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.

Summary

In this episode of Lay It On The Table, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss recent travels, updates on board game tariffs, and insights from their experiences with Kickstarter projects. They delve into the world of deck-building games, particularly focusing on how students engage with these mechanics and their preferences in gaming. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding game vocabulary and how it shapes players' experiences. In this episode, Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss their recent gaming experiences, focusing on family-friendly games like La Petite Fleur and the second edition of Parks. They explore the challenges of game distribution, the mechanics of new games, and the importance of community in board gaming. The conversation also touches on technical issues faced during the podcasting process, highlighting the dynamic nature of their discussions.

In this episode of the Southern board game podcast, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss personal challenges, the impact of tariffs on the board game community, and their recent game acquisitions. They share highlights from their game nights, including experiences with new games and the excitement surrounding upcoming events. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community and the joy of gaming, even amidst challenges.

In this episode, hosts Joe Mahaffey and James Engelhardt discuss a range of topics from personal loss to the latest in board games. They reflect on the recent passing of Joe's mother and how it impacted their podcast schedule. The conversation shifts to the news of Hasbro scrapping Project Sigil, a virtual tabletop initiative, and the implications for the gaming community. They delve into game reviews, including 'It's a Wonderful World', 'Mothership', and 'La Corsa', highlighting their mechanics and gameplay experiences. The hosts also share insights on quick games for couples and discuss exciting Kickstarter projects like Propolis and The Western Reaches, showcasing the evolving landscape of tabletop gaming.

In this episode of the Southern board game podcast, the hosts discuss various topics including the weather, recent changes in the board game industry, and reviews of new games like Castle Combo and Rock Hard 1977. They also touch on the importance of teaching games to students and share updates on expansions and new arrivals in their collections.

# Season 4, Episode 2

# Welcome

[A New Hope | Geek & Southern | Lay It On The Table, Episode 38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUtNixjP2nk&t=708s)

Shout out from Dirty Rascal Games…

# Board Game News

The BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame honors games that have made meaningful contributions to the board game hobby in the areas of innovation, artistry, and impact.

[Announcing The BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame Day 1 Inductees](https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/169777/announcing-the-boardgamegeek-hall-of-fame-day-1-in)

[Announcing The BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame Day 2 Inductees](https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/169778/announcing-the-boardgamegeek-hall-of-fame-day-2-in)

[Announcing The BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame Day 3 Inductees](https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/169781/announcing-the-boardgamegeek-hall-of-fame-day-3-in)

[Announcing The BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame Day 4 Inductees](https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/169783/announcing-the-boardgamegeek-hall-of-fame-day-4-in)

[Announcing The BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame Day 5 Inductees](https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/1/blogpost/169785/announcing-the-boardgamegeek-hall-of-fame-day-5-in)

# The places we play…

Does where we play change how we play?

Do we expect different experiences?

Do we prepare in different ways?

[Carolina Tabletop Games](https://carolinatabletop.shopsettings.com/)

ZOOM

D&D

with friends during Covid

Home

Game nights/home

Church

Out and About/the Commons

Cons

# How to play what is on our tables

## James

[Evenfall](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/396989/evenfall)

It's Evenfall, and the Clans of Magic are preparing for a new era. Evenfall is the time when the boundaries of reality collapse and the supernatural awakens. The World-Tree opens its glowing gateways to unknown distant regions. Send Witches from your clan to discover and control new Places of Power. Use them for arcane rituals and battle for the favor of the Powerstones. But there is only one seat on the Enchanted Throne! Do you have the skills to lead the world into a new era?

Evenfall is a card-driven, engine-building game with both novel and familiar mechanisms for 1 to 4 players. Manage your resources, execute your actions in an efficient order, and discover card and action synergies that generate victory points. The game ends after three rounds, then the player with the most points wins.

—description from the publisher

## Joe

[Stamp Swap](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/426796/stamp-swap)

Designer Paul Salomon (Honey Buzz, Genotype) brings stamp collecting to life on tabletops in Stamp Swap! Draft from a public pool of face-down and face-up tiles (along with some bonus cards), then simultaneously divide them into 2 groups. You will select one group from another player and keep the group of yours that isn't selected. Organize your growing collection each round and score 1 of 4 goals--choose wisely, as you can't score that goal again.

The art of stamp collecting is not just in accumulating many stamps, but in collecting high-quality stamps (including rare gold-foil stamps). This 3-round game for 1-5 players is your chance to meet other attendees, put together a beautiful and well-focused stamp collection, and show it off in a series of contests. Do well and you may walk away with the top prize at this year’s Stamp Swap!

—description from the publisher

# Notable

[Rock Hard: 1977](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/402679/rock-hard-1977)

[Finspan](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/436126/finspan)

[Postcards: The Board Game](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fenrir-boardgames/postcards-the-board-game

[Darwin's Journey: Oceania](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gonab/darwinoceania)[Everdell Silverfrost](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/starlinggames/everdell-silverfrost)

[La Pâtisserie Rococo](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/eaglegryphon/la-patisserie-rococo)