. Where did it come from? Who knows? Neither did the rulebook, apparently, and below it. A vortex-like space of light appeared. Yeah, that's the
In-Person: a vortex-like space of light appeared. Yeah, that's the
Ep3: actual quote from the rulebook. So this tower is falling into this vortex, and you basically are ransacking it or quote, discovering its secrets as the tower slowly descends floor by floor. So the mechanics, I mean, they're fun. You have this little flying machine that you can make go up.
In-Person: Actual quote from the rulebook. So this tower is falling into this vortex, you basically are ransacking it or quote, discovering its secrets as the tower slowly descends floor by floor. So the mechanics, I mean, they're fun. You have this little flying machine that you can make go up
Ep3: To different floors of the tower
In-Person: to different floors of the tower.
Ep3: to build contraptions. Now, every round of this game, two floors are just gonna drop off the board. They slide off because remember, the tower is falling into a what trava? Like a vortex like space of light? Yeah. Now the tricky
In-Person: To build contraptions. Now every round of this game, two floors are just gonna drop off the board. They slide off because remember the tower is falling into a wet trappice. Like a vortex-like space of light? Yeah. Now the trick.
Ep3: part with this game is that you get resources and points by getting contraptions off your board onto the tower, but you also get a lot of bonuses when the contraptions go into the
In-Person: But you also get a lot of bonuses when the contraptions go into the vortex like space of light. And then they come back to your board. So you're balancing what you want at certain times. Do I want this contraption to be out longer? So I need to build higher in the tower. Or do I want it to come back to me this round? So this game is just filled with like a lot of little dopamine shots, especially with the score tracker.
Ep3: like space of light. And then they come back to your board. So you're balancing what you want at certain times. Do I want this contraption to be out longer? So I need to build higher on the tower, or do I want it to come back to me this round? So this game is just filled with like a lot of little dopamine shots, especially with the score tracker. Once you make a lap around the score track, which is 10 points, then you basically just get this card that says 10 points on it.
In-Person: Once you make a lap around the score track, which is ten points, then you basically just get this card that says ten points on it to show you that you got ten points. But then on the other side you get a little pick-me-up. You might get money, gas, or another resource.
Ep3: To show you that you got 10 points. But then on the other side, you get a little pick-me-up. You might get money, gas, or another resource. There
In-Person: There are also different player powers that can make this game exciting. And yeah, Travis, they weren't too difficult to understand. It is very much to the point, crunchy, light Euro, with good decision spaces. I really enjoyed that balancing act of when to build on the tower.
Ep3: are also different player powers that can make this game exciting. And yeah, Travis, they weren't too difficult to understand. It is very much to the point, crunchy, light Euro with good decision spaces. I really enjoyed that balancing act of when to build on the tower.
In-Person: And the tower spaces, I tell you what, they can really fill up faster than I expected. And I only played this with a three-player game. And so
Ep3: And the tower spaces, I tell you what, they can really fill up faster than I expected. And I only played this with a three-player game. And so here's the main thing, Travis. And this really frustrated me, okay? If you do play this game, make sure you download the updated rule book. So flippin' annoying. It was just released, literally just released. And then Capstone is like, yeah, the the rule book could have been better.
In-Person: Here's the main thing, Travis, and this really frustrated me, okay? If you do play this game, make sure you download the updated rule book. So code in the normal. It was just released, literally just released, then Capstone is like, yeah, the the rule book could have been better.
Ep3: Yeah, it sucked, okay. the new one, yeah, it rocks. It explains everything very clearly. And I feel like Capstone kinda rushed this one. It's almost the same reason I haven't opened up my copy of Arkright
In-Person: Yeah, it sucks, okay? the new one, yeah, it rocks. It explains everything very clearly. And I feel like Capstone kinda rushed this one. It's almost the same reason I haven't opened up my copy of Art Right.
Ep3: and gotten you to play that with me. Well, at least they did that. I mean I'm still
In-Person: Well, at least they did that. I mean I'm still battling through the De Vere's Trans Galactica rule book. Which they haven't said what they're doing.
Ep3: Galactica in the book. yeah. They haven't said what they're doing.
In-Person: I don't think they're gonna reprint it. They're not gonna help the people who bought it, so you're just kinda on your own.
Ep3: That's so frustrating when they do that. again, that's Falling came out this year, twenty twenty six, by Kentaro Yazawa by Capstone Games. So your your description of that the scoring you just
In-Person: So your your description of that, the scoring you just go around a loop and you pick up a card that has ten points on it? Yeah, you just pick up a card, so at the of the game you just count how many cards you got, and those are your points. Yeah, that kind of reminds
Ep3: Yeah, you Yeah, you just pick up a card. So at the end of the game you just count how many cards you got, and those are your points. Yeah.
In-Person: me of Taverns of Teethenthal. Do you remember that game? Yes I do. It made scoring
Ep3: Yes, I do. That's been a while.
In-Person: really easy when you did that. kind of appreciated
Ep3: I forgot about that.
In-Person: that.
Ep3: But what's really neat about this game is you do get these little bonuses on the back of those cards. And so it's a nice little resource that you get. There was a little balancing issue at first because when it first released, it had these special foil cards. There's maybe fifteen special ones out of a stack of like a hundred, but those special ones had like double
In-Person: But what's really neat about this game is you do get these little bonuses on the back of those cards. Yeah. So it's a nice little resource that you get. There was a little balancing issue at first because when it first released, it had these special foil cards. There's maybe fifteen special ones out of a stack of like a hundred, but those special ones had like double.
Ep3: the bonuses you would get. And so people thought it was unfair because my goodness, what if one person got
In-Person: the bonuses you would get. And so people thought it was unfair because, my goodness, what if one person got
Ep3: all those bonuses. And then there was one special player power where I could draw three of those cards and choose one and put the rest back. So I left those out. again that was falling from Capstone Games.
In-Person: all those bonuses? And then there was one special player power where I could draw three of those cards and choose one and put the rest back. So I left those out. again that was falling from capstone games.
Ep3: Travis, I don't want to keep talking about what I've been playing, but I wanted to come back to down up.
In-Person: Tramps, I don't want to keep talking about what I've been playing, but I wanted to come back to down up. It's your favorite game ever, right?
Ep3: It's getting there. It's getting there. I really enjoyed it. I played it with a a four player game and then another five player game.
