board games — Experience Points Podcast

Episode 116 AP Table Talk: Trick-Taking Ladder Climbing

In this episode of AP Table Talk, the hosts Brian and Dave Eng explore the enduring appeal of trick-taking and ladder climbing games. They reminisce about classic games like Hearts and Euchre, delving into lesser-known variants such as Nine Five Two, where players aim for different trick objectives. The conversation touches on modern games like SCOUT and Haggis, highlighting their strategic nuances. They discuss the diversity in ladder climbing games, focusing on favorites like Tiger & Dragon and Sail, and how these games adapt to various player counts. They share insights into their preferred contemporary trick-taking games and ponder potential variations within the ladder climbing mechanic. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving dynamics and meta plays in trick-taking games, making them timeless favorites.

Episode 111 AP Table Talk: Tech Trees Tech Tracks

In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on "tech tree" and “tech track” games. They emphasize how tech trees are a central component of many video games and board games, offering players various strategic paths and upgrades. They mention games like "Tapestry" and "Space Station Phoenix" that use tech tracks and tech trees for engine-building and resource management. They also explore how tech trees can add complexity and thematic depth to games and highlight the importance of balancing different strategies. They touch upon games like "Civilization" and "Terraforming Mars" and discuss the idea of introducing legacy elements to tech trees, allowing progress across multiple plays. The episode provides insights into how tech trees enhance gameplay in various genres and why they are a popular game mechanic.

Episode 107 AP Table Talk: Rondel

In this episode of AP Table Talk, hosts Brian and Dave Eng focus on rondel games, where players move along a circular track to take actions. Dave introduces "Patchwork" as a significant game he played early in his relationship. They discuss games like "Sabika," highlighting rondel mechanics and unique elements. They mention thematic considerations, player count dynamics, tie-breakers, and variations in game mechanics. Dave and Brian also touch on games with changing rondel layouts and explore twists in mechanics, such as action resolution prior to moving. They conclude by reflecting on the accessibility and strategic choices offered by rondel mechanics.

rondel, game mechanics, board game, AP Table TalkDave EngMarch 10, 2024rondel, board games, game mechanic, AP Table TalkComment

Episode 99 The Ideal Board Game Player Part 2

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What makes the Ideal Board Game Player?” What makes the “ideal” board games player? Some say that it takes someone who fully understands the rules. Others would say that it’s more about those who pay attention to the game rather than be subjected to distractions. Some feel that it’s tactical play and strategic thinking that makes the ideal tabletop player.

board games, table top gamesDave EngNovember 19, 2023board games, tabletop games, players, player experience, hostingComment

Episode 98 The Ideal Board Game Player Part 1

On today’s episode, we’ll answer the question “What makes the Ideal Board Game Player?” What makes the “ideal” board games player? Some say that it takes someone who fully understands the rules. Others would say that it’s more about those who pay attention to the game rather than be subjected to distractions. Some feel that it’s tactical play and strategic thinking that makes the ideal tabletop player.

board games, tabletop games, player experienceDave EngNovember 5, 2023board games, tabletop games, players, player experience, hostingComment

Episode 89 AP Table Talk: Mancala

In this episode of AP Table Talk, Brian and Dave Eng discuss board games that utilize the Mancala mechanic, which involves moving pieces along a board with hollows or pockets. They start by reminiscing about Dave’s childhood memories of playing Mancala with his mom's old board. They then explore modern board games that have popularized this mechanic, such as Five Tribes and Trajan. They also discuss other games like Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done and Fruit Picking, which offer variations of the Mancala mechanic.

AP Table Talk, Game Mechanics, MancalaDave EngJuly 2, 2023board games, mancala, game mechanic, chair reaction, AP table talkComment

Episode 87 AP Table Talk: Grid Coverage

In the first episode of AP Table Talk, a podcast that explores board games, Brian and Dave Eng discuss the Grid Coverage mechanic. They define the mechanic as players covering a grid or filling a space using various shapes such as polyominoes. Some of the games that they discuss which use this mechanic include Patchwork, Blokus, Copenhagen, Cultivate, Silver and Gold, and Tiny Towns. Brian and Dave also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the mechanic, such as the strong core loop and the potential for it to be luck-dependent. They mention twists on the mechanic, such as enforced fill order and the extension of Grid Coverage upwards.

game mechanics, grid coverage, AP table talkDave EngJune 4, 2023board games, game mechanics, grid coverage, AP table talkComment

Episode 84 Introducing AP Table Talk

In this podcast episode, Dave Eng and his cousin Brian discuss their new podcast called AP Table Talk. They explain that the show will explore different board game mechanics such as area control and deck building, and they will discuss the history and design variations of each mechanic. They also share their early memories of playing board games separately and together, including games like Monopoly, Hero Quest, Risk, and Life. They talk about how they got into gaming and how they used to play together with their family and friends.

board game mechanicsDave EngApril 23, 2023board games, mechanics, brian eng, dave engComment

Episode 64 What makes a good rule book?

On today’s episode we’ll answer the question: “What makes a good rule book?” Rulebooks are one of the first things that players turn to after they’ve decided to play your game. Players turn to this as the guide; the rules; and the structure that will shape their experience. Often designers think about rulebooks at the very end of their design process. However, the ability to write clear, concise, and actionable rules is more challenging that you may think.

rulebookDave EngJuly 24, 2022rulebook, board games, playtesting, structure, theme, core loop+Comment

Episode 50 Game Components

On today’s episode we’ll cover “Game Components.” Games are often broken down into smaller elements. This is done in order to help designers create them as well as help academics study them. Of course there is debate on what exactly constitutes a game “dynamic” or “mechanic.” I realize that there is much contention over what these terms mean.

game componentsDave EngJanuary 9, 2022game components, components, board games, ludologyComment