Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Moe Tousignant

Board Game Tournaments. We discuss and give details about what we think is the best board game tournament format, the Great Canadian Board Game Blitz. This is followed by a couple of previews. First up Sean’s gives us the rundown on Blood Bowl III, a new digital version of the Games Workshop fantasy football game. Then Moe’s got a review for a prototype copy of Battle of GOG. We finish up with a week in review that includes more GOG, more Blood Bowl,and a digital game of Aventuria Adventure Card Game.

Episode 136, recorded June 10th, 2021. Join us Wednesdays at Nine PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop.

If you enjoy the show consider tipping the Bellhop at: patreon.com/tabletopbellhop

More detailed show notes: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep135/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

SUGGESTION BOX
Send feedback to moe@tabletopbellhop.com

25 of the best board games for when you have exactly five players:
On the Blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/gaming-advice/five-player-games/
Tabletop Five-O Podcast Episode: https://youtu.be/JOCITu-sxFQ
Ponzi Scheme, https://amzn.to/3pJ9TDP

What is a Train Game?
Trainspotting Podcast Episode: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep131/
What is a Train Game Podcast Segment: https://youtu.be/5OaaUNRyYwg

Next Step from Ticket to Ride:
25 Next Step Train Games on the Blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/gaming-advice/next-step-after-ticket-to-ride/
Podcast segment on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0_Fmz5CQQdg
Isle of Trains, https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/154906/isle-trains

Tile laying games:
Resistance is Fu-Tile Podcast Episode: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep040/
On YouTube: https://youtu.be/UqxVHSsVTKI
Alhambra, https://amzn.to/3zvTozw

Top 10 of the Top 1000
YouTube: https://youtu.be/hqsTv10DQuA

Aventuria Adventure Card Game
Aventuria Review on the Blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/aventuria/
Aventuria Review on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZJN7iqWz_LI

ANNOUNCEMENTS
New Show!

Join us Sunday afternoons at noon Eastern on our Twitch channel for Sunday Brunch with the Bellhop.

ASK THE BELLHOP

Tonight we’ve got a question from Tabletop Bellhop patron Courtney Jackson who asks:

"I have a small group of about 10 or 12 that game with us weekly. We are considering hosting a small board game tournament and are wondering,


How to choose the game/games for the tournament?
How to do the draw so the same people aren't sitting at the same table the whole time?
Would it be better to.do a league style tournament where everyone meets weekly or bi-weekly and earn points over the course of several meets?"

A Look at Competition at the Game Table, https://tabletopbellhop.com/gaming-advice/competition/
The Great Canadian Board Game Blitz Webpage, http://www.gcbgb.ca/
Fan Expo Canada, https://fanexpohq.com/fanexpocanada/
Board Game Geek, https://boardgamegeek.com/
Esoteric Order of Gamers, https://www.orderofgamers.com/
5 Round Blitz Scoresheets, http://www.gcbgb.ca/scoresheet.pdf
The original Great Canadian Board Game Blitz Rules, http://www.gcbgb.ca/rules.pdf
Chwazi, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tendadigital.chwaziApp&hl=en_CA&gl=US
Watch It Played, https://www.youtube.com/user/watchitplayed
Rhado, https://www.youtube.com/user/rahdo
Gaming Rules, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvIWBOfYGXYQQQORhjAJKCQ
Extra Life Board Game Blitz Wrap up, https://tabletopbellhop.com/playing-tabletop-games/extra-life-board-game-blitz/
Join our Extra Life Team! https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.team&teamID=56573

Send questions to questions@tabletopbellhop.com

THE BELLHOPS DIGITAL TABLETOP: Blood Bowl III Closed Beta
Blood Bowl III on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1016950/Blood_Bowl_3/

THE GAME

Roll and Move. Is it really that terrible? What is a roll and move game, why do people hate on them and what are some actually good roll and move games? This is followed by two Aventuria Adventure Card Game Reviews, Master Tailor’s Poltergeists and Arsenal of Heroes. We also share our initial thoughts on the Battle of GOG prototype.

Episode 135, recorded June 2nd, 2021. Join us Wednesdays at Nine PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop.

