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2 player tourny
Date: 04/14/2007 07:00PM Location: The Sears home Notes: Results:
These are also posted at the Geek (http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/20982) where you can also leave comments and make corrections.
I started Heath and Brian off on this frantic puzzle game for the 70's. They played two games and enjoyed it a lot.
This is one of my thrift store treasures. It plays quick, gets the heart pumpin', and cries out for "one more game." Great opener. Now I wish had played it last night as no one in my house will play with me.
Brian beat Heath both times. Brian and Ben split two later in the night.
Ben showed up as Brian and Heath were finishing up, so I got Ben and Heath going on Quoridor (another recent thrift purchase, and the first in a long time, since swearing off impulse and novelty purchases).
I'm not generally an abstract man, but I like this game a lot. It's quick, tricky, and I think will get better with repeat plays.
Heath took Ben to school with this one twice. During their games Danny showed up. Ben then taught it to Danny and beat him twice. Later I beat Gerold a couple times. You can't just play this game once.
During the Quoridore action, I got my hobbit on against the dark side's Brian.
I like this game a lot. I borrowed it from my brother. It needs repeated plays which it never gets from me. There are a lot of strategies that need to be discovered and tried. It's also one that would get deeper with repeated plays against the same person. When my kids can read a bit better we may have to check this one out from uncle Mike more often.
Anyway, Brian beat me as the dark (not that difficult I think), and as the light when I made a major blunder, forgot where Frodo was, attacked Gandalf instead, and allowed the little hobbit to skip right into Mordor.
Later Heath beat Brian at both sides. Heath said it was luck. I'm not so sure.
Meanwhile, Heath was teaching the newly arrived Gerold the fine art of Backgammon. Heath's been playing a lot online and pretty much took the G-man down.
I haven't played this much since I was a kid. I know there's more to it than I know.
Throughout the evening Danny introduced (and beat) as many people to Twixt as he could (Heath, Ben, Brian). Ever since I introduced Danny to this game several weeks ago, he has taken to it like a duck, studying strategies and logging over 100 games on-line. He beat me earlier in the afternoon prior to game night. I'm not sure any of these games ran to completion. He's gotten pretty good.
Like I said above, abstracts aren't usually my thing. The best thing about playing this one is having Danny explain the various strategies, what moves are good and bad, etc. I get the benefit of seeing behind the curtain a bit without putting in the work.
I think it was about this time that I got in a game of Kahuna with Gerold. My wife and I used to play a lot of a homemade version of Arabana-Ikibiti, so I figured I'd be in good shape. What actually happened was Gerold routed me, coming in ahead at the end of every round.
My wife and I haven't played this in a while. But now that I have my brother's copy of this (one he doesn't necessarily want back as I don't believe he's ever beat his wife at this game), we may need to get back to it. It's fun to lay in wait and then sweep your opponents pieces off the board in a well timed burst of bridge building/destructions. There's the luck of the cards, but for whatever reason it doesn't bother me much in this game.
Next I got involved in the great little dicefest that is Battleball. Brian and I played two of the quickest games I've been party to. The linebackers just kept rolling high and running around the ends into the endzone. Not as exciting as the slugfests I'm used to. Brian beat me twice this way, then went on to get himself thumped a couple times by Heath. Their second game was a great war of attrition. I think there was 3 or 4 players left when the touchdown was finally scored. We credited Heath's coaching experience with his wins.
I wouldn't normally play this game twice in a night (or 4 like Brian did), but I love this game for the crazy old fashion football war game it is. It's like the old electric vibrating football game, but with the electricity replaced with dice, and the rattling tin replaced with a huge board that stretches from one end of the dining room table to the other.
Meanwhile Danny and Heath were engaged in an Epic Duel. Danny as Yoda, Heath as Darth. It was a long and hard fought battle. But ultimately Yoda's age got the better of him and Darth won out.
Danny wondered about the deck balance. I haven't read any about this or played enough to form my own opinion. This is a game I'd like to play more. Seems like they put enough in this box to provide the variety of play to last a long time.
I got my copy at the thrift and am missing some of the minis. Brian says I can pick up what I'm missing at most game shops.
