Game: Exxtra

Thread: Re: Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia

DjihEf — 2008-11-06T13:44:46+00:00

It should be noted that this is not the final board.

Thread: Re: Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia

JeffyJeff — 2008-09-16T05:34:16+00:00

Toynan wrote:
Some pictures here
http://www.trictrac.net/index.php3?id=reportages&inf=detail_...
I'm glad I got my copy of the original in a math trade as I think it looks nicer than....

Thread: Re: Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia

davebo — 2008-09-15T23:32:33+00:00

Cool! However, a buddy took pity on me and bought me a copy of Exxtra from Ebay.DE.

Thread: Re: Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia

Toynan — 2008-09-15T23:29:18+00:00

Some pictures here
http://www.trictrac.net/index.php3?id=reportages&inf=detail_...

Thread: Re: Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia

davebo — 2008-05-26T21:48:07+00:00

no doubt

Thread: Re: Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia

ipgyst — 2008-05-26T03:14:01+00:00

It's only some dice and some cardboard. What could be taking so long!

Thread: Re: Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia

otscotty — 2008-02-20T02:10:26+00:00

davebo wrote:
Anything new on this?
I'm wondering the same thing.

Thread: Re: Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia

davebo — 2008-01-15T19:48:15+00:00

Anything new on this?

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tonyfung1205 — 2007-11-08T19:47:22+00:00

Blue is gonna to catch up from START with highest roll 7-6.

Thread: Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia

JeffyJeff — 2007-10-20T17:17:36+00:00

Reprint in the works from Canadian publisher Filosofia according to http://www.boardgamenews.com/index.php/boardgamenews/comment...

Thread: 2-player

ironcates — 2007-10-18T20:27:44+00:00

I've been thinking out how to play 2-player. Does playing 2 colors and knocking out your own off, if you happen to send one color higher, work?

I was also thinking about doing a Knizia scoring type game but haven't really worked it out yet.

Thread: Re: Using regular dice

ironcates — 2007-10-18T20:12:51+00:00

Permanent marker will last for at least a dozen games. Make the dice the same as the real game. 1 2 3 4 7 X and 1 2 3 5 6 X First die x-out the 5 and add a pip to the 6 and the second die x-out the 4.

I own the game, BTW.

Thread: Re: Using regular dice

rio2004 — 2007-09-28T11:08:13+00:00

I am trying another rules with rugular dices:

1. Every player need two regular dices in two colors (for example RED and BLUE). For value is RED dice first and BLUE is second. (Value 25 is not the same as 52)

1. 1==X,11=XX behaviour is the same as in original rules

2. 22,33,44,55 - one step forward

3. 66 - two step forward but player MUST throws dices again

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gmcnish — 2007-06-14T03:40:31+00:00

Box Cover

Thread: Re: Using regular dice

mrtof — 2007-04-15T14:24:03+00:00

Oups, that doesn't work like I wanted. Here are better rules:

Use the standard exxtra rules with the following modifications.

1's = X ONLY after your first turn!

Double 4, 5 or 6 do not immediately advance your counter (only a double 1 on your first turn, or a double 2 or 3 on any other turn).

All doubles count as only one number (a double 5 counts as “5” and not “55” - a double 3 counts as a “3” and not “33”). If the player accepts this throw, he only place one die on one of the rungs to indicate this.

Thread: Using regular dice

mrtof — 2007-04-13T16:14:16+00:00

1's = X

Only when rolling a double 2 or 3 do you immediately advance your counter.

All other doubles (including a double 1 [XX] rolled on your first roll) count as only one number (a double 5 counts as “5” and not “55”). If you wish to place the dice, only place one die on one of the rungs to indicate this.

Thread: Exxtra! Exxtra! Read all about it.

auspal — 2006-12-17T21:58:25+00:00

Or just what I think about it.

The first time I played Exxtra was at a gaming group get together. We used this as a filler before other people were expected to show up. I happened to have the hot hand then and rolled my way to victory. Ever since that time I've been looking to obtain Exxtra and I finally did and I'm not disappointed even though my hot hand isn't so hot all the time.

