Billed as a strategic bluffing game, on the whole, this game is pretty poor. The main problem is that there is almost no information to bluff on, so you're basically making random decisions to a great extent. I also second the other user's opinion that it is far too easy to get the target total (10), so that losing a round becomes pretty random. I'm surprised this game made it through testing and was published. I MIGHT try it one more time if someone convinced me I was missing something, but I doubt it.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Fun and versatile game here. It can be a quick filler for two players or a social game for three or four - since there is little to do on your downtime, the game allows for some social chatting. Either way, this is a fun game - I enjoy trying to puzzle out a decent route and then executing on that "plan." Bonus for being very easy to teach, so it comes out when a quick intro to strategy games is needed.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Probably the hardest of the 10 Days bunch. The longitudinal nature of Asia makes for an interesting and slightly more difficult trip creation process. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to playing it some more!

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Another great game in the 10 Days Series. It's nice being on a map that is really familiar to me (as opposed to Africa). Since there is only one card of each state, it can bog down a touch with four players, but never feels like it is overstaying its welcome. Neat game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Essentially Tic Tac Toe in three dimensions. Decent enough but I'm not clamoring to play it.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

A fun filler - although the little control you have disappears with each person you add. A favorite of mine due to its ease in teaching - just four rules and you are off.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great stock manipulation game and one of my all time favorites. I like the decisions regarding where to form companies what to do with stock on a merger, etc. Do I save this tile for a possible merger? Play it now? Fun stuff and easy to grasp. Personally, I love the Hasbro over-production.

Played with open holdings for the first time and I'm now not sure which way I prefer - open or closed.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Key here is that you need the full five players (or six depending on the version you have), otherwise there is just not enough conflicting actions for the game to work.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

My only play of this was with the mythical third player, but I still had fun. There's is quite a bit going on, but not too much that I totally lose sight of what I want to be doing. Now that I have played it, I'm really disappointed my copy I traded for never arrived!

Neat puzzle game. There is an unbalanced element to your items being easy to get to by luck, but a fun game to play with the kids. Definitely will be playing again.

Random elements - yes. Fun - definitely. I can see some early inspiration for Ticket to Ride here. The hockey puck creates a bit of randomness in the game (although you can influence the random element to increase your chances for success), but also excitement as well. When you buck the odds and still establish a base, you can't help but cheer.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

With the right crowd and the right mindset, you can't help but have a decent time kibitzing about which card should be chosen. However, throw in one bad apple (pun intended) and the wheels fall off, hence the lower rating. The more I play this, the less I want to get it to the table again, but it's definitely served it's purpose over the years.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I really like the way the mechanics connect in this game. True there is a good bit of luck and a need to "take one for the team" to stop a runaway leader, but for some reason I really enjoy the way the game "works." My rating could go down on future games, but for now I have a desire to get this to the table whenever I can.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

There will always be a special place in my collection for this one, as it was a key to my developing the passion for boardgames that I have today. That being said, there are other games I would pull off the shelf before this one; indeed, there are other GameMaster titles I would pull off as well.

I'm particularly bad at this game, so that might have colored my rating. There's just something about the "make up a definition" type of exercise that I just don't enjoy.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Basari is a quick, fun simultaneous action selection game in the vein of Adel Verpflichtet. What sets Basari apart is the bartering stage of the game, which is an interesting mechanic that I enjoyed. My small gripe in the game was the fact that when more than two people pick the same thing it merely gets canceled, rather than a big batter happening. However for a game that plays in 40 minutes, and has fun decisions throughout, I can hardly hold a grudge.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I like this game - both the way the board develops and the game play. While it is not a brain burner, there are still plenty of decisions to make. The more I've played it, the more I've liked it. The need to balance your own scoring with avoiding creating potential choice spots for your opponents (shopping malls!) was well implemented in the game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great spatial game - and the fact that it's so accessible to the Tetris generation is another big plus. My rating is for a four player game only, however. The game loses quite a bit when playing with three (have to add a dummy player) and two (playing two colors) - with three I'd play something else. 2, get Travel Blokus. Still, a fun game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Quick and challenging word game. For three minutes, it really taxes your brain! It takes some play to get up to be competitive against a good player, but hey it's only three minutes long!