While this was happening on the big table, the little table was seeing the beginning of a game of Jambo between Gerold and Ben. I ended up stepping in for Gerold before the second turn was over as he had to head out. For a long time it was a close game without much happening as can be the case with this game. I was slowing building my bank while Ben was slowing building his hand. Just as Ben was ready to pounce, I outbid him on an elephant card, sent the elephant to trample his market stall, picked up a few of his goods, sold them for a tidy profit, and ended the game. Good times, good times.
Seems this game can bog down as you wait to get the cards you need, which can be a drag. But I like the variety of cards and building my little business, and will play this anytime.
The last match of the evening pitted Brian and Danny in the ancient battlefield. During most of this game I was mopping the floor after an impressive Coke spill. But in the end Brian was victorious.
This is another game I borrowed from my brother. I think I've only played it once. I don't know when Mike is going to get these games back, could be a while.
I was tempted to figure the win/loses without Danny's Twixt victories, but couldn't really think of a good rational to do so. So the records for the night were:
Brian - 6 and 5
Heath - 5 and 4
Danny - 5 and 4
Matt - 3 and 3
Ben - 3 and 4
Gerold- 1 and 3
Playing time: 30 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 1961 Designer: Alex Randolph Description:
Twixt is a 2-player abstract game invented by Alex Randolph. Some old US sets mention a 4-player variant, with 2 teams as in Bridge, but this probably wasn't Randolph's idea. The game was popular in the 60s and 70s as part of the 3M Bookshelf Series. Avalon Hill then acquired the series and issued the game themselves. Now Hasbro owns AH, but they haven't marketed it yet.
Twixt is a "connection-type" game, very similar to Hex. Other related games are Havannah and The Game of Y. "Connection type" means the object is to form a path connecting something to something else. This requires very different thinking from the standard battle-type game such as chess or checkers. Players who dislike abstract battles may find they have an affinity for making connections.
Playing time: 30 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2000 Designer: Reiner Knizia Description:
Two opponents face off across a 'battle line' and attempt to win the battle by taking 5 of 9 flags or 3 adjacent flags. Flags are decided by placing cards into 3 card poker-type hands on either side of the flag (similar to straight flush, 3 of a kind, straight, flush, etc). The side with the highest 'formation' of cards wins the flag.
This is a rethemed version of Schotten Totten with different graphics and wooden flag bits in place of the boundary stone cards. Game play is identical, except the cards run from 1 to 10 (not 9), you hold seven cards in your hand (not 6), and the rule that stones may only be claimed at the start of your turn is presented as an "advanced variant".
Some have reported that the production quality of the cards is inferior to the Schotten Totten cards, however, for most readers Battle Line will be much easier to find in stores.
Playing time: 30 minutes Players: 2 to 6 Year published: 2002 Designer: Craig Van Ness Description:
Individual battles between famous Star Wars characters set on different board locations. Players choose a major character that has one or two minor characters with it. Each set of characters has its own deck of cards which are used for attack, defense, or special abilities. Each deck is unique with certain special powers relevant to the major character. There are different modes of play; one on one battles, up to three teams can play against each other, or up to six players can play a free for all, last man standing battle.
Battle fields included are Geonosis, Emperor's Throne Room, Carbon-Freezing Room, and a landing platform. The game includes 31 decorated figures from across the entire Star Wars spectrum, 12 character cards (which have major and minor character life trackers on them), 378 action cards (31 per character group), 4 battle field boards, 1 movement die, wound markers, and rules.
FROM THE BOX: What would happen if the force were no longer divided? Jedi knights could battle each other... Sith Lords could challenge one of their own... What if classic battles could be recreated and have completely different endings? Imagine the unthinkable. Anakin Skywalker versus Darth Vader. Impossible? Not anymore! Create your own match ups.
Playing time: 10 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 1972 Designer: Alex Randolph Description:
"Parker Brothers Game of Quick Connections"
The game board consists of two 5-5 slide puzzles separated by a raised level with five slots. Each slide puzzle has 6 edge points marked with a number from 1-6. Tiles with the letters A-E are randomly inserted in the five slots between the puzzles. The puzzles consist of tiles with paths on them; each tile contains either a straight line or a line with a 90-degree turn. A letter and a number are randomly selected, then the players race to build a path with their tiles connecting the exit points with the chosen letter and number.