In-Person: It's getting there. It's getting there. I really enjoyed it. I played it with a a four player game and then another five player game. Five player game lasted a little longer than I wanted it to, but I was starting to see a lot more of the strategy where I was looking at what people put down and wanting
Ep3: Five player game lasted a little longer than I wanted it to, but I was starting to see a lot more of the strategy where I was looking at what people put down and wanting to grab that into my hand, knowing at first it's gonna make my hand worse and a lot bigger, because again, I need to shed cards, and the coolest thing about this game is that when you pick up cards from the table, you're reversing them in your hand. And so I was seeing a lot more of that strategy. I was laying down a lot more cards that I wanted.
In-Person: My hand, knowing at first it's gonna make my hand worse and a lot bigger, because again, I need to shed cards, and the coolest thing about this game is that when you pick up cards from the table, you're reversing them in your hand. And so I was seeing a lot more of that strategy. I was laying down a lot more cards that I wanted to get taken back up into my hand to make it better. So I'm coming around trying to. Yeah, I I've seen people on
Ep3: to get taken back up into my hand to make it better. So I'm coming around, Travis. Yeah. I've seen people
In-Person: board game arena try that strategy. But I haven't seen it be particularly successful. But I I've seen people grow their hands to
Ep3: I I've seen people grow their hands too.
In-Person: twenty cards in in order to get, you know, four or five sets, but they don't really rarely have the time to play all of the cards. So there's definitely a a balance there. It's it's interesting you mentioned I haven't played this with five players. but I did play it with three with
Ep3: It's it's interesting you mentioned I haven't played this with five players. I did play it with three.
In-Person: my wife and my daughter. And I gotta say I'm not a huge fan of the three player.
Ep3: three, okay. I gotta say I'm not a huge fan of the three player game. So there's just not enough plays, table space to get that interesting I'm you know, trunking you, you have to take those cards back. So when there's three, you have basically one shot to get trunked and then, you know, you're throwing your cards away even though it's you know may not be a good set. So you're playing a strange game of like deep
In-Person: game because there's just not enough plays, table space get that interesting I'm you know trumping you, you have to take those cards back. So when there's three, you have basically one shot to get trumped and then you know you're throwing your cards away even though it's you know may not be a good set. So you're you're playing a strange game of like defense. I think the four player game is much better. So it's three player game
Ep3: I think a four player game is much better. So is three player game a lot faster? Yeah, it's it's faster, but you don't feel
In-Person: Yeah, it's it's faster, but you don't feel like the tension as much as you do in the four player game. So you need to let your cards go around the table. Just having that extra player means that usually you have one player who just can't figure out how
Ep3: Interesting. You need to let your cards go around the table. Just having that extra player means that but usually you have one player you just can't figure out how
In-Person: to play. And but e then you have like more opportunities to get trumped and have to figure out how to navigate the handle bit better. I just think it's a better four player game. And then I think with
Ep3: I just think it's a better four-player game. And then I think with five, it was almost too much because again, it drug out the game, not in each individual round, but like that there were more rounds that had to be played because different people won. And so to get to the winning condition to actually spell done up and get all four letters took a little bit longer. It might have been because we all kind of sucked at it, but it just drug out a little bit. And then you have too many.
In-Person: was almost too much because again it drug out the game not in each individual round but like that there were more rounds that had to be played because different people won and so to get to the winning conditions actually spell done up and get all four letters took a little bit longer. It might have been because we all kind of sucked at it. But yeah drug out a little bit then you have too many opportunities to get you know Trump you know so then you have to be a I think you have to use the other
Ep3: Yes.
In-Person: actions a little bit more cleverly like playing on other people's sets or taking their sets into your hand. So So just taking a look
Ep3: sets or taking their sets in your hand. Definitely. And that was just taking a look back at Down Up.
In-Person: Alright, so let's talk about Dracula versus Van Helsing. this is originally published in 2023, designed by Maxime Rambourg and Theo Rivieri. it's published in the US by 25th century.
Ep3: Alright, so let's talk about Dracula versus Van Helsing. this is originally published in 2023, designed by Maxime Rambourg and Theo Rivieri. It's published in the US by 25th century.
In-Person: so this is a two player that's like card, but it's more tiles in this game. it's a battling game. I've heard some people call it a trick taking game. so we could say that. We call it a trick taker. It has
Ep3: so this is a two player let's say card, but it's more tiles in this game. it's a battling game. I've heard some people call it a trick taking game. so we could say that. You call it a trick taker. It has you know card suits with ranks, there's a trunch suit, so I guess you could call it a trick trick taking game, but you really have a hand of these tiles and you're battling
In-Person: You know, card suits with ranks, there's a trump suit. So I guess you know you could call it a tr trick taking game, but you really have a hand of these tiles. and you're battling
Ep3: straight across your opponent's hidden hand of the same tiles. the first thing that's striking is really the art style. the arts by Weberson Santiago, who's quickly becoming one of my favorite board game artists. he did the Bloody Inn,
In-Person: straight across your opponent's hidden hand of the same tiles. the first thing that's striking is really the art style. the arts by Weberson Santiago, who's quickly becoming one of my favorite board game artists. he did the bloody in.
Ep3: which is not a great game. I haven't played that. Yeah I I I don't particularly like it. some people it's you know one of their favorite games but I just
In-Person: Which is not a great game. I haven't played that. Yeah, it's I I don't I don't particularly like it. some people it's, you know, one of their favorite games, but I just I didn't like how restrictive it was. But the art is just so striking in that game. he also did La Familia, which is a great game. and then he's providing the new art for Schadenfreude. So there's the new reprint of that, by Office Dog. that looks great.
Ep3: I didn't like how restrictive it was, but the art is just so strange in that game. he also did La Familia, which is a great game. and then he's providing the new art for Schadenfreude. There's the new reprint of that by Office Dog. that looks great. so this game it lasts five rounds. You're assuming roles either as Dracula or as Van Helsing.
In-Person: So this game, lasts five rounds. You're assuming rolls either as Dracula or as Van Helsing. and like I said, you have a hand of five tiles, they go in a rack. they're numbered one to eight in four different colors. one of those colors is basically a trumpsuit. And then on your turn, you draw a tile, and then you have to discard a tile from your hand. each number has a good or bad thing that happens when you gets discarded.