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Light and fun. The first time we tried this with friends it was a bust, every time since it has been well received. Nice mix of negotiation and simple planning.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Quick, real time, pattern recognition dice game - whew, that's a lot of stuff in one package. It's decent, but not great, need to play it some more to see what I really think.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Interesting twist on word games - I played it once as a two player game with my wife. There is some danger of excessive downtime if you are in no need of making a word and your opponent HAS to sell a word that turn. We didn't experience enough to effect my rating, however. I look forward to trying this again sometime.

(Update 5/09) Played again as a four player affair and with the auction variant - fun game. Neat twist on the average word game and doesn't take too incredibly long. Not enough here to garner a seven rating but still fun.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Our first play went over real well. The game is quick to teach and a lot of fun to play, I think we'll get this out again soon!

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

The most fun you can have in fifteen minutes, rolling four dice.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I'm becoming a Moon-fanboy I fear, but I liked this game. There were decisions to make that were difficult, but not overwhelming. I like that the cards you used (or didn't) in building then become valuable again at auction. Fun game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

As a dexterity game, Carabande is a lot of fun. The flicking of the discs is clearly a skill that can be improved on over time. Even at the end of my third game, I felt I could start making shots that I could not in the first game. Not a game I'd want to play week in and out, but with the right crowd, it is a lot of fun.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great game for kibitzing between turns - but the downtime is so small that you don't get bored waiting for your turn to come around. It also scales really well from 2-5. Good game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I need to give this another try sometime, but I just didn't have much fun with this game.

Classic abstract that I played scores of times with my grandparents when I was younger. Fairly accessible but still with good tactical choices to be made throughout.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I enjoy Chess, but I doubt I will ever study it enough to be truly competitive. Side note: why do people feel compelled to give unsolicited advice when they see people playing chess in a coffee shop?!?

Negotiation fun abounds here. The thing I like best about the game is that, somehow, the perceived leaders inevitably get screwed up in some way. Almost everytime I play, someone that believes they are out of it finishes in first or close to it. Great game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Fun little press your luck card game. A quick game, but with interesting decisions throughout means it should see plenty of table time. Looking forward to more playings of this.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

While not a game of heavy strategy, I enjoy this game. The balance of trying to get stuff done while balancing your corruption is fun. With the interesting bits and straightforward turns, I think this would be a good game for "non-gamers" to enjoy. More and more, I look at a game and think, "will my family play this?" C:SOA gets a definite yes.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Decent deduction game here, but some parts of it seem pointless. The roll and move aspect does little to help the game and feels superfluous. Still it is a classic and deservedly so.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Quick game with tough decisions. Do you try to set yourself up for a great row or hurt your opponents? The right choice is sometimes hard to determine. I like this game if it plays quickly - if the players take too much time it overstays its welcome.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Fun ancients war game in the style of Axis and Allies. I loved the captured general rules, but agree with the comments that the combat system had issues - I'm looking forward to trying out the revised rules.

Interesting blend of negotiation, rule breaking abilities, and card play. The sci-fi theme puts some people off, but I think they're missing a great game. A game I wish I got a chance to play more often.

I have the Hasbro/Avalon Hill edition, which while many believe is inferior, seems just large enough for how much I want to get into the game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great party game; mixes elements from a lot of "classic" party games that preceeded it. The way the dice controls movement can be tough on some teams, but it's a party game, so in the end, should that matter?

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

As a cooperative party game, it is definitely unique. The smaller the number of players you have, the easier it is going to beat the game. When we played with four it was really easy, then with six it was a closer affair. If you are playing with four players or less, you might want to consider starting the clock a little lower.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

For a shorter scrabble-type game, it is decent. However, there are so many great word games out there that it just doesn't stack up.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

This game is dangerous and very fun!

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

This abstract has interesting pattern recognition elements. Since many scoring formations are similar, you need to be watchful to your scoring opportunities with each piece. Then you have to balance that with keeping an eye on your opponent. Enjoyable game but a bit of a curve until you recognize the patterns more easily.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Fun press your luck game - good choice for a quick game for lots of people.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Decent abstract strategy game. My only beef was that it seemed to last longer than the enjoyment did. I want to try it again with two players rather than four.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

