I enjoy this podcast when I’m looking for a quick overview about a game I am curious about. They cover a wide variety of hidden gems and hotness games. The “reading out loud” format takes some getting used too as usually enjoy more genuine conversation in my podcasts. I still recommended it if you are trying to decide on your next board game purchase.

The game reviews and descriptions are fine and good. The “woke” narratives and the “scary covid” commentary is quite honestly, triggering. We hear that nonsense at every turn in our lives. Most people are listing too gaming podcasts for escapism. Just please keep your politics and scare tactics to yourselves. That being said, its a decent podcast

I love the idea of this podcast but some of these non binary organisms are woke to PC culture and their review has to be about their need to tell you about it. I hope they feel good saying it so at least 1 person is getting something out of it. I don't know how people can regularly mess up a 5 minute verbal review but some of these people can. Mason Weaver is the absolute worst with his woke little nasal tone whining about box sizes. I used to suffer through it but now I have to skip through it every time. Edit : I tried to give it one more try as I really like the concept but the VERY first reviewer started blathering on about how Monopoly was stolen from a woman and used to build this empire. I'm out! I hope you all get to right all the wrongs of society with your 5 minute reviews!

The Five By is one of the best board game podcasts precisely because of its constrained format. Five reviews of five minutes each, from five different reviewers, and nothing else. But, also, the reviews are solid, a variety of viewpoints is represented, and the audio quality is high - none of which are givens in board game media. Personally, I also like that the focus is not exclusively on new games - The Five By is a great way to discover neglected games, also. Easily on of my favorite board game podcasts. I highly recommend checking it out.

Started out rather strong, and I like the format of short reviews, but many of the presenters are beyond terrible. Stephanie (sp?) reads off of a script, and interjects so many “pregnant pauses” for emphasis that it is really hard to listen to her reviews. She also spends the first minute of every 5-minute review giving the listener un-needed “insights” and her personal reasons to lean into a game because of theme. Every one of her reviews comes off sounding like a terrible audition for a drama club. Lindsey (sp?) often reviews the type of games that appeal MOST to me, but her accent and total lack of microphone training make her all but “in-listening”. After listening to roughly 60 “Five By” podcasts, I only just recently realized that she is saying “shiny HAPPY meeples.“ it sounds like shiny HAT meeples... And ALL of the presenters now seem to be engaged in a diversity/sensitivity one-upmanship contest. Lately, one presenter complained that, “despite being a great game”, Lotus’ box art has “an Asian woman” on the cover, but there don’t seem to be any Asian names associated in the production of the game. Really? (Just wait until he discovers that Legendary Encounters was produced without the input of even a single xenomorph or space marine!). And today, listening to a back issue, I heard him lament that Karala (sp?), a game “about” Indian elephant festivals (no ... it’s an abstract), “appropriates” Indian culture, because the designers aren’t Indian (this, again?!?), and that it is insensitive to the abuses that real elephants have endured over the centuries. Well ... it’s a “game”, genius, not a documentary ... try to come to terms with the sadness that is clearly welling up in your feelz. I’m done with the Five By.

I love this podcast! Five minute overviews of five board games, and they do not only focus on new releases, which is wonderful. Highly recommended for any board game fan.

Been listening to the podcast since the early episodes. Love their quick fire reviews of boardgames. They cover so much ground and are very detailed in their descriptions of the gameplay. Reviewers also express some personal opinions on the games which makes for a more authentic and organic discussion. Keep up the great reviews team!

Everyone on this podcast sounds like they're reading...painfully.

Each segment may only be five minutes, but the contributors do an amazing job of explaining the nuts and bolts of a game, along with their personal thoughts, in a way that doesn’t feel rushed or stilted. Whether they’re discussing a game you already love, or a game you’ve never played, this show is a great way to gain interesting perspectives on lots of hobby board games in a short amount of time.

Not a lot of gaming podcasts out there that hit games this fast. Live the quick concise reviews.