Ep3: I said you have a hand of five tiles, they go on a rack. They're numbered one to eight in four different One of those colors is basically a trumpet suit. And then on your turn, you draw a tile, and then you have to discard a tile from your Each number has a good or bad thing that happens when it gets discarded. So as soon as you decide which tile you're giving away, you'll do some sort of action with that tile. At the end of each hand,
In-Person: So as soon as you decide which tile you're giving away, you'll do some sort of action with that tile at the end of each hand, which is typically because the end of hand can be declared by a player. or if the stack runs out, you compare your rack of tiles with your opponents. and then each tile is basically competing for a region of villagers on the board.
Ep3: which is typically because the end of hand can be declared by a player. Or if the stack runs out, you compare your rack of tiles with your opponents. And then each tile is basically competing for a region of villagers on the board. So there's five regions on the board, each with four villagers.
In-Person: so there's five regions on the board, each with four villagers.
Ep3: If you're Dracula, you can win by flipping villagers to vampires. So if you can do that, all four villagers in the region you win. Van Helsing wins if he wins enough tricks to take away all 12 of Dracula's hearts.
In-Person: if you're Dracula, you can win by flipping villagers to vampires. So if you can do that to all four villagers in a region, you win. Van Helsing wins if he wins enough tricks to take away all twelve of Dracula's hearts.
Ep3: So after five rounds, if Dracula has any hearts left, Dracula wins. so I I really like this game because although it seems like there's this propensity for some sort of blowout victory, like a trick taking game could just be I got all the best cards, I'm going to, you know, win. most of the games I play to this come down really to the wire. So there's like a lot of high tension in this game. Yeah, I was
In-Person: So after five rounds, if Dracula has any hearts left, Dracula wins. so I I really like this game 'cause although it seems like there's this propensity for some sort of blowout victory, like a trick taking game could just be I got all the best cards, I'm going to, you know, win. most of the games I play to this come down really to the wire. So there's like a lot of high tension in this game. Yeah.
Ep3: shocked about that when you and I played it.
In-Person: Yeah, so f for instance, like Dracula wants to focus and win the regions, so they'll find ways to try and manipulate their hand and put their strongest tile towards one or two regions, hopefully to win that, put pressure on the other player. there are mechanics on the cards that you have to reveal a part of yours or your opponent's hand, or reveal the top tile of the deck, which stays visible, so
Ep3: Yeah, so for instance, like Dracula wants to focus and win the regions, so they'll find ways to try and manipulate their hand and put their strongest tile towards one or two regions, hopefully to win that, put pressure on the other player. there are mechanics on the cards that you have to reveal a part of yours or your opponent's hand, or reveal the top tile of the deck, which stays visible, so
In-Person: you have some partial information sometimes about what is in the other player's.
Ep3: You have some partial information sometimes about what is in the other player's rack, even though it's no longer in their rack, it's kind of in front of their rack. So you can kind of manipulate your hand and try and win certain regions. what's interesting is like sevens will change the trump suit, and eights allow you to end the hand early, as long as they're in six cards to start it.
In-Person: rack, even though it's no longer in their rack, it's kind of in front of the rack. So you can kind of manipulate your hand to try and win certain regions. what's interesting is like sevens will change trump suit and eights allow you to end the hand early as long as there have been six cards discarded. so I I I I really like it because I've seen the game go all the way to the end and be down to the last few tricks as to whether
Ep3: So I I I really like it 'cause I've seen the game go all the way to the end and be down to the last few tricks as to whether, you know, Van Helsing can knock those last twelve the last of the twelve hearts away or
In-Person: You know, Van Helsing can knock those last twelve the last of the twelve hearts away, or if Dracula
Ep3: If Dracula can just outlast the game, which is one of the winning conditions. So you look at it and you think this game cannot possibly be balanced, and then you start playing it and you realize, okay, this is really gonna go down right to the end. Definitely. And I love, isn't it Dracula who can choose almost when to end the game early or in the round earlier?
In-Person: can just outlast the game, which is one of the winning conditions. So i i y you look at it and you think this game cannot possibly be balanced. And then you start playing it and you realize, okay, this is really gonna go down right to the end. Yeah, I mean I love isn't it Dracula who can choose and almost went to end the game earlier or in the round earlier?
Ep3: Well, both players can choose to end the round. Okay. Then you give the other player another chance to play. Okay. But if six cards have been discarded and you discarded eight, which is the
In-Person: Well, both players can choose to end the round, but then you give the other player another chance to play. But if six cards have been discarded and you discard an eight, which is the top tile, you can make the hand end immediately. Yeah. And so that was an interesting
Ep3: That's what it is, yes. And so that was an interesting aspect of trying to get a good hand and end it as soon as you can to try to catch your play your opponent off guard. Really enjoyed that. The production for that, just like you were talking about, was beautiful. the tiles, using those instead of cards was so much fun. And I was even able to play this with my ten year old son, and he actually beat me. Well people do that.
In-Person: A good hand and end it as soon as you can to try to catch your play your opponent off guard. Yeah. Enjoy that. The production for that, just like we were talking about, was beautiful. the tiles, using those instead of cards was so much fun. Now they even have to play this with my ten year old son and actually be Well most people do that.
Ep3: So that was an enjoyable game. I really want to come back and play that one more. I kind of forget about that one. but again, yeah, the production on that just made it so fun. And the powers on it, at first, they feel a little random, but then you can see how you can use them to your advantage. and then they're used upon you, and it hurts a little bit. but the idea of being able to reveal some of your opponents' tiles, being able to switch with some of your opponents, and then just the idea of how.
In-Person: So that was enjoyable game. I really want to come back and play that one more. I kind of forget about that But again, yeah, the production on that just made it so fun. And the powers on it, at first, they feel a little random, but then you can see how you can use them to your advantage. and then they're used upon you, and it hurts a but the idea of being able to reveal some of your opponents' tiles, being able to switch with some of your opponents, and then just the idea of how where your tile is.
Ep3: Where your tile is, it's lined up in that region and it's gonna be playing in that region. And so that was an interesting mechanic that I really enjoyed with that game. Yeah, I I've you know, played a
In-Person: It's lined up in that region and it's gonna be playing in that region. So that was an interesting mechanic that I really enjoyed with that game. Yeah, I I've you know, played of a lot of the little two player trick taking card games that have come out recently, Fox in the Forest or Lone Wolves. I think this is this is the most interesting, I think, to me. compare to Fox of the Forest. that one, I haven't played that yet. Yeah, I I it's it's fine.
Ep3: Compared to Fox in the Forest. I have that one. I haven't played that yet. Yeah, I I it's it's fine. that's more cooperative, you're working together, right? No, there's there is a cooperative.