Playing time: 45 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2003 Designer: Craig Van Ness Description:
Global football has moved beyond the restrictive rules of the US Football League. Physical enhancements have made the sport more intense and more deadly. Players have developed distinctive skills to overpower enemy players. Some are fast. Some are strong. All are out to eliminate their opponents.
Plan your strategy to get safely into the end zone. Your opponent will do everything he can to destroy your players and take possession of the ball. Can you overpower them and score a touchdown? Score two touchdowns and you'll be the battleball champ!
Playing time: 45 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2004 Designer: Rüdiger Dorn Description:
Players take on the role of merchants offering their wares from market stands. On a player's turn, he has five actions to choose from. Actions can be used to draw cards, play cards and activate buildup cards.
In order to sell wares, the merchants must first lay the wares out, since customers will only buy where all the wares they want are being offered. And since market space is at a premium, players have to think hard about which wares to offer.
By owning important buildup cards and properly using the assets of other village inhabitants, the merchants succeed in attracting especially many customers to their stalls, making bargain buys, and messing with their opponents' plans.
The first player to reach a set cash level through buying and selling of wares is the winner.
The game's attraction lies with the many special cards. Many different combinations are possible during the game, and each game plays out differently as a result.
Playing time: 10 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 1972 Designer: Alex Randolph Description:
"Parker Brothers Game of Quick Connections"
The game board consists of two 5-5 slide puzzles separated by a raised level with five slots. Each slide puzzle has 6 edge points marked with a number from 1-6. Tiles with the letters A-E are randomly inserted in the five slots between the puzzles. The puzzles consist of tiles with paths on them; each tile contains either a straight line or a line with a 90-degree turn. A letter and a number are randomly selected, then the players race to build a path with their tiles connecting the exit points with the chosen letter and number.
Playing time: 10 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 1972 Designer: Alex Randolph Description:
"Parker Brothers Game of Quick Connections"
The game board consists of two 5-5 slide puzzles separated by a raised level with five slots. Each slide puzzle has 6 edge points marked with a number from 1-6. Tiles with the letters A-E are randomly inserted in the five slots between the puzzles. The puzzles consist of tiles with paths on them; each tile contains either a straight line or a line with a 90-degree turn. A letter and a number are randomly selected, then the players race to build a path with their tiles connecting the exit points with the chosen letter and number.
Playing time: 10 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 1972 Designer: Alex Randolph Description:
"Parker Brothers Game of Quick Connections"
The game board consists of two 5-5 slide puzzles separated by a raised level with five slots. Each slide puzzle has 6 edge points marked with a number from 1-6. Tiles with the letters A-E are randomly inserted in the five slots between the puzzles. The puzzles consist of tiles with paths on them; each tile contains either a straight line or a line with a 90-degree turn. A letter and a number are randomly selected, then the players race to build a path with their tiles connecting the exit points with the chosen letter and number.
Playing time: 15 minutes Players: 2 to 4 Year published: 1997 Designer: Mirko Marchesi Description:
This abstract strategy is suprisingly deep for its simple rules. The object of the game is to advance your pawn to the opposite edge of the board. On your turn you may either move your pawn, or place a wall. You may hinder your opponent with wall placement, but not completely block him off. Meanwhile he is trying to do the same to you. First pawn to reach the opposite side wins.
Playing time: 15 minutes Players: 2 to 4 Year published: 1997 Designer: Mirko Marchesi Description:
This abstract strategy is suprisingly deep for its simple rules. The object of the game is to advance your pawn to the opposite edge of the board. On your turn you may either move your pawn, or place a wall. You may hinder your opponent with wall placement, but not completely block him off. Meanwhile he is trying to do the same to you. First pawn to reach the opposite side wins.
Playing time: 15 minutes Players: 2 to 4 Year published: 1997 Designer: Mirko Marchesi Description:
This abstract strategy is suprisingly deep for its simple rules. The object of the game is to advance your pawn to the opposite edge of the board. On your turn you may either move your pawn, or place a wall. You may hinder your opponent with wall placement, but not completely block him off. Meanwhile he is trying to do the same to you. First pawn to reach the opposite side wins.