The goal of Exxtra is to move a player's own player peice 21 spaces to the end before everyone else. Seems like a straight forward roll and move game, and it is but the level of interaction created based on users' decisions make this an exceptional game. Exxtra is really the first decent dice rolling game that I've added to my collection. The simple rules, push your luck element, combined with good player interaction, to me combine to make this an excellent game that can serve as a light introduction to your game hobby, or sickness. It's very entertaining to watch one person have a hot streak only to have that streak turn cold and toward the end and have someone else who was well behind come and take the win.

Players take turns rolling a pair of dice. One dice shows a 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 'X' and the other shows a 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 'X'. After a roll the player takes the number rolled on each dice to come up with a combined number. So if they rolled a 4 and a 6 the player can combine those two numbers to make 64. On the first roll the 'X's represent a zero, so if on a first roll a player rolled a 6 and an 'X' that would be combined to make 60. After the first roll the player has the option to roll again to try to make a higher number. If on any roll after the player's first roll the player rolls an 'X' that player has to move back on the board as by as many 'X's were rolled and looses their turn. Also while rolling if the player happens to roll double 1s, 2s, or 3s they can move 1, 2 or 3 spaces forward depending on the double roll made. But there is another way to move forward besides rolling the doubles indicated.

The board has a ladder made up of 6 rungs, numbered 0 through 5, in which a player can place their dice. As long as a player has not rolled an 'X' on anything past their first roll, that player can choose to stop rolling and place their dice on one of the empty rungs. Rung 0 is an exception in which any numbers of players may choose to place their dice on. If the player puts their dice on a rung and has an equal or higher number than someone else's dice on a higher rung, the player on the higher rung will have to take their dice off the board. If play makes it back around to a player who has not had their dice kicked off the ladder then that player takes their dice off the rung and moves their player piece as many steps forward as where they were located on the ladder. So, if a player had placed their dice on rung 4 and play makes it all the way around to that player again without their dice being kicked off, that player may move their player piece 4 spaces forward on the board.

I think everyone likes to feel “lucky” every once in a while and Exxtra gives them that chance. Seeing the ebb and flow of luck is entertaining and something I think everyone can relate to. Simple, elegant and fun; Exxtra is the game I would not hesitate pull out to get things “rolling” for any gaming session.

Thread: Hey! This teen got Exxtra words fo ya!

Linkyboy23 — 2006-12-09T03:10:43+00:00

The number of players for this game is 3-6. For ages 8 and up. Exxtra takes approx. 30 min. Of course, many of you out there have experienced the joys and agonies of winning and losing. Yes, I did too, you're not alone. Exxtra gives the player an option if you want to be mean by knocking off your opponents peice that is on the movement ladder, or, you can be nice by avoiding causing mischief, so if you roll a higher number than your opponent, you put it higher on the ladder than your opponent, but... the worst way to lose (as I have many times before) is if you roll an X on your rolls after your first roll then have to move back one, that just rots! Never forget about the dreaded DOUBLE X!
Double X moves you back TWO spaces on a roll after your first roll. If you get either double ones, twos, or threes, you move either one space, two spaces, or three spaces. Exxtra gives the player a new perspective in what a dice game is all about! Craps, well, I like that, but I would play Exxtra any day! Listen to your ancestors...they are whispering to you...what do they say? I know, they are saying, "HEY YOU! Get your own copy of Exxtra so you can enjoy it like this kid did! Whattya sittin here for? Go on! Either play the game, or get one for yourslef!"
Now I may have skipped on one cool feature: the special type of dice. They are both six-sided, but one has a seven on it and an X on it, replacing the usual 5 and 4, and the other die has an X replacing the 4 on it, making it possible to roll double X or double 1-3. The board comes in 4 fractions, like a puzzle, when put together, resembles a huge X. It has 22 spaces on it, where you need to go from start to ziel (finish).
There are six ladder rungs in the middle of the giant X. Each rung represents the movement patterns of your own peice and your opponent's peices as well! The ladder rungs are arranged as of 0-5, only one set of dice can be on a rung at a time, except for the 0 rung, that is. If by some (very unusual or strange) reason, even everyone could be on the 0 rung at anytime! Sure, you won't be moving anywhere anytime fast, but it is a good precaution.
Say, if I put my dice on the 4th rung, now it is your turn. On my turn, I rolled a 64, now it comes to your turn, you roll a (lucky... ) 72, now that is pretty good, but not the best roll, now, you put your dice under mine and the opponent's as well. Now the dice amounts that are lower or equal to that amount that you rolled and that are on a higher rung than yours, all of those dice amounts come straight off, no questions asked!
Now, the number arrangements, this is easy, the highest amount out of your two dice, such as a 7, would be in the tens place, and the lower amount is the ones place. Now, if someone were to roll a 76, the best roll by the way, and recently knocked off another person's dice, I could put a lower amount ABOVE those dice, and my dice would not be affected.
I, in particular, have only one bad part for this game, it can get very strenuous. The best parts are it's gambler's touch and it's unpredictable outcomes! I had a good time the first time I had played this, I thought to myself, " I WANT THAT!!!!" Well, now I got it! It is a very fun game and is easy to learn, so, hey, if I thought it was this good, many others might also. I may be a kid, but I can tell what a good game is and what a bad game is for myself , so I have no doubts for this game being a huge hit in many gaming conventions and/or basic households!