In-Person: that's more cooperative if you're working together, right? No, there's there is a cooperative version of that game, but that is competitive. it's one of those games where you you're doing tricks, but you don't want to win too many tricks. so you don't want to blow out the other player. You have you're trying to win more tricks, but try and keep it close. It's kind of an interesting thing. But I think this this one's more interesting because of the you're trying to play for
Ep3: It's one of those games where you you're doing tricks, but you don't want to win too many tricks. So you don't want to blow out the other player. But I think this this one's more interesting because of the you're trying to play it for certain regions on the board, so it's kind of more
In-Person: certain regions on the board, so it's kind of more
Ep3: of
In-Person: of like a lane battle sort of game. So that's Dracula versus Van Helsing.
Ep3: So Dracula versus Van Helsing. we know board gamers want to hear about games. And if you're anything like me, you want your host to keep the banter to the bare minimum. On table flips, I promise, we promise you'll never hear about things that are not board games or related to the hobby.
In-Person: we know board gamers want to hear about games. And if you're anything like me, you want your host to keep the banter to the bare minimum. On table flips, I promise, we promise, you'll never hear about things that are not board games or related to the hobby.
Ep3: We are not here to talk about our lives and to treat this podcast like therapy.
In-Person: We are not here to talk about our lives and to treat this podcast like therapy, but we thought you might like to get to know us a little bit. So you know who we are, why we like this crazy hobby, and perhaps a few games that really make us love this hobby. So Travis, who the hell are you? I I'm Travis. I thought we covered that.
Ep3: But we thought you might like to get to know us a little bit. So you know who we are, why we like this crazy hobby, and perhaps a few games that really make us love this hobby. So Travis, who the hell are ya? I'm Travis.
In-Person: no, I'm I'm old. Older than you. I've I've been playing hobby board games since
Ep3: Older than you. I've I've been playing hobby board games
In-Person: about nineteen ninety-two. when I was a kid, my family played, you know, all the trivial pursuit and Pictionary and Scatter Cories or whatever. and I was a tournament chess player, so I learned to play chess in the fourth grade. Did not know about that. Yeah, so I we'd go to five or six tournaments a year.
Ep3: So I learned to play chess in fourth grade. Did not know about that. Yeah, so I we go to five or six tournaments a year, state tournaments. it was just part of the curriculum, and then it just kept going from fourth to eighth grade. and then when after my eighth grade year, my dad got transferred to Great Falls, Montana, which is a lot different from Chicago.
In-Person: state tournaments. it was just part of the curriculum. And then it just kept going from fourth to eighth grade. and then when after my eighth grade year my dad got transferred to Great Falls, Montana, which is a lot different from Chicago where I grew up. I went into high school and people told me
Ep3: where I grew up. I went into high school and people told me since I play chess that I should talk to the chess coach. So I went to it was basically my history a war teacher. and I said, Yeah I heard you're the chess coach and he laughed at me. He said, We don't play chess here, but we play games, and a lot of the players in there
In-Person: Since I played chess, that I should talk to the chess coach. So I went to it was basically my history of war teacher. and I said, I heard you're the chess coach, and he laughed at me. He said, We don't play chess here, but we play games. and a lot of the players in there were RPG players, which I didn't really enjoy.
Ep3: G players, which I didn't really enjoy.
In-Person: but his son had a stack of games from the eighties. So we will play Kingmaker, Swashbuckler,
Ep3: but his son had a stack of games from the 80s. So we would play Kingmaker, Squash Buckler.
In-Person: some of the Avalon Hill games. and so I started buying games. So I bought Axis and Allies, Battlemasters. I really started
Ep3: some of the Adam Lun Hill games. And so I started buying games. So I bought Axis and Allies, Battlemasters. I really started getting more into games when I got into college. So I played Sellers of Tan in probably like 1997 or so. And then when I got to graduate school, I just I actually had well I didn't I really have
In-Person: getting more into games when I got into college. So I played Sellers Catan, you know, probably like nineteen ninety seven or so. And then when I got to graduate school, I just I actually had well I didn't I didn't really have money, but I like to think I did. So I just started buying games. one of the interesting stories when I really didn't know much about games,
Ep3: So I just started buying games. one of the interesting stories when I really didn't know much about games.
In-Person: I don't know if you remember Fun Again. You remember Fun Again?
Ep3: Mm yeah. No. They're a story in Oregon.
In-Person: There was a store in Oregon, and I had ordered a game called Pueblo. So the first edition of Pueblo. Cause I saw it in Games magazine. This is like 2002 and 2003, maybe. And I got Puerto Rico in the mail instead. And I was like, What is this? Puerto Rico? This is dumb. So I called them up all angry.
Ep3: game called Pueblo, so the first edition of Pueblo. And 2003 maybe. And I got Puerto Rico in the mail instead. And I was like, what is this? Puerto Rico? This is dumb. So I called them up all angry. But
In-Person: I was like, why did you send me Puerto Rico? I ordered Pueblo. And the person I talked to said, Well, have you played Puerto Rico? And
Ep3: why did you send me Puerto Rico? I ordered Pueblo. And the person I talked to said, Well have you played Puerto Rico?
In-Person: I go, No, who would want to play this game? Look at this cover. It's ridiculous. He's like, Why don't you just play it? And I'll send your Pueblo out to you for free. And so that really started
Ep3: No, who would want to play this game? Look at this cover. It's ridiculous. He's like, Why don't you just play it? And I'll send your pubble you. That's hilarious. And so that really started
In-Person: me into buying a lot of stuff. So
Ep3: stuff. And you like Peblo butter, right? Probably initially I actually.
In-Person: Probably initially I did actually, but I don't anymore. so yeah, I I say that I probably don't like maybe eighty percent of the games I play. So I'm kind of a curmudgeon and I I think it's just from a long history of you know, playing everything. Just I had groups that were playing esoteric games, were importing stuff, random wild things that nobody probably should.
Ep3: So yeah, I I say that I probably don't like maybe eighty percent of the games I play. So I'm kind of a curmudgeon and I I think it's just from a long history of you know, playing everything. Just I had groups that were playing esoteric games, were recording stuff, random wild things that nobody probably should play. So but even so now I'm
In-Person: play. So but even so now I'm trying be really discerning about, mechanics and that sort of thing. I mean there are some games that I like that most people don't. So I wrote I just jotted down a short list of here. I see if you played any of these. in the Shadow of the Emperor.
