In this episode of "Lay It On The Table," hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt dive into the world of board games, discussing the latest releases and their experiences at Spiel Essen, the world's largest game event. They explore a variety of games, from light deck builders like "Bohemians" to heavier worker placement games such as "Covenant." The conversation also touches on the intricacies of games like "Cribbage" and "Edo," highlighting the unique mechanics and themes that make each game stand out. Additionally, they share personal anecdotes, including Joe's experience officiating a Halloween wedding and their plans for upcoming events like Mythicon.

In this episode, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss their return to the podcast after a hiatus, share updates on upcoming episodes, and highlight the Mythicon convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. They delve into industry news, including Gamma's global expansion, the strike by Kickstarter employees, and financial challenges faced by CMON and Elf Creek Games. The hosts also review two games: Trinket Trove, a quick and easy card game, and The Red Cathedral, a medium-weight game with a unique dice-based rondelle mechanic. Finally, they explore Everdell: Silver Frost, a sequel that introduces new mechanics and challenges. In this engaging conversation, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt explore various board games, discussing their mechanics, organization, and personal experiences. They delve into new titles like 'Everdell' and 'Tribes of the Wind', share insights on the village-building game 'Hamlet', and express frustrations with game organization and inserts. The duo also reflects on classic games like 'Backgammon' and discusses the potential of new ventures in the board game and puzzle industry.

Summary

In this episode, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss various topics related to the board game industry, including the bankruptcy of Seamon, the impact of tariffs on game production, updates on Kickstarter projects, and the introduction of Game Toppers 5.0. They also share insights from their experiences at May X, focusing on student engagement with deck-building games and the learning dynamics involved. In this conversation, James Engelhardt and Joe Mahaffey delve into the intricacies of deck building in board games, discussing the evolution and diversity of gameplay. They share personal experiences with various games, highlighting the importance of game literacy and player preferences. The discussion transitions into the concept of the 'Shelf of Shame,' where they reflect on unplayed games and the challenges of engaging with new titles. The conversation concludes with a humorous take on the quest for game mastery and the desire to play more games.