The flowing river rules and the ability to dam those rivers, though difficult to conceptualize at times, makes this game for me. I really think it is a great mechanic and one that will keep this game in my collection.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great game - the rules are easily explained, but the game has a great deal of options during the course of play. The best part, however, is that the choices are not overwhelming complex - pick the camels and place them. Straightforward but engaging - recommended.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I've finally gotten a chance to play this game with five players and I may not play it any other way. I enjoy the decisions and the balance of getting caballeros to the court and to the board. With five players, the decisions are a lot tighter and knowing that each action card might get used each turn makes for great game conditions. With five ready players, this game is probably an 8 for me, I'll suggest it. I've gotten a chance to play it with three, and it confirms my preference for five.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Fun route planning game here. While there is little player interaction, with only one log to mess with the opposition, you still have to rely on what your other players do quite a bit. That interaction keeps things sort of tense. The only drawbacks are (1) that the game can bog down a little with over thinking of turns and (2) the fantasy theme - which around here means it doesn't get brought out as often as I might like.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Another fun entry in the 10 Days series, Europe has a lot of waterways that adds a different feel. My only gripe is that the ocean/sea distinctions are made by different shades of blue which are kind of hard to distinguish (however, this is no longer a gripe as I own Europa Tour which has sea voyages marked with dotted lines). Fun game for 2, 3 or 4.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

While this game isn't terribly deep, it is a lot of fun. Believe it or not, I think the theme is what does it for me. There is something to it, manipulating the "gene" lines to get the offspring you want. The game has it's warts -- among which is that it is hard to make positive plays without sufficient cards with your trait in hand -- but for something that can play in way less than half an hour, I'm willing to overlook them. I'm looking forward to more plays.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Easy game to learn and visually appealing as well. Even though the luck of the draw plays a big part, there is a decent amount of tactics to be employed here as well. I love the competition that the common ground creates and the ability to mess with your opponent via the weeds. Fun game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great little game - I loved the two phase construction of the game play. Just the right length and still many tough decisions. It packs a lot of game into the fifteen minutes of playing time.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Good game to introduce young kids to a ladder trick game as the animal theme is easy to grasp. The additional scoring rules in later rounds seem hard to control, but make things interesting.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Negotiations galore! There are so many different ways of amassing points that the negotiations can be hard to value most times. If this bogs down your playgroup, then the game will crawl and can be painful. If people are still ready to make deals, then the game shines.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Nice little card game - quick, easy to explain, not too hard to play well, interesting decisions throughout. The key to the enjoyment is the unknown cards that will never come up - can I finish this run or not?? Really enjoy this game as a quick filler when waiting for other games to get done.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Light fun game - perfect for playing with kids or as an end of the evening capper when your brains are all tuckered out.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

This could become a regular filler for me. It has several mechanism that ruthlessly ensure the game is short and the decisions are fairly straight forward, but still difficult to make. I like the thematic elements at play too (especially the idea that you win a gunfight and steal IOUs off your victim - classic). I look forward to getting this to the table more.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Sure it's just charades, but the timer mechanism adds a ton to the game. The fact that you need to grab the card before it falls leads to some tantalizing close "near misses." Great game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

A great dexterity game with some added additional strategic decisions - and an off the wall theme - makes for a great game for adults and kids to play together. I feel like my fingers are sausages when I try and pry out that illusive purple egg. Fun game.

(Note: I rate children's games as what I'd play with someone from the appropriate age group. So, for instance, an 8 would mean that if my toddler wants to play a game, I might suggest this and wouldn't try to talk him out of it if that's what he had in hand.)

Interesting mechanics in the use of currency (carrots) in the game - you're always trying to get more, then suddenly you are trying to shed them at the end. I enjoy this game when I play it, but don't often request it when the option is there. I might try playing it more to see if my opinion changes.

There are a lot of neat elements at work in this game - the modular board construction, the variable nature of the god cards, and some tactical maneuvering as well. Each play brings up interesting questions: Do I voyage quickly building up my cities? Stock pile soldiers in my current cities? Build a hand of god cards? The modular nature of the setup ensures these other elements differ from game to game. There's a lot wrapped up in this small package.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I've only played the basic version to date - with my child. While I was hesitant to let him play the game, he really was interested in the box (had it around to give away) so we tried it out. He's having to count, add, and compare numbers every turn - good skills to have, and he's having fun and likes to make stories up about the characters. We don't emphasize the "killing" just that the figures are "out of the game." It works and it's fun. Recommended.

I've had a chance to play the "advanced" version of the game, and it's much better than the basic version - it's a fun dice fest and light miniatures game. I'll hang on to this and definitely play it from time to time.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Simple, straightforward, but full of interesting decisions - there's a lot packed into this little gem. Perfect game for opening an evening while waiting for a couple of people to arrive or closing things out. I love the "least money is out" mechanic - really adds to the game (and believe it or not, the theme).