Ep3: Try be really discerning about mechanics and that sort of thing. I mean there are some games that I like that most people don't. So I wrote I just jotted down a short list one here. see if he played any of these. in the Shadow of the Emperor. No. Yeah, see it's one of those pastel
In-Person: Yeah, see. That's one of those pastel like I think it's Rio Grande Hans and Glück games that I think I've seen it on yourself, but never played it. Yeah, Ricochet Robots. Classic Classic Hatred. Yes.
Ep3: I think it's real grand games that I think I've seen it on your shelf but never played it. Yeah, Ricochet Robots. Classic. Classic hatred? yes. Breaks my brain every time.
In-Person: what about Witness? Played it with the Yeah.
Ep3: Played it with you. Enjoyed it.
In-Person: So I I mean I I like games that are
Ep3: Games are
In-Person: just really, really different. And Witness
Ep3: This is one of the ones that takes the cake there.
In-Person: is one of the ones that takes the cake there for sure. so that's that's me. Well my name is Blake. first time
Ep3: That's that's me. Well my name is Blake. first time I ever actually heard about hobby board gaming was when a friend said he got back from a cruise. A board gaming cruise. And at that time I thought that was the dumbest, geekiest thing I've ever heard of in my life, and now it actually sounds like heaven. I was introduced to Arkham.
In-Person: said he got back from a cruise. A board gaming cruise. And at that time I thought that was the dumbest, geekiest thing I've ever heard of in my life, and now it actually sounds like heaven. I was introduced to Arkham
Ep3: Arkham Horror with all the expansions and and it wasn't actual horror. It almost scared me off from board games altogether.
In-Person: Horror with all the expansions and and it wasn't actual horror. It almost scared me off from board games altogether.
Ep3: Travis, playing that game in itself is a beast, but with every expansion and cards after cards, talk about humongo deck of cards that you can't even shuffle together. Well, this game took over two days to complete. It was three of us.
In-Person: Travis, playing that game in itself is a beast, but with every expansion and cards after cards. Talk about Mungo deck of cards that you can't even shuffle together. Well, this game took over two days to complete. It was three of us. And I almost completely walked away from board games altogether after that. then my mom got diagnosed with cancer. Sorry, I got a little dark right there.
Ep3: And I almost completely walked away from board games altogether after that. then my mom got diagnosed with cancer. Sorry, I got a little dark right there. While she was on hospice, games became an escape for me. It was a way our family came together in difficult times. The outside world was chaotic. the board game world had rules. I knew what was going to happen, and I could get lost into them. And then.
In-Person: While she was on hospice, games became an escape for me. It was a way our family came together in difficult times. The outside world was chaotic, the board game world had rules. I knew what was going to happen and I could get lost into them. And then
Ep3: I was introduced to my first medium heavy Euro Terra Mystica. And I was hooked
In-Person: I was introduced to my first medium-heavy Euro Terra Mystica. And I was hooked.
Ep3: right off the bat. I still remember getting excited to play that game. My friend had it. I had heard about it. It was going to be my first medium heavy type game. I was so excited. And when I played it, and then when I was playing that magic system of moving those cubes into those three different bowls.
In-Person: right off the bat. I still remember getting excited to play that game. My friend had it. I had heard about it. It was going to be my first medium heavy type game. I was so excited and when I played it and when I was playing that magic system of moving those cubes into those three different bowls,
Ep3: It blew my mind and trying to figure out how long I could stay in each round, how I can min manipulate the board to my advantage.
In-Person: it blew my mind and trying to figure out how long I can stay in each round, how I can manipulate the board to my advantage.
Ep3: It just got me hooked. from then on, I got obsessed with board games and started getting my hands of hold of everything I could, then finally realized that was impossible and cold some of my games. yeah, some games that I love that are not typically on the hot list or
In-Person: It just got me hooked. from then on I got obsessed with board games and started getting my hands up hold of everything I could, then finally realized that was impossible cold some of my games. yeah, some games that I love that are not typically on the hot list or top one hundred are Tribune. Have you played that, Travis? I played it once. Once no
Ep3: Top 100, our Tribune. Have you played that, Travis? I played it once and you loved it. No.
In-Person: I played it once. That's a really in your face worker placement. That's the most yeah, confrontational worker placement game I've played and I really enjoy that. Medici, I know it's a classic, it's one of my favorite Reiner Tonicia games. it's part of his Biddy trilogy, but it's a really push-your luck with bidding and I really love that. Broom Service, a fister game that doesn't get enough love that I think is another push-your luck game.
Ep3: That's a really in your face worker placement. That's the most yeah, confrontational worker placement game I've played and I really enjoy that. Medici, it's a classic. It's one of my favorite Reiner Kenizia games. part of his bidding trilogy, but it's a really push your luck with bidding, and I really love that. Broom Service, a fister game that doesn't get enough love that I think is another push-your-luck game. Ginkopolis getting a little bit heavier right there. Hyper Borea. Hyper Borea, sorry. A bag building game with cubes that's kind of meeples on a map-ish, kind of, but really enjoyed that. Revive, another recent one that came out. And so that's just a little bit about your host for table flips. Now it's time for what flips our table.
In-Person: Gingopolis getting a little bit heavier right there. Hyper Borea. Hypaborea, sorry, a bag-building game with cubes that's kind meeples on a map-ish, kind of, but really enjoyed that. Revive another recent one that came out. And so that's just a little bit about your host for Table Flips. Now it's time for what flips our table.
Ep3: Again, we have a passion for this hobby, but wow, are there some things that can make us just want to flip the table? Travis, what's flipping your table this week? Let's talk about shared victory. Ooh.
In-Person: Again, we have a passion for this hobby, but wow. Are there some things that could make us just want to flip the table? Travis, what's flipping your table this week? Let's talk about shared victory, shall we? I'm not talking about draws like diplomacy or chess or cosmic encounter. I'm talking about games that end in ties without a sufficient
Ep3: Talking about games that end in ties without a sufficient
In-Person: tiebreaker. my contention is that ties in board games should have a robust tiebreaker system, even if it is elaborate or silly. I want the NFL playoffs tiebreaker, where the eleventh tiebreaker is net points in conference games followed by a televised coin toss.
Ep3: Contention is that ties in board games should have a robust tiebreaker system, even if it is elaborate or silly. I want the NFL playoffs tiebreaker, where the 11th tiebreaker is net points in conference games followed by a televised coin toss.
In-Person: I appreciate games that have an ending tiebreaker in their mechanics too. have you played Fractured Sky?