If you enjoy the show consider tipping the Bellhop at: patreon.com/tabletopbellhop

More detailed show notes: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep135/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

SUGGESTION BOX
Send feedback to moe@tabletopbellhop.com

Rail Pass Review:
Blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/rail-pass/
Youtube: https://youtu.be/4qSy0GXFAHQ

A Little Wordy Review
Blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/little-wordy/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/e0kSRGlw2vQ

Magical Kitties Save The Day Review:
Blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/magical-kitties-save-the-day/
YouTube: https://youtu.be/4iQx-ZKCcoM

ANNOUNCEMENTS
We announce the winner of our Ticket to Ride giveaway.
Congratulations Mikhail!

ASK THE BELLHOP

Tonight we’ve got a question from local game designer and Tabletop Bellhop Patreon patron Roger Meloche who writes:

"Hey Moe and Sean, I’m really enjoying your show. Thank you for the occasional mention of my “Not Ready for Prime Time” games.

I have a question for you.

What’s so bad about “Roll and Move”. Backgammon is a roll and move game. If it’s played at a fast pace, for stakes (2 bits a point) and the doubling cube is used, it can be a very intense and exciting game.

Just because this mechanism was employed very poorly in the past doesn’t mean it’s bad. I believe it’s getting a bad rap because of the lack of player decisions, and lack of ways to mitigate poor dice rolls in games like monopoly and snakes and ladders.

I’m currently working on a roll and move game with many tactical and strategic decisions. Are there any other roll and move games that you know of which use this mechanism effectively?"

Our favourite Roll and Move Games:
Xia Legends of a Drift System, https://amzn.to/3cffwE8
Camel Up, https://amzn.to/3vVphiu
Formula D, https://amzn.to/3yXhP8J
Merchant of Venus, https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/131646/merchant-venus-second-edition
Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters, https://amzn.to/3fRKww2
Talisman, https://amzn.to/3vV1UWn
Basari, https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14/basari
Monza, https://amzn.to/3pkV2iL
Viva Topo, https://amzn.to/34Oy8qp
Rattlebones, https://amzn.to/3pohGGX
Long Shot, https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/40237/long-shot
Thunder Road, https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/804/thunder-road

Honourable Mentions:
Rallyman GT, https://amzn.to/3wWxDXf
Jamaica, https://amzn.to/3fNSYfT
Deep Sea Adventure, https://www.nobleknight.com/P/2147686522/Deep-Sea-Adventure?awid=1091

THE LOBBY CHECK IN
Can’t Stop, https://amzn.to/3fWDZQY
Rat Race, https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4479/ratrace
Heroquest, https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/699/heroquest

Send questions to questions@tabletopbellhop.com

THE GAME ROOM: Aventuria: Master Tailor’s Poltergeists
Written Review on the blog, https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/master-tailors-poltergeists/
Unboxing Video, https://youtu.be/kC876tFm17Q

THE GAME ROOM: Aventuria: Arsenal of Heroes
Written Review on the blog, https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/aventuria-arsenal-of-heroes/
Unboxing Video, https://youtu.be/m7lXdeXGEhU
Buy Aventuria from Amazon (affiliate link), https://amzn.to/2SWNTZJ

THE BELLHOPS TABLETOP
Aventuria Adventure Card Game, https://amzn.to/3yM95Ce
The Crew, https://amzn.to/3pydLYl
Battle of

Top 10 of 1000, an interesting take on our favourite games from the BGG top 1000 board games followed by a detailed review of our latest obsession, the Aventuria Adventure Card Game.

Episode 134, recorded May 26th, 2021. Join us Wednesdays at Nine PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop.

If you enjoy the show consider tipping the Bellhop at: patreon.com/tabletopbellhop

More detailed show notes: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep134/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

INTRO

SUGGESTION BOX
Send feedback to moe@tabletopbellhop.com

Dice Trays and Dice Towers:
Ask the Bellhop segment on Youtube: https://youtu.be/_l9_4QaqEck
Full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JPr7tf0T98M
All Rolled Up, https://www.allrolledup.co.uk/

Trapwords Unboxing, https://youtu.be/oSYgN79UxJc

Open Play Learn Review on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=110838567774966&story_fbid=110850601107096
The Tabletop Bellhop Patreon, https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop

Gorinto, https://amzn.to/2SyiKvv

ASK THE BELLHOP

We go through the top 1000 games on Board Game Geek and pick out our favourites.

Inspired by the Board Game Blitz podcast, we made this list by looking at the games ranked between 901 and 1000 on Board Game Geek and picking our favourite game from that group. Then we looked at 801 to 900 and picked the best game in that group and so on up to the top 100.