Playing time: 15 minutes Players: 2 to 4 Year published: 1997 Designer: Mirko Marchesi Description:
This abstract strategy is suprisingly deep for its simple rules. The object of the game is to advance your pawn to the opposite edge of the board. On your turn you may either move your pawn, or place a wall. You may hinder your opponent with wall placement, but not completely block him off. Meanwhile he is trying to do the same to you. First pawn to reach the opposite side wins.
Playing time: 30 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2002 Designer: Reiner Knizia Description:
A Stratego-like game themed around Lord of the Rings. Players each control a force of 9 characters (light vs. dark) whose identities are hidden from their opponent at the beginning of the game. Combat is resolved by playing special cards.
Playing time: 30 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2002 Designer: Reiner Knizia Description:
A Stratego-like game themed around Lord of the Rings. Players each control a force of 9 characters (light vs. dark) whose identities are hidden from their opponent at the beginning of the game. Combat is resolved by playing special cards.
Playing time: 30 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2002 Designer: Reiner Knizia Description:
A Stratego-like game themed around Lord of the Rings. Players each control a force of 9 characters (light vs. dark) whose identities are hidden from their opponent at the beginning of the game. Combat is resolved by playing special cards.
Playing time: 30 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2002 Designer: Reiner Knizia Description:
A Stratego-like game themed around Lord of the Rings. Players each control a force of 9 characters (light vs. dark) whose identities are hidden from their opponent at the beginning of the game. Combat is resolved by playing special cards.
Playing time: 30 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 1961 Designer: Alex Randolph Description:
Twixt is a 2-player abstract game invented by Alex Randolph. Some old US sets mention a 4-player variant, with 2 teams as in Bridge, but this probably wasn't Randolph's idea. The game was popular in the 60s and 70s as part of the 3M Bookshelf Series. Avalon Hill then acquired the series and issued the game themselves. Now Hasbro owns AH, but they haven't marketed it yet.
Twixt is a "connection-type" game, very similar to Hex. Other related games are Havannah and The Game of Y. "Connection type" means the object is to form a path connecting something to something else. This requires very different thinking from the standard battle-type game such as chess or checkers. Players who dislike abstract battles may find they have an affinity for making connections.
Playing time: 30 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 1961 Designer: Alex Randolph Description:
Twixt is a 2-player abstract game invented by Alex Randolph. Some old US sets mention a 4-player variant, with 2 teams as in Bridge, but this probably wasn't Randolph's idea. The game was popular in the 60s and 70s as part of the 3M Bookshelf Series. Avalon Hill then acquired the series and issued the game themselves. Now Hasbro owns AH, but they haven't marketed it yet.
Twixt is a "connection-type" game, very similar to Hex. Other related games are Havannah and The Game of Y. "Connection type" means the object is to form a path connecting something to something else. This requires very different thinking from the standard battle-type game such as chess or checkers. Players who dislike abstract battles may find they have an affinity for making connections.
Playing time: 45 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2003 Designer: Craig Van Ness Description:
Global football has moved beyond the restrictive rules of the US Football League. Physical enhancements have made the sport more intense and more deadly. Players have developed distinctive skills to overpower enemy players. Some are fast. Some are strong. All are out to eliminate their opponents.
Plan your strategy to get safely into the end zone. Your opponent will do everything he can to destroy your players and take possession of the ball. Can you overpower them and score a touchdown? Score two touchdowns and you'll be the battleball champ!
Playing time: 45 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2003 Designer: Craig Van Ness Description:
Global football has moved beyond the restrictive rules of the US Football League. Physical enhancements have made the sport more intense and more deadly. Players have developed distinctive skills to overpower enemy players. Some are fast. Some are strong. All are out to eliminate their opponents.
Plan your strategy to get safely into the end zone. Your opponent will do everything he can to destroy your players and take possession of the ball. Can you overpower them and score a touchdown? Score two touchdowns and you'll be the battleball champ!
Playing time: 45 minutes Players: 2 to 2 Year published: 2003 Designer: Craig Van Ness Description:
Global football has moved beyond the restrictive rules of the US Football League. Physical enhancements have made the sport more intense and more deadly. Players have developed distinctive skills to overpower enemy players. Some are fast. Some are strong. All are out to eliminate their opponents.
Plan your strategy to get safely into the end zone. Your opponent will do everything he can to destroy your players and take possession of the ball. Can you overpower them and score a touchdown? Score two touchdowns and you'll be the battleball champ!
Twixt