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

If you want a Risk-type game but with more to it, HoW fits the bill. I really enjoy watching a civilization grow and ebb as the years unfold. Little swingy and runs a little longer than I would like, but it's definitely fun and I enjoy getting in a game every now and then.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

The movie theme fits well here and the length of the game seems right on target. There's a good, solid game here that non-gamers can approach due to the familiar subject matter and funny "movies" that result. I have the consistent problem of accumulating money and never spending it - gotta' work on that. Fun game that I'm looking forward to playing again soon!

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

If you enjoy "Take That!" mechanics in your gaming, you'll love this one. My initial reaction to the games was that I thought the negotiations were fun, but I was not in a rush to play it again. After playing it a second time, my appreciation for the game has increased, and I'm looking forward to future plays. Good game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

The more you play this game, the more fun it becomes - as you begin to know what cards to expect, when to go fishing for something to help your situation and what value the wares might garner. Even with the learning curve, this is still a fun game and might be my favorite for two right now.

I just played for the first time in about a year today, and my opinions hold - I got to get this to the table more often.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I like this game as a simplified card drafting example that I can get all types of people to play. The art is fun and the decisions are not overwhelming so that family will play. Nice, light filler with easy decisions.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

As usual, Uwe Rosenberg creates an interesting blend of mechanics for a non-intuitive affair, but one that makes total sense once it clicks. You have to be careful in the early game when you have no money to get you out of a jam. Also, the luck of the draw plays quite a bit of an effect. Regardless, the game is short (< 30 minutes) and fun to play - both good marks in my book.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I really like the mechanic that forces everyone to play every hand once - neat idea. The mechanics of the game itself are okay, but fun nonetheless. Good filler.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Last Chance is a fun dice game, with some rudimentary strategy. Every time that I've played it people have shouted or groaned audibly over the rolls of the dice. If you're in the mood for a lighter, quick dice game with some betting - play this. This isn't a game I'd want to play ALL the time, but definitely would for the end of the evening closer, hence my six rating.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Decent word game, combines positioning with Boggle-like word making. My wife usually destroys me at Boggle, so this gives me some chance at winning.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I'd enjoy this game even more if there was some way to not get burned on exact bids! They get me ALL the time. With more plays I'm starting to get a feel for the subtleties of the bluff aspect here - it is the name of the game after all.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

It's quick, but still has some decisions to be made. The ultimate "we're waiting for that group to finish the last ten minutes of their game" game to pass the time but still have an interesting game. This is a quality filler game for sure.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

It's a kids' game for sure. My rating, however, is the same for a group of kids or a group of adults - it's a game that is fun for a couple of times, but I can't seeing wanting to play it numerous times in a row. There's definitely a disadvantage to sitting to the right of an experienced player. For a game that lasts five minutes and is dependent on a motorized bi-plane - that fault hardly matters. Kids' game that is fun for adults as well.

Actually (to update this rating), the more that you play the game, the more that you want to play it in a row. Once you start getting some "skill" at bumping the plane just the way you want, it really becomes engrossing. I've picked up a copy and expect it will get a lot of plays with the kids and at TGD.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

For any fan of the novels, this game is a great experience. Although the shine wears off some after each play, just opening the box and thinking about the adventures we've had makes me want to play it again. I recently played a few more games after a hiatus and thought about upping my rating. Definitely a great system that I see myself revisiting a couple of times a year -- fun game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great two player card game - quick, easy to teach and tough decisions. Luck of the draw is a big factor, but not the controlling factor in the game. Fun game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Four players with the variable construction rules makes for a great game. With only three players my rating would drop significantly.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Feels really similar to Cafe International - which is good b/c that's what I acquired this game to replace. The game is heavily dependent on the luck of the draw but has some tactics involved. While it doesn't have enough decisions for a 60 minute game -- it has plenty for the 30 minute affair that this is - I enjoyed it and will probably play it frequently.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Magic was an obsession for me at one period. Now, I hardly ever play or think about playing, but I can't seem to bring myself to get rid of the cards I still have in the closet.

Update 5/07: I made about six decks and have traded away my remaining cards - now it's like a stand alone game. But I still hardly play it.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Interesting set collection game. It loses a lot when the other players are slow to play, but if all four are zipping along, this is a fun game. Not too terribly strategic but good for socializing.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

There's no denying the memory aspect to this game, but instead of card counting, the real fun is going with your gut sense of what's in the pile. It adds great tension to the end of the round filling of the orders. I haven't played this game in a while and thinking about it makes me want to get it back out. Fun game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I really like the stone mechanism of getting paid to allow bad things to happen to help you do go things. This is a fun and interesting little game that would be a 7 or 8 if it played a little quicker. I wonder how it would be with the three round version as opposed to the four?