Board Game Blitz, http://www.boardgameblitz.com/

Moe’s top 10:


Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters, https://amzn.to/3p04msd
Black Fleet, https://amzn.to/3fVWGmu
Core Worlds, https://amzn.to/3uA02AZ
Saint Petersburg, https://amzn.to/3wMKvPT
The Duke, https://amzn.to/2SFJz0Y
Egizia, https://amzn.to/3fyFd4Q
Pitchcar, https://amzn.to/3yKV0Vv
Alien Frontiers, https://amzn.to/3uyQndK
Shogun, https://amzn.to/2RYFiWa
Terraforming Mars, https://amzn.to/2ThsbQf

Sean’s top 10:


Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters, https://amzn.to/3p04msd
Ticket to Ride New York, https://amzn.to/3oZlgHo
Can’t Stop, https://amzn.to/2SCjqjt
Cribbage, https://amzn.to/2R3Pyfz
Valeria Card Kingdoms, https://amzn.to/3hZBYET
Imhotep, https://www.gamenerdz.com/imhotep-builder-of-egypt?aff=85
Azul Stained Glass of Sintra, https://www.gamenerdz.com/azul-stained-glass-of-sintra?aff=85
Pulsar 2849, https://amzn.to/34AGUYR
Xia, Legends of a Drift System, https://amzn.to/3p1x63C
Clank A Deck-Building Adventure, https://amzn.to/2R4GFCv

Send questions to questions@tabletopbellhop.com

THE GAME ROOM: Aventuria Adventure Card Game
Written Review on the blog, https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/aventuria/
Unboxing Video, https://youtu.be/2Lx_6Jkk_pc
Buy Aventuria from Amazon and support the Bellhop, https://amzn.to/2RYGo4e

THE BELLHOPS TABLETOP
Aventuria Adventure Card Game, https://amzn.to/3yM95Ce

PATREON SHOUT OUT AND OUTRO

FIND US:
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Rollin’ - We tackle a question about dice trays and towers. We talk about whether we use them or not and deep dive into why you may want them or why not and what to look for if you do choose to buy one. Then I’ve got a review of a fantastic family friendly RPG, Magical Kitties Save The Day. Finally, I’ve got some initial thoughts on the Aventuria Adventure Card Game.

Episode 133, recorded May 19th, 2021. Join us Wednesdays at Nine PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop.

If you enjoy the show consider tipping the Bellhop at: patreon.com/tabletopbellhop

More detailed show notes: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep133/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

SUGGESTION BOX
Send feedback to moe@tabletopbellhop.com

Rainy Day AMA:
Show Notes:

Episode on YouTube:

Invid Invasion Review:
On the blog:
On YouTube:

Next Step Train Games from Ticket to Ride:
Ask the Bellhop Segment on YouTube:
Show notes for the full episode:
Steam Over Holland,
18EU
Iron Dragon,

Magical Kitties Save the Day Unboxing:

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reminder that our Ticket to Ride giveaway ends on Wednesday the 26th of May.

Enter here:

ASK THE BELLHOP

Tonight we’ve got a topic from long time fan of the show Emmit O’Brian who writes:

“Anyone here use dice trays for rolling? My wife wants me to make some for the group. My question is, Is there a difference in usability or transportability in the different sizes and shapes of trays?”

Links:
Easy Roller Dice,

Dice Trays:
Octagonal Dice Trays with Staging Areas,
The Wolf Dice Tray Moe Has,
Collapsible Dice Trays on Etsy,
Wooden Dice Trays on Etsy,
All Kinds of Dice Trays on Amazon,

Dice Towers:
Broken Token Modular Dice Towers,
Dice Towers on Etsy,
The Original Spiral Dice Tower,
All Kinds of Dice Towers on Amazon,

Send questions to questions@tabletopbellhop.com

THE GAME ROOM: Magical Kitties Save the Day
Written Review on the Blog,
Unboxing Video,
Magical Kitties Save the Day on Atlas Games Website,

THE BELLHOPS TABLETOP
Aventuria Adventure Card Game,

PATREON SHOUT OUT AND OUTRO

FIND US:

Sign up for our newsletter: https://newsletter.tabletopbellhop.com

Webpage: https://tabletopbellhop.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tabletopbellhop/
Twitter: twitter.com/tabletopbellhop

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YouTube: www.youtube.com/tabletopbellhop?sub_confirmation=1

Twitch: twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Working on the Railroad - We continue our topic of train games, recommending the best next step train games for Ticket to Ride fans. Sticking with the railway theme, we review one of the most unique train games out there: Rail Pass. We’ve got more thoughts on Rail Pass in the Bellhop’s Tabletop segment as well as initial thoughts on Azul Crystal Mosaic and Gorinto.