Ep3: I appreciate games that have an ending tiebreaker in their mechanics too. have you played Fractured Sky? Fractured Sky, that sounds so familiar.
In-Person: This one from like last year. I it just it kind of reminds me of this topic 'cause there's a in the game, the tiebreaker is based on turn order in the game. So when you play your final airship, you take turn order and that determines the tiebreaker.
Ep3: just it kinda reminds me, of this topic 'cause there's a in the game the tiebreaker is based on turnover in the game. Yeah. So when you play your final airship, you take turnover and that determines the tiebreaker.
In-Person: so I I appreciate games that at least can build it into their mechanics, but even if not, like try and have something to decide a victory.
Ep3: So I appreciate games that at least can build it into their mechanics. But even if not, like try and have something to decide a victory. I hate it when it says share your victory or rejoice together or something stupid like that. So why do you hate ties
In-Person: I hate it when it says share your victory or rejoice together or something stupid like that.
Ep3: though? Because it's just just figure it out. Somehow. Just finish designing the game.
In-Person: Cause just just figure it out somehow. Just finish designing the game. some b some games try to be cute with their tiebreakers, and I hate this game. Arboretum. Have you played Arboretum? Yes. What is the tiebreaker? The tiebreaker is the second
Ep3: some some games try to be cute with their tiebreakers and I hate this game. Arboreman played Arboretum. Yes. What is the tiebreaker for that?
In-Person: tiebreaker's plant a tree and come back in five years to see who's has grown tallest. But I still love that.
Ep3: But I still love that. At least it's something in there. That just makes me happy that they thought about it. I guess, but come up with a definitive.
In-Person: I guess, but come up with a definitive victory. Nobody wants to tie. spend two hours and then
Ep3: I agree. I I don't want to spend two hours and then tie with someone. I'd rather almost lose in that sense. This may be more perception, but what is more satisfying? Having a game end where both people say, well, I guess we both win. We're doing something that's not in the spirit of the game to decide victory. for instance, like in we talked about Hanami in the previous episode. Like the ties could be frequent in that one.
In-Person: Yeah, I mean this may be more perception, but what is more satisfying? Having a game end where both people say, well, I guess we both win or doing something that's not in the spirit of the game to decide victory. for instance, like in we talked about Hanami in a previous episode. Like the ties can be frequent in that one. So you have the second tiebreaker is having the most tokens, and then it says then share victory. What why not have something there? Why not?
Ep3: So you have the second tiebreaker is having the most tokens and then it says then share victory. What why not have something there? Why not who has the most symbols on the remaining tiles or least tiles played or randomly draw and then whoever has the most symbols on that tile wins?
In-Person: Who has the most symbols on the remaining tiles or least tiles played or randomly draw and then whoever has the most symbols on that tile wins. I I like I appreciate games that feel kind of the same way I do. So I I know in Tom Vassal's nothing personal. there's seven tiebreakers. Do you know do you know what the seventh tiebreaker is? No, it's that whoever's the first player to throw the game off the roof.
Ep3: Games that feel kind of the same way I do. So I I know in Tom Vassel's nothing personal. there's seven tiebreakers. Seven. Do you know what the seventh tiebreaker is? No, it's that. whoever is the first player to throw the game off the roof. That is amazing. And believe me, if I made it through the first six ties, I don't care if it's your game, I'm taking it, running to your while I can't.
In-Person: And believe me, if I made it through the first six ties, I don't care if it's your game, I'm taking it. I'm running to your well, I can't. I'm not gonna get on the roof. I'll throw it over the roof or onto the roof. Maybe. Now cooperative is a different story for me, but you know
Ep3: I'll throw it over the roof or under the roof. And you probably could. Maybe. Now cooperative is a different story for me, but you know, I actually like certain cooperative games with trader elements. So there can be a winner in those. You know, I'm not a tryhard. I'm not hell bent on winning. That's
In-Person: can be a winner in those. You know, I'm not a trying art, I'm not hell bent on winning.
Ep3: not why I don't like ties. I just
In-Person: I just
Ep3: like that competition element and for there to be a final winner. For me, it makes it more fun.
In-Person: and for there to be a final winner. For me, it makes it more fun. Yeah, I mean, and sometimes you have to make it up on the spot. Like, just stake everything for something really stupid. Like, one of my favorite gaming memories was I had a tie in Raw the Dice game. And so I and another player who were tied decide to roll off. Three rolls, most son wins. Go.
Ep3: Yeah, I mean that and sometimes you have to make it up on the spot. Like, just stake everything for something really stupid. Like one of my favorite game memories was w I had a tie and raw the dice game. And so I and another player dis who were tied decided to roll off. Three rolls, most sub wins. Go. And I rolled three out of four on my final roll and I've won. And I remember that, and it's like twenty years ago, but I know that wasn't in the rule book
In-Person: And I rolled three out of four on my final roll and I won. And I remember that and it's like twenty years ago, but I still remember that.
Ep3: though?
In-Person: No. There's no tiebreaker? No, but we weren't gonna tie and share victory. That's just dumb.
Ep3: No. There was no tiebreaker? No, but we weren't gonna tie and share victory. That's just dumb. And that is what flips our table this week. We interrupt this podcast to bring you a new product from our sponsor. Hey, it's Vince Coffer here. Are you tired of friendly ties? Shared victories? I'm here to tell you about the newest product from Roe, the Shambo.
In-Person: We interrupt this podcast to bring you a new product from our sponsor. Hey, it's Vince Coffer here. Are you tired of friendly ties? Shared victories? I'm here to tell you about the newest product from Roe, the Shambeau. The Roe Shambeau will clean your ties. Get a little dirty from your last contested victory? Shambeau it. The Roe Shambeau will clean you up and make you all shiny when you defend that victory.
Ep3: The Roe Shambeau will clean your ties. Get a little dirty from your last contested victory. Shambeau it. The Ro Chambeau will clean you up and make you all shiny when you defend that victory. Just apply to your tie and wipe away all that grimy sharedness. Get your shambeau now.
In-Person: Just apply to your tie and wipe away all that grimy sharedness. Get your shambeau now.
Ep3: Now on to our featured review. South Sayers from 2026, designed by Jeff Grayson Play, published by Play to Z. This game
In-Person: Now on to our featured review. Suisseyers from twenty twenty six, designed by Jeff Grizzenthwaite, published by Play to Z. This game
Ep3: really came out of the blue for me, Travis. it's a really interesting game with Mechanics that I really love. So in this game, you're trying to gain a certain amount of fate tokens just depending on player count. Everyone has four starter cards in their tableau, and they are the four actions that they can take in this game. There's a market of cards that can make each one of your four action cards more powerful. And then there is another market of tarot cards that give you powers that end up being game-breaking and sometimes, yes.