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simonh — 2006-11-14T03:59:36+00:00

Chaddyboy plays eXXtra at BGG.CON'06

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simonh — 2006-11-14T03:46:39+00:00

eXXtra played at BGG.CON'06

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chiputti — 2006-10-08T21:08:39+00:00

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BeyondMonopoly — 2006-08-24T01:05:28+00:00

The "Pawns"

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GamerDan — 2006-06-28T12:20:45+00:00

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GamerDan — 2006-05-11T12:28:40+00:00

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Verti — 2006-04-27T11:02:01+00:00

Exxtra

Thread: [SR] GSG 1/24, 5 players

Spielfreak — 2006-01-26T03:56:17+00:00

EXXTRA: Mark, Jeremy, Bob, Bill, Phil

We opted for this Knizia dice-rolling game while waiting to see who else would show up. I do not do well at dice-based games, and this session was no exception. I even talked to the dice at times, trying to give them some encouragement, but they instead mocked me with their constant X’s. So it’s no surprise that I spent most of the game in the start area, as I demonstrated a knack for rolling X’s. Bill struggled at first, too, but his problem was that he was upstaged three turns in a row by other players who placed better die rolls on lower rungs than his dice, thereby knocking off his dice. Just past the mid-point of the game Bob caught lightning in a bottle, rolling doubles on four consecutive tosses. But Mark and Jeremy soon passed him. Mark set himself one space away and placed his dice (71) on the 1 rung. Jeremy X’d out, but Bob rolled a 75. However, instead of placing his dice on the 0 rung (to knock off Mark), he placed his dice on the 5 rung, figuring that either Bill or I would surely take down Mark if given the chance. I had finally rounded the first corner, but was still woefully behind the leaders. I started rolling, and actually got a 72, but as I was so far behind I decided to try for doubles. Need I tell you what happened? Damned X’s appeared again. Bill was pretty much in the same situation as me. He rolled a 72, but instead of toppling Mark he, too, decided to go for doubles. The dice didn’t like him either, as he got X’d. So Mark won. Final scores were: 21, 16, 14, 10, 9.

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GeoMan — 2005-06-06T12:06:17+00:00

Thread: Session Report

gschloesser — 2003-09-08T20:51:34+00:00

Several other gamers arrived, but we figured others would be arriving shortly, so we opted for a shorter game. Reiner Knizia’s Exxtra fit the situation nicely.

Steve, Dave, Elizabeth, Michael and I pushed our luck in hopes of doubles and high numbers. Michael led early, but then began rolling a series of “x’s”, which allowed the rest of us to catch him. Elizabeth then broke into the lead and actually reached spot 20. She rolled a 76, which is the highest number possible. Thus, we all had to push our luck in hopes of rolling a 76. Otherwise, Elizabeth would win on her turn. Fortunately, Michael succeeded in rolling a 76 after a series of rolls, knocking her dice off the ladder. We were jubilant.

Our joy didn’t last, however, as Elizabeth proceeded to roll a double “3” on her turn, giving her the victory.

Ratings: Elizabeth 7.5, Steve 7, Dave 6, Michael 6, Greg 6

Thread: Session Report

PBrennan — 2002-12-07T00:48:03+00:00

Has become the 15 minute filler of choice lately. Anita declared at the start of the game that she sucks at it, and proceeded to roll 76 about 5 times to whip our punk-ass butts. James looked on in admiration at the whipping.

Positions: Anita, Rob, Pat, James

A rating of 8 after 14 plays; very good game, always happy to play. It's pacy with good groan factor. Best with 4 I think.