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Quick and decent abstract game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Fun little cooperative game -- with an adult plying all their "science" reasoning you probably can win a high percentage of the time. With a group of kids, however, the ending is in doubt and there will be fun had throughout. Neat game.

(Note: I rate children's games as what I'd play with someone from the appropriate age group. So, for instance, an 8 would mean that if my toddler wants to play a game, I might suggest this and wouldn't try to talk him out of it if that's what he had in hand.)

This game of merchants acquiring goods is full of spectacularly difficult decisions and is engaging throughout the entire course of the game. Using victory points as a currency is a great mechanic that I usually like a lot; Medici is no exception. The only downside is that letting one player get too many cards for free at the end of the round can create a runaway leader quickly, but only if they get lucky and have a good draw. Nevertheless, the simple rules but difficult decisions make for a great game. This is one game though where I don't feel like I play particularly well, but am always in the running for the laurels - I wonder what that means.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I really like the way the different mechanisms fit together in this game. It made sense and things flowed together. While it did seem that some players overpaid for cards, but that doesn't detract from the game for me. Those players paid a penalty for this - they had less money at the game's end (the winning condition). I think bids will get lower with more experience, which I hope to be able to "experience" soon. Fun game - based on one play with five players.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

This game is fun and looks great when you're playing it. The components add to the theme and flavor of the game. Neat decisions to be made and just a touch of randomness to keep you guessing a tad. I need to get this back to the table - my rating may increase.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

While I don't love valuation puzzles, I enjoy this one. The fact that the theme fits so well with the game play makes it for me.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I like the mechanics here a lot, plus the various currencies are attractive (except for the greenbacks, of course).

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

From time to time, with the right rules, I like to play Monopoly. In fact, I'd probably rate it a little higher if not for the inability to overcome dice rolls that leave you with no choices and nothing tradeable with which to make deals. Basically, with the correct rules, and a crowd that doesn't want to learn something "new," you could do far worse than this classic.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

This game is definitely a fun romp - there's something about destroying your home town with a giant sludge monster that is just kind of funny. The end battle is somewhat anti-climatic, but the game is more about having a laugh than about winning, at least for me. Fun game, based on one play with four players.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

New England has several different mechanics that blend together well - I think. The bidding system is easy to grasp, and works fairly well. The scoring and development system are interesting as well. Enjoyed my one play of this and hope to get it to the table again soon. Based on one play with four people.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

A game that appears to be centered around the gimmick of the waterfall is actually fun and engaging. There are things to consider but not too much to lock up your ability to come to a decision. Fun game, enjoyed playing plain and with Spirits expansion. I've adjusted my rating down recently due to feeling like the game was too random. I want to play again soon to reconsider that notion.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Very similar to Raj with microscopic changes - that said, simple bid/bluff game that plays quickly. Decent.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

There are some nice elements to this game that I really enjoyed. The bidding was interesting and the game moves quickly. Plus the building of your own zoo had a great feel to it. You have to avoid overpaying in the early round (like I did), and realize that the scoring ramps up quite a bit in the later rounds.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

While there are some things to think about, when I make a good move, I feel it was the luck of the draw and not my pondering that caused it. That being said, I still enjoy it and like to play.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

A solid abstract, just not a huge favorite of mine, but it's been getting some play lately with my 5 y.o.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Interesting twist on the Pente idea (without the capture). The constant moving of the tiles creates fun situations and forces you to be aware of what is happening all over the board.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Nice abstract game with interesting decisions. It plays very quickly, so several games in a row can be played easily.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Decent group think game. You have to out smart your opponents about where you might be going. Limited information and high chaos make the chances of successfully doing that difficult at best. Since it's very quick it will retain a place in my collection as a solid super quick filler.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

If you want to have an excuse to talk like a pirate and yell "Ahoy!" then this is the game. Fun adventures abound on the seas, but don't expect a brain burning strategy game. The game is filled with dicey combat and lucky card draws but is entertaining throughout.

Fast, furious, and fun - for a game or two. After that it gets kinda' repetitive. But until that time - it's great... one! one! one!