In-Person: You're trying to gain a certain amount of bait tokens just depending on player account. Everyone has four starter cards in their tableau, and they are the four actions that they can take in this game. There's a market of cards that can make each one of your four action cards more powerful, and then there's another market of tarot cards that give you powers that end up being game-breaking and sometimes, yes, game-ending.
Ep3: game ending. So on your turn, you select select an action and then do it. Then everyone else gets to follow that action in a less powerful way, similar to Raid for the Galaxy or Puerto Rico. You're either gaining money, drafting cards from the market, upgrading your action cards, or capturing those powerful tarot cards. All to buy or gain those special fate tokens. You get a certain amount of them,
In-Person: So on your turn, you select an action and then do it. Then everyone else gets to follow that action in a less powerful way, similar to Race for the Galaxy or Puerto Rico. You're either gaining money, drafting cards from the market, upgrading your action cards, or capturing those powerful tarot cards, all to buy or gain those special bait tokens. You get a certain amount them
Ep3: And you win.
In-Person: and you win.
Ep3: Now, I can't remember if I have ever won this game, but this game again is like a lot of little dopamine shots at once. Travis, what'd you think about this? Yeah, I'm I'm really a big fan of Suiciders. I I think this is
In-Person: Now, I can't remember if I have ever won this game, but this game again is like a lot of little dopamine shots at once. Travis, what'd you think about this? Yeah, I'm I'm really a big fan of Suisseyers. I I think this is in the top three of the best games I played so far this year. Definitely. It plays quick, but you're just always
Ep3: Definitely it plays quick but you're just always
In-Person: actively in the game. and I like games
Ep3: Games
In-Person: that are all about pressure. which is what I I think this that's what this game is. It's it's applying pressure to your opponents and trying to improve your position at the same time. I I have kind of a soft spot for games like this. it's the idea or mechanic it just imbalances the table. one of the first games I played like this was Attica. you played Attica. Yes. Yeah, I mean if it's a two player game.
Ep3: Which is what I I think this that's what this game is. It's it's applying pressure to your opponents and trying to improve your position at the same time. I I have kind of a soft spot for games like this. it's the idea or mechanic, it just imbalances the table. one of the first games I played like this was Attica. you played Attica. Yes. Yeah, I mean if it's a two-player game, you know, the pressure to have to act.
In-Person: you know, the pressure to have to act to save the game, like, feels natural, but even in the three player game of Attica, it can kinda, rub people the wrong way that maybe you have to, you know, upend all your actions to be totally defensive. but you have to kind of work almost as a team to keep other players from winning. so you kind of have this feeling of your right of that player
Ep3: to say the game. It feels natural, but even in the three-player game of Attica, it can rub people the wrong way that maybe you have to you know upend all your actions to be totally defensive. But you have to kind of work almost as a team to keep other players from winning. So you kind of have this feeling that if you're right of that player, you kinda have this responsibility to block them.
In-Person: You kinda have this responsibility to block them. some games like that, like Innovation or even Tigers and Euphrates to a certain extent where you kind of see what p other players are to your left are doing and try and give them like hard time.
Ep3: Some games like that like Innovation or even Tigers and Freides to a certain extent where you kinda see what other players you're to your left are doing and trying to give them like a hard time.
In-Person: so I I know like Innis, Innis some people talk about a lot. I'm not a fan of that game because it kinda seems more like a stalemate and then you have to capitalize on somebody's air.
Ep3: So I I know like in this in this some people talk about a lot. I'm not a fan of that game because it kinda seems more like a stalemate and then you have to capitalize on somebody's hair. Right there with you. but South Sayers is very dynamic. so the games of South Siders I played usually with three or four or sometimes on VGA.
In-Person: but Sous Sayers is very dynamic. so the games of Soussayers I played usually with three or four or sometimes on B GA.
Ep3: It plays up to five, right?
In-Person: it might.
Ep3: I don't know if it would play well at five if it did. Yeah, I think it would ch it would just be longer. I think three is good. Four is good too. I just kinda like that feeling it's like once a player's on the cusp, you're looking immediately for like their weaknesses and actively attempting to block the routes to victory and try and put yourself like on the cusp of victory. s that's just a very interesting me. And at two I don't think there'd be enough going on in the game.
In-Person: Yeah, I think it would j it would just be longer. I think three is good. Four is good too. I just kinda like that feeling is like once a player is on the cusp, you're looking immediately for like their weaknesses and actively attempting to block their routes to victory and try and put yourself like on the cusp of victory. it's that's just a very interesting mechanic for me. And at two, I don't think there'd be enough going on in the game.
Ep3: But I think you're right, three or four is the sweet spot with that game.
In-Person: Yeah, I I mean I could think of better two player games to play than that. I I think the lead and follow mechanic makes you feel like you have to play with three or four in order to to get the most out of that. Definitely. So for me it's a combination of, you know, Race for the Galaxy and Innovation, like you said, which are two great games. Innovation was the first card game that I played that for me revolutionized card games.
Ep3: Definitely. And so for me, it's a combination of, you know, Rage for the Galaxy and Innovation, like you said, which are two great games. Innovation was the first card game that I played that for me revolutionized card games. and then I feel like the the tarot cards and Soothsayer are reminiscent to the cards and innovations. And innovations, you keep drafting cards that make you think.
In-Person: And then I feel like the the tarot cards in Soothsayer are reminiscent of the cards and innovations. In innovations, you keep drafting cards that make you think,
Ep3: my goodness, this card's overpowered. I'm gonna slaughter. Then all of a sudden another card pops out. So in this game, you have the lesser tarot, they come out first, which are less powerful, obviously. And the further you get into the game, then the greater tarot come out.
In-Person: my goodness, this card's overpowered, I'm gonna slaughter. Then all of a sudden another card pops up. So in this game, you have the lesser tarot, they come out first, which are less powerful, obviously. And the further you get into the game, then the greater tarot come out.
Ep3: And the powers you see on those cards, I mean, they just make you giddy.
In-Person: And the power sh you see on those cards, I mean, they just make you giddy.
Ep3: What are some things that just stuck out to you that you didn't like? yeah, I mean the it's hard to to bag on the production, but I can.