Thread: Session Report

PBrennan — 2002-11-22T12:51:15+00:00

Warwick strode out to an early lead rolling two 76's, and a pair of threes between times. But I eventually hauled him in following a consistent points each turn strategy.

A rating of 8 after 13 games; a fantastic push your luck game that continues to rise in my, and the group's estimation, given the good times we've had with it. Always short, always provides laughs and drama. Works best with 4
or 5. 15 mins.

Thread: User Review

qzhdad — 2002-08-20T21:35:55+00:00

This is another great little filler game by Knizia. My four year old plays with only a little coaching, my nine year old likes it and is competent at it. At the same time, there is enough decision making to make it fun for "grownup gamers" as well. (My wife claims this phrase is an oxymoron.) Be warned, it is definitely on the social side rather than a brainburner.

The object is to move your marker past twenty spaces around the track to the Ziel (goal). Your marker moves forward when you roll doubles and at the beginning of your turn if your bid is still in place. You move back by rolling X's.

The components are nice and contained in an oddsized box. The four piece, jigsaw puzzle, X-shaped board is made of that wonderful heavy duty German cardboard and is both pretty and functional. There is a scoring track around a bidding area. Each player has a set of components in his color, including a pair of dice (with X's), a wooden score marker (shaped like an X) and another cardboard marker (with an X on it) with a stand to remind everyone of who is what color. Both six-sided dice have an X, a 1, a 2, and a 3. On the other two faces, one die has a 4 and a 5, while the other has a 6 and a 7.

On a player's turn, if his dice are still on the board, he moves forward a number of spaces corresponding to the space on which his dice rest. Then the dice are rolled. On the first roll there is no penalty for rolling an X (or two). If the player rolls doubles, his marker is immediately moved forward by that number (doubles are only possible in X's and 1-3's). The player can keep his roll by placing it on the bidding track or reroll. If a player gets one or two X's on any reroll, his marker is backed up by one or two and his turn is over. Otherwise, the player may roll as often as he wants, moving forward for doubles as they are rolled. Only his final roll matters when he places his dice on the bidding track. This track consists of six spaces numbered 0-5. Only one pair of dice is allowed on each space except the zero area. The value of the roll is interpreted with the larger number read in the ten's place and the smaller read as the one's place. For example a 5 and a 3 would be 53 while the highest roll is a 75 with a 7 and a 5. On the first roll only, an X counts as a zero. When the dice are placed on an empty (or the zero space) all of the dice with the same or smaller number above them on the track are removed. Dice on a lower value bid and/or with a higher value are not affected.

This leads to the fun decisions. Do I place my dice on a lower rung which makes them less likely to be knocked off and may knock off opponents' dice? Or should I place it on the top empty spot and hope everyone rolls badly this round? Both choices have advantages and disadvantages. Often there will be several empty spaces to choose from also. Do I take the four hoping anyone rolling higher will take the five instead of knocking me off? This scheme also allows a desperation "charge" when someone is threatening to go out by rolling for doubles in hopes of making it all the way to the Ziel or knocking off the leader's dice. Therefore, no one is ever completely out of the running, but good decision-making early should make this charge a shorter journey at the end.

Exxtra takes from five to fifteen minutes and often is played several times as people "get it" or just want revenge. It is most fun with four to six, but playable with two or three.

Thread: Session Report

dougadamsau — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Doug writes:

One of several rowdy games of Knizia's dice-fest saw Rob leave the start line last but finish first. A game that is usually dismissed as being "too luck based". Geez, why does *everybody* I play this with spend the whole game laughing? A classic closer....

Thread: Session Report

dougadamsau — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Debbie writes:

Roger, Donna, Janet, Tina, Debbie

Donna joined in for a game of Exxtra while we waited for another table to finish. I started fast early but by the end of the game I was last; Tina (for whom this was also a first playing) went nice and steady, taking no risks, and comfortably romped it in by five points. In order after Tina came Roger, Donna, Janet and me.

My rating: 6. This one's lots of fun if you don't want to have to think too hard.

Thread: Session Report

dougadamsau — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Doug writes:

A silly dice chucking game to finish off the evening. I always enjoy this and it was almost the ideal time with 20 minutes until the finish after a heavy Extrablatt.