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

The critics will decry this as merely 36 auctions, but those are some delicious and fun auctions. I really like the mechanics at work here. The need to stay active on multiple expeditions is great. The card system is fun and the special abilities are interesting as well - plus, the board is adaptable to multiple configurations to keep the game interesting.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I really enjoy this game. The decisions each round are tough, but not too difficult to think through - a fine line for a game to walk, and I think Power Grid does it nicely. Beware of trying to bid up plants you don't want, however. I got stuck two times last time I played and it destroyed my game.

With more plays however, I have downgraded my rating slightly - I still think it's a great game, but I always feel that it goes a little longer than I'd like it to. Maybe that's because I'm usually out of the running in those last few turns -- I'm sure to play this more, and I'll try and pinpoint that feeling some more.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I enjoy playing this fun little two player abstract. My only concern is that it may be too easy to stalemate once my wife and I get used to playing. The advanced rules, however, would seem to alleviate that concern.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

The main problem with Quiddler is that the end game is subject to wild swings of luck based on the draw. If someone has a complete word on the draw, you're out of luck and there's not much you can do about it. Not a big deal if those late rounds didn't create such a big point swing.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I like to play Ra, especially with three. I have to admit, though, I don't understand why it brought such high prices when it was OOP.

Once you have a feel for the rewards for the tiles, you're appreciation and ability to value sets, and in turn, your ability to play the game well, skyrockets.

I also recently bummed this rating up to an 8 - after playing it in a casual setting (two couples) and seeing how well it went over, I can see this becoming a more regular game. The fact that I'm looking forward to that means the rating gets a bump. Fun and quick, try this out.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Not much to this game - but I'll play it from time to time, especially because my nieces and nephews like it. Some strategic decisions to be made in watching what you discard and make sure you leave large enough holes to be filled in during the game. Two player is more strategic than four, which is pretty chaotic.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I traded Age of Steam for this game because I thought Age of Steam was a game I could play with my gaming friends, but RRT was a game I could (eventually) play with my family. I think I made the right choice. RRT has a lot of the things I like about AoS without some of the brain burning problems, coupled with a more forgiving set of restrictions. AoS junkies might dismiss it as messing up a great thing, but it fits a niche for me. Plus I find it really easy to explain to new players - great game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

The nostalgia factor inflates my rating despite the powerhouse Australia flaw. That said, when playing two player, Risk can be a quick and fun game and doesn't drag out for hours on end. Playing three players however is not all that great.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Knowing ahead of time that a big board with many players can drag on, we played with a small board and two players, and had a blast. The programming was fun and the resultant chaos was fun to watch as well. The game was pretty balanced with both of us having a pretty good shot to win outright. All told, it was a lot of fun - only the length of game prevents me from a higher rating, as I know I won't be as quick to pull it out with larger groups.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I like this a lot. The 3D manipulation is appealing to me and I like the simple rule set - easy to explain and you can jump in right away. I'm looking forward to more plays of this.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Fun rummy variant, need to play this more than I do.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Some brain burning involved here trying to figure out the best possible move, but can be played quickly and with a lighter style as well. I love the way it scales from 2-4, as well. Great game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I REALLY like the division mechanism in this game, and I feel with each play I'm getting a slightly better handle on what things are worth - of course, the mechanism is tied closely to board position. Great fun and definitely my suggestion any time we have three players. Some complain about the wildly fluctuating value of the banishments - they can be REALLY powerful or a dud depending on the dice role. That aspect doesn't bother me at all, but that said, I don't mind a heavy dose of luck in a game that I'm playing.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great idea for a party game here. The problem I have with the game is how it encourages players to be "too creative." Stretching the category idea to create something that is an alliteration for the bonus points happens pretty frequently. Then the players have to be hardliners to reign in that type of play, and no one wants to be that person especially during a party game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

While similar to Knizia's Lost Cities, I actually prefer this game. There is still the difficult decisions on where to play, but the multiple winning conditions make the game feel a little richer to me.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

The granddaddy of lots of word games, Scrabble is a classic that is still fun to play. Opponents that have the secret two letter words memorized certainly have an advantage but still a solid game.

Good game, but you need to "train" to be able to compete with an experienced player. People that have played before definitely have an advantage, unless the new player is just a pattern recognition savant. That said, I always enjoy playing, even when I get trounced. It is quick enough that, even when getting beat, I look forward to that next game where I might have a chance.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Like so many other gamers, this is the game that sparked my love affair with German / Designer games. It doesn't come out as much as it used to, but I still enjoy it and am always happy to play it. I prefer it with the Seafarers expansion slightly more than the original alone. All that said, this is still a great game. Recommended!