In-Person: What are some things that just stuck out to you that you didn't like? yeah, I mean the it's hard to to bag on the production, but I I cause it 'cause I mean it it is a small box game and it's you know in a very value sized package, I guess. I mean I I did have to print
Ep3: I mean I I did have to print
In-Person: new 3D print new fate tokens.
Ep3: 'Cause
In-Person: 'cause I just the the cardboard in it is not very satisfying. And then for the start player marker, I I went on Timuzon and and bought a, you know, a mini crystal ball that you know you could hand around the table. Like 10 bucks. Yeah, I mean it's just something to add to the game to make it a little bit more, you know, tactile because it's I mean card game fine, but then you have, coins, you have fate tokens and their cardboard and they just it just
Ep3: I just the the cardboard in it is not very satisfying. No. For the start player marker, I went on Timuzon and and bought a you know mini crystal ball that you know you could hand around the table. For like ten bucks. Yeah, I mean it's just something to add to the game to make it a little bit more, you know, tactile because it's I mean card game fine, but then you have coins, you have fate tokens and their cardboard and they just the just
In-Person: doesn't seem
Ep3: doesn't seem to be you need something just a little bit more there. And with it when it comes to that crystal ball, what I like about getting that one from Amazon is you're using that in the game to put it on a card to show the action that you're taking. So just the the physical act of picking up that heavy crystal ball and placing it on the card and being able to pass that around so everyone can do that on their turn. I really enjoyed adding that aspect instead of just having this flimsy piece of cardboard.
In-Person: Right. It seems to be you need something just a little bit more there. And I think when it comes to that crystal ball, what I like about getting that one from Amazon is you're using that in the game to put it on a card to show the action that you're taking. So just the the physical act of picking up that heavy crystal ball and placing it on the card and being able to pass that around so everyone can do that on their turn. I really enjoy adding that aspect instead of just having this flimsy piece of cardboard. Now
Ep3: Now, again, talking about the artwork, I think the cards are great. I love the tarot theme. I love the artwork on the cards and especially on the back of the cards. I really felt like it brought me into this game. Now, some people out there they might not like tarot cards. I have no issues with them. I thought it was a beautiful addition to this game. What really just ugh made me hate the artwork was
In-Person: Again, talking about the artwork, I think the cards are great. I love the tarot theme. I love the artwork on the cards, and especially on the back of the cards. I really felt like it brought me into this game. Now, some people out there, they might not like tarot cards. I have no issues with them. I thought it was a beautiful addition to this game. What really just ugh made me hate the artwork was the coins.
Ep3: Coins.
In-Person: Yeah, yeah. Yeah, and there's way too many of them for the box, so I cut it in half. And you don't really need that many. No. You better be spending your money in that game. So And again, all I did was spend ten dollars on Amazon and get these like metal pirate tokens that fit perfectly with the game. So now my little lightweight game's come pretty hefty. I'll say that.
Ep3: I think they're literally just like grey tokens with numbers on them. Yeah, and there's way too many of them for the bonds. Unbelievably annoying. No. And again, all I did was spend ten dollars on Amazon and get these like metal pirate tokens that fit perfectly with the game. So now my little lightweight game is pretty hefty. I'll say that, but I really Enjoyed it. I've played this at three and I played it at four. I think the first time that I played this game, I was really excited to get into the greater tarot cards. And I think we kind of messed up at first when we first played this game. We put way too many lesser tarot on top. And so we barely got into the greater tarot. And so it was that excitement and innovation. With innovation, you're trying to
In-Person: enjoyed it. I played this at three and I played it at four. I think the first time that I played this game, I was really excited to get into the greater tarot cards. And I think we kind of messed up at first when we first played this game. We put way too many lesser tarot on top. And so we barely got into the greater tarot. And so it was that excitement and innovation with innovation, you're trying to
Ep3: Go up the clock. And the further up the clock you go, the more powerful the cards get. And you can't wait to go to our seven, hour eight, hour nine and see these amazing cards that are just game breaking. And that's the feeling that I got in Soothsayers. And then when we played the rules correctly, we got there faster, and I was able to see how those game-breaking cards were so much fun when everybody had
In-Person: Go up the clock, and the further up the clock you go, the more powerful the cards get. And you can't wait to go to Hour 7, Hour 8, Hour 9 and see these amazing cards that are just game-breaking. And that's the feeling that I got in Soothsayers. And then when we played the rules correctly, we got there faster, and I was able to see how those game-breaking cards were so much fun when everybody had.
Ep3: them. 'Cause almost everybody ended up being on the cusp of actually winning the game. And that was really enjoyable. Yeah, and the one thing is you have to be careful when you you have this game, there's two sets of tarot and one of them is
In-Person: everybody ended up being on actually winning And that was really enjoyable. Yeah, I think the one thing is you have to be careful if you have this game, there's two sets of tarot and one of them is very outlandish in some of the powers and they're very aggressive. and it kind of some of them just kinda don't fit. I think if you just play with the basic
Ep3: just kind of don't fit. I think when you just play with the basic game and you stack the tarot deck correctly, it works out really perfectly.
In-Person: game and you stack the tarot deck correctly, it works out really perfectly at three and four players that you get into that second deck at the right time of the game to like send it over to the ending.
Ep3: get into that second deck at the right time in the game to like send it over to the ending.
In-Person: but I just like it you just have to always watch like what what is this person doing? Can you know what what is their weakness. Okay, now I can take them over here so that they can't get close to victory on their next turn.
Ep3: What is this person doing? Can you know what what is their weakness? Okay, now I can take them over here so that they can't get close to victory on their next turn. Then they're hopefully they're doing the same thing. So they're they're watching what you're doing and where your weaknesses are, and you just it's just that kind of like drag out battle. somebody will eventually win it. It's just you know.
In-Person: And then they're hopefully they're doing the same thing. So they're they're watching what you're doing and where your weaknesses are. And you're just it's just that kind of like drag out battle. but somebody will eventually win. It's just, you know, it's all about that pressure. So it's it's very, very good.
Ep3: It's all about that pressure. So it's it's very, very good. Sous-sayers from 2026 designed by Jeff Christenswaite and published by Blade Z.
In-Person: Su Sayers, from twenty twenty six, designed by Jeff Christenthwaite and published by Play Dizzy. Thanks for
Ep3: Thanks for joining us on TableFlips. I'm Blake Adams. I'm Travis Bridges. Now get out there and play some games.
In-Person: I'm Travis Bridges. Now get out there and play some games.
Ep3: Bye!
In-Person: Bye.