On your turn you throw your pair of coloured dice. Weird dice these, with the pip distribution up the spout - there is an "X" on each dice, while one dice has a 7 on it! You read the roll "high/low" so a roll of 7/6 is read as "76". You may roll the dice as often as you like until you get a roll you like, however any X rolled after the initial roll ends your turn and moves your score marker backwards. If you get a roll you like, you may put it on the "ladder" on any unoccupied rung. If your dice are still there on your next turn, you may advance your score marker a number of spaces equal to the rung number. A "76" will always go on the "5" space of the rung, well, sort of!

Roger went off around the track early, pursued by Doug who was positioning his dice on the ladder cautiously. Bernie and Julian seemed to revel in the power of the reroll and thus gave the distinct impression of oscillating on the scoring track. Bernie, I must admit, did advance and nearly win the game late...

The rather destructive end game saw all hands to the pumps to stop Roger from tripping over the line. In the end, after several attempts, good rolls positioned on the 1 rung saw him increment up to the 20 space and topple over the line to take the win.

Doug's rating: 7 - raucous fun. This game is criticised for being luck based. I mean, of course it is, I kind of think that was a design intent!

Thread: Session Report

BoardGameGeek — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Aldie, John, Ken, Tim

Drew and his father had to leave, and Tim and John would be taking off soon. In the meantime, Derk had arrived, getting roped into a game of Elfenland/gold with George, Neil, and Greg.

The four of us on the other hand opted for something much less intense, and Aldie brought Exxtra to the table. None of the rest of us had tried it, so he explained its simple rules.

Exxtra is a neat little game by Reiner Knizia. The board forms an X-shaped scoring track with a 'ladder', whose rungs are labeled 0-5, in the center. Two matching-color dice are distributed to each player, and although the dice are six-sided, they're not your standard kind; on both dice, the five-pip side is replaced with an 'X', and one die has a seven-pip side instead of six-.

Each player, on his turn, rolls his dice. If he doesn't like his first result he can keep rolling, but on any roll other than the first an 'X' will end his turn and penalize him a space or two. Why keep rolling? Because what you're really trying for is high numbers. The dice result is read as a two-digit number, with the higher die being in the 'tens' place. So a seven and a three would make 73. 73 is a pretty good number, so the player will probably choose to quit rolling and put his dice on one of the ladder's rungs, ending his turn. If the dice are still there at the beginning of his next turn, he can move his marker a number of spaces corresponding to the rung that he left them on. However, and this is the Knizia kick, they might not remain. Because if before your turn another player rolls at least as high a number and chooses to put his dice on a lower-numbered rung, your dice are removed from the ladder.

So the game boils down to two, maybe three decisions per turn: do I want to take my chances trying to get a good number, and, if that good number does materialize, is it good enough to put on a high rung? The third decision that comes up is, if I just rolled higher than what John and Tim have on the ladder, do I want to go for the points and place my dice on a high rung or rob them of their points by placing my dice lower?

In the first game I was the king of the dice - only rarely did I fail to roll seventy-something. Toward the end, though, the others' dice were faring better, too, so they began slowing me down and closing in. By the time I was able to cross the finish line, John was within about five spaces of me.

The second game was more interesting, with a fair amount of give-and-take at the beginning. Eventually John emerged from the pack and raced on to the finish. Tim and Aldie were grouped several spaces behind him, and I was trailing badly.

All in all, it's another fun 'press-your-luck' style game, in the same vein as Can't Stop, or Fill or Bust. The biggest difference is the ladder, which makes the game a bit more interactive and a bit less like a simple race. I wouldn't say it's my favorite of the genre, but its screw-your-neighbor factor is pretty appealing, and, hey, you can't always play Can't Stop.

Thread: Session Report

BoardGameGeek — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Aldie, Derk, George, Ken

Derk would have to leave soon, so out came Exxtra again. After a minute or two to teach it to Derk and George, we got started. This was to be George's game, as he rolled double-threes a fair number of times and shot out to the lead. By the time George reached the finish line, Derk was hot on his heels. Aldie and I were stranded a few points back.

Thread: Session Report

dougadamsau — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Roger writes:

I played this game the first time I cam to Billabong way back in September.I've suggested it several times since and each time was soundly outvoted. Iwas therefore greatly surprised when someone else suggested a game tofinish off the evening.