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Light and mindless game of press your luck - but does have some strategic decisions about when to stop pressing your luck. The tactical sensation of the chips adds something as well. Always enjoy.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Interesting abstract. It is definitely challenging to be looking for that big score to pull you ahead as opposed to the easy to find two or three point captures. I'm looking forward to trying it with more than two players, as it could bump my rating. The incredible production values almost bump it up as it is.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Move over Clue, there's a meatier deduction game in town. Great logic puzzle / game, but not too heavy to totally blow your mind. I am looking forward to more plays of this game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Nice variant on the Outburst idea, but you can get really hammered by a bad topic if everyone else knows the answers. Love the scoring systems and, of course, the PANTS. For some reason this is one of those party games that I like a lot (and am fairly good at) but those that I play with are lukewarm about playing. So it won't get to table as much as it might deserve. Fun game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Okay, it's a little gimmicky, but I like it. The decisions on what to do next in your limited amount of time are fun and difficult. I've only played the basic game, which I liked, but I'm interested in trying the advanced version to see if my rating might increase. All said, I'm glad to own it - one of those "different" experiences.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Interesting twist on the "Pictionary" style of part game. I love the fact that you can animate your drawings to help get people to guess your clue. Great party game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Sure it's just a complete dicefest, but it definitely is fun. The best part of this game is the fact that there can be wild swings of luck / advantage. Even though it looks like the game may be in the bag for one side, fortunates can sometimes change, and drastically. I've seen games come down to a dice roll on one side for the win, and then pass the turn for a roll to the other side for the win - talk about balance. Light and fun way to spend an hour, especially if you like the Star Wars universe at all.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Interesting take on Starfarers - and a fun game. Exploration is interesting and the development tree leaves some meaningful decisions in this two player game. Play time is a little long, but honestly, it's never bothered me when playing. Always a good sign! Fun.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Interesting word game. Each player makes a real time crossword with the letters they are dealt. It can get fast and frantic. The only drawback is that a player in the lead can really pull away and put it away, but with a game that doesn't last very long, it's a not a terrible downside.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great party game, and the ability to buzz your opponent is extremely cathartic. Without the buzzer, the game would just not be as fun.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I got this out for the first time in a while the other night and REALLY enjoyed the game (even with our rule mistakes). I'd like to get this to the table again soon, as the rating might move up for me. I like the simple range of decisions you have to make, but with far reaching consequences. It's well crafted and flows nicely. Great game!

I've played it again since then and really like this game a lot. It's easy to teach (once you have it down) and has great decisions during the game. I just wish they had used better colors so that I could get it to the table more (lots of color blind gamers in Nashville).

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great game to get several generations to the table at the same time. Scoring can take a while, but we really enjoy comparing scores (and the kids enjoy beating the adults). I have the eight player version - great for family gatherings.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Fun flying simulation - and the numerous games you can play with the components is great. I'm looking forward to trying this out more.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Quick, fun card game that is surprisingly evocative of its theme. The global crisis piling created a feeling of the players needing to collectively act and when someone was selfish - the effects of stockpiling the cards were felt by everyone. It was a fun game that I'm definitely going to playing again.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I really enjoyed this game - one of the best new games I've played recently. The production is solid across the board and the game play is intuitive and fun. I'm looking forward to a second playing soon.


(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Nice game for multiple audiences - not too complicated, but some decisions to be made. Those decisions are not so complicated that new players will feel overwhelmed - great gateway game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

The visuals alone pulled me into Tikal, and the game play is first rate as well. As long as no one in your group is prone to analysis paralysis, then the game can move along at a good pace and be a fun ride. I definitely like it more with the auction version, as it adds just enough control to complete the game for me. Good stuff.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

A riff off of the games "Celebrities," Time's Up perfects a list of names allowing you to focus on the fun part of the game - being clever and / or silly to get your partner to guess a person. A person with a quick memory for the forty famous people involved in a game will have a slight advantage, but regardless this is a great game. The varied list make it a good party game for intergenerational gatherings, as well. Great party game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I'll never play Yahtzee again. The variable powers supplied by the characters are great and a lot of fun to think about what should be your next target. You just can't just "roll and see what you get" as you need to balance getting more dice with being able to manipulate those dice. Too much or little of either and you'll be in a difficult position come end game. Great dice game that I look forward to playing many more times in the future.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Good quick game. The title is very apt, as I felt the key was to jump in and follow those trends! Great filler - the more I play, the more I want to play it again.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Classic introduction to trivia games. Some complain that it can drag or go on too long. We have two house rules to combat what we perceive as the problems of the game.