Episode 132, recorded May 12th, 2021. Join us Wednesdays at Nine PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop.

If you enjoy the show consider tipping the Bellhop at: patreon.com/tabletopbellhop

More detailed show notes: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep132/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

SUGGESTION BOX
Send feedback to moe@tabletopbellhop.com

Trapwords Unboxing Video:

18Cash & 18Shares Review:

Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Begins Review on YouTube:

ANNOUNCEMENTS

To go with the train game theme we’ve had going on for the last couple of episodes we’ve decided to give away a digital copy of the world's most popular train game: Ticket to Ride

Enter here:

ASK THE BELLHOP

Tonight we’ve got a topic from honorary Tabletop Bellhop patron, and now published author, Sean Hamilton who asks:

What would you recommend for someone as a next step up from Ticket to Ride, in so far as train themed games? Got someone I know who's super into trains, so looking for potential surprises.

What is a train game? Ep 131, Trainspotting:

Ticket to Ride Map Collection Vol 5 United Kingdom and Pennsylvania,
Ticket to Ride Märklin,
Yardmaster,
Yardmaster Express,
Railroad Ink,
Transamerica,
Metro,
20th Century Limited,
Trains,
Spike,
Steam,
Age of Steam,
Railways of the World,
Paris Connection,
Chicago Express,
German Railways,
Whistle Stop,
Colt Express,
Rail Pass,
On the Underground,
Union Pacific,
Empire Builder,
Irish Gauge,

Honourable Mentions:
Cinque Terre,
Thurn & Taxis,
Through the Desert,
Power Grid,

Send questions to questions@tabletopbellhop.com

THE GAME ROOM: Rail Pass
Written Review on the Blog,
Unboxing Video,
Buy Rail Pass,

THE BELLHOPS TABLETOP
Azul,
Azul Crystal Mosaic,
Gorinto,
Rail Pass,

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Trainspotting - Part one of a two episode series highlighting Train Games. In this first episode we try to help people define what a Train Game is. Sticking with our train theme we’ve got a review of an 18XX upgrade. Then we go off the rails a bit with our review of A Little Wordy, the latest game from Exploding Kittens. We finish off back on track with some initial thoughts on Great Western Trail and Rail Pass as well as plays of Villainous, DC Deck Building and Supershow.

Episode 131, recorded May 5th, 2021. Join us Wednesdays at Nine PM Eastern at www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop.

If you enjoy the show consider tipping the Bellhop at: patreon.com/tabletopbellhop

More detailed show notes: tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep131/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

INTRO

SUGGESTION BOX
Send feedback to moe@tabletopbellhop.com

15 Surprisingly Easy Board Games:

YouTube:

Blog:

Legendary Metal Coins Season Six Review,

YouTube:

Blog:

Shadowrun Sixth World Beginner Box Review:

YouTube:

Blog:

Horrified Review:

YouTube:

Blog:

Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Begins Review:

YouTube:

Blog:

ASK THE BELLHOP

Based on a conversation that started on our private Tabletop Bellhop Patreon Patron Discord server, we thought it would be worth discussing what people mean when they say a board game is a “Train Game”

BGG Definition of Train Games:

BGG Glossary listing for Train Games:

Wikipedia Definition of Train Games:

18XX games,

Crayon Rail games,

Some of the train games mentioned:
Ticket to Ride,
Iron Dragon,
The Last Spike,
1830,
Empire Builder,
Rail Baron,
Eurorails,
Age of Steam,
First Train to Nuremberg,
Russian Railroads,
Railways of the World,
Trains,

Send questions to questions@tabletopbellhop.com

THE GAME ROOM: 18Cash and 18Shares for 18XX games.

On Kickstarter:

Video Review on YouTube:

THE GAME ROOM: A Little Wordy

Written Review:

Unboxing Video:

Buy A Little Wordy:

THE BELLHOPS TABLETOP
Disney Villainous,
A Little Wordy,
Rail Pass,
Great Western Trail,
DC Comics Deck Building Game,
DC Deckbuilding Teen Titans,
The Crew,
Supershow,

FIND US:

Sign up for our newsletter: https://newsletter.tabletopbellhop.com

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