The first is the "Be Wrong Quickly" rule. After the question is read, if you don't immediately answer, you don't have forever to debate and ponder the idea. Either guess or move on. Period. We'll introduce a timer if need be for a particularly egregious player.

Second, we've altered the end game - the rolling back and forth and then having your worse category asked to you makes for a long end game. So we've change it slightly. When you land on the final spot with a full pie, roll the die. The resulting number is the number of correct answers you have to get after attempting all the questions on the final card. Still leaves the chance for other's to come back from a deficit, but usually speeds things up quite a bit.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Unlike Ricochet Robot, I actually "get" this game, and, although I don't feel very good at it, like playing it. It's a spatial relations puzzle, so it may not be something you want to seek out if those types of mechanics don't appeal to you.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Outburst is a fun, boisterous party game - Ultimate outburst makes it better. I like the varied "tasks" created by this version even more.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I really enjoy the agonizing decisions in this game. Your choices are simple each turn, but you want to do both. The mechanic of not knowing when the scoring rounds occur adds even more agony to the game. Good fun.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

When we play Uno anymore, which is rare, we adopted too house rules that help speed it along, which makes it actually kinda' fun. Not the best card game out there, but a mass market that I don't mind playing from time to time.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Neat auction game with a spacial element to it as well. It's fun and enjoyable. Word to the wise, don't underestimated the power of creating diamonds.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Nice dexterity game with a little added strategy but not so much that you it takes away from the fun. My only gripe is that sometimes it ends before it gets going, i.e. before the second level is placed.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Decent little kid's game - very similar to Ghost Party. I like the ability to jump out early for less victory points. The cat movement is neat as well. The more I play it, I really see that there are several ways to approach the game and you need to be flexible depending on what the cat has done in the early game. When it speeds up, it really is lights out for everyone still moving mice. The bits are great, the game is solid and is a little more engaging than Ghost Party for the younger children. Solid kid's game.

(Note: I rate children's games as what I'd play with someone from the appropriate age group. So, for instance, an 8 would mean that if my toddler wants to play a game, I might suggest this and wouldn't try to talk him out of it if that's what he had in hand.)

Fun little card game. I enjoy the way the game forces you to balance your progress with you funds. The fact that it plays quickly helps my enjoyment as well. (Based on 1 play)

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I had played Expedition previously and liked it, so when I saw WA at a local thrift I snatched it up. I'm glad I did - I like it even more. The endangered animal aspect is interesting to fill the down time between turns and the chance cards help to move things along. Fun game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Great light game, but with good decisions to be made. If I have a mixed crowd of four to six players, and we want something lighter, but with good decisions to be made, this is my pick. I like the way the races are run and the decisions to be made. We play with the hidden bets and the bluff bet as well. There is a bash the leader issue since money is open, however, the bluff bet and more players in the game helps offset this a bit. Fun game.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

I need to play this some more, but it is an interesting puzzle and pattern recognition game. The Wu Hsing production is decent, as well.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

This wild west rummy variant with special cards makes for a decent three player game. Interesting interlocking mechanisms make this game a nice alternative to 500.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Interesting take on Parcheesi here - like the process of determining movement. Our four player game was just the right length, coming to an end just as the game was about to start dragging. The fact that all the players are involved in every turn is also a plus. I've rated this with the idea that it is a game to play with adults and children -- for that crowd I think it's a great fit.

(When rating games I focus on the "how likely I am to play this game again" part of the BGG description rating, as opposed to the "quality" part of the rating.)

Excellent use of a memory mechanic - and the pieces are great! The wooden chickens alone make me want to play this game. It's a little too advanced for my (currently) three year old, but I can see us playing this a lot fairly soon. Update: he just turned four and is starting to make some serious chicken advances, but just like his old man stalls right before the tail feather stealing jump! His pulling the first three tiles he needed blind the other night was almost fun enough to raise this rating by itself. I recommend this game!

(Note: I rate children's games as what I'd play with someone from the appropriate age group. So, for instance, an 8 would mean that if my toddler wants to play a game, I might suggest this and wouldn't try to talk him out of it if that's what he had in hand.)