Dey has a firm conviction that she "cannot" roll dice. Unfortunately thisgame did nothing to improve her confidence! IMHO, this is a better gamethan Bluff - much more scope for intelligent play

Julian: 21
Doug: 15
Alan: 10
Roger: 8
Janet: 3
Dey: 1

Roger's rating: 6.5

Thread: Session Report

dougadamsau — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Doug writes:

There was still no sign of Alan and Julian, so we went for something quick in this Knizia dice game. Okay, it's not his greatest work, but I like it and as a quick risk taking game, it works. The basic idea is you roll a pair of special dice - your total is read high-low, so a 4 and a 3 is read as '43'. There is a '7' on one or the dice, and each dice also has an "X" on them. On your turn you roll the dice - you can keep this roll or keep rolling to get a better score. If you roll an X after your initial roll, your turn is over and you must retreat down the scoring track. If you roll double 1, 2 or 3 you are allowed to advance up the scoring track. The twist here is how far do you push your luck? If you are happy with a roll - let's say '51', you can stop and put the dice on a rung on a scoring ladder. This ladder has 6 spaces labelled 0 to 5. If the dice go on the 2 rung, and they are still there when your next turn comes around, then you can advance two spaces. But how are they removed? An equal or higher roll, by another player, can be placed below you dice on the ladder, removing all equal or lower dice above it. First to 21 points wins the game. I liked it, probably because I won ;-) but there is uncertainty right up until the end.

Scores:
Doug: 21
Janet/Donna: 16
Roger: 12

Doug's rating: 7

Thread: Session Report

PBrennan — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

A dice fest closer which is fine for 10 minutes, but it is after all a random shootout to decide the winner. You get decisions on whether you should retire before you roll an x (move ends), should you keep rolling to get higher than other players and knock them off the table (so they won't move along the scoring track) or settle for what you have and place yourself on the table at a point where hopefully its not worth other players knocking you off (so that at the start of your next move, you score). But in the end, the dice are more powerful than the decisions and the dice smiled on me to win by one point. Its ok, works better with more players, but for me ... too much dice.

Thread: Session Report

wavemotion — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Since La Citta was longer than our Galaxy game, Joe introduced us to Exxtra. This is Reiner Knizia's dice game of some note - and one I found to be a really fun filler game. I really like games like Can't Stop - and this was a pleasant surprise. Lots of smacktalk from the participants of this game all evening - it got so loud at one point that I could feel my voice straining to keep up with the taunting. Anyway it was a blast and I thank Joe for teaching it to us (none of us had played before except Mark who played once long ago). Three games were played during the course of the evening.

Game 1
Gold - Dan
Silver - Jonathan
Bronze - David
Did Not Medal: Dave, Joe

Game 2
Gold - Mark
Silver - David
Bronze - Dan
Did Not Medal: Craig, Dave

Game 3
Gold - Dave (finally!)
Silver - David (close!)
Bronze - Craig
Did Not Medal: Mark, Dan

Thread: Session Report

wavemotion — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Session Report for September 30, 2000

SSG - One Year Anniversary!

Roll Call: Dave Bernazzani, Mark Edwards, Alison Hansel, Dan Cashmore, David Hansel, Jenn, Andrew, Jonathan, Pete, Tamara

Session Length: 6.5 hours

Session Details: Our big one year anniversary had arrived. We had some small surprises for the group that was willing to come and celebrate the day - I had written up a small (~8 page) pamphlet of the SSG history and events over the past year (Tamara had everyone sign hers... hehheh). Plus Jenn picked up a nice sheet cake which read "Happy Anniversary SSG!" but we forgot to take a picture of it!! But it was tasty... Thanks to everyone who came tonight to help celebrate year one - and kick off year two in fine fashion...

Exxtra Details: After having Joe McSweeney teach us this game last week, I got a copy on order and even with my bad shipping karma, it managed to arrive on Friday just in time for the SSG session. The game is lots of laughs and high tension as you wait for someone to either hit the big numbers or crap out. It's a lot like Can't Stop in this respect - but in some ways a bit more fast an furious. We now use the little X-shaped player-color-indicators as HEX material (as in holding them and moving them towards the dice roller in order to cause a couple X's to show up on the dice!). It's not diminished since several playings last week - I even insisted on a 2nd game and there was certainly no objection. In all, the game was played 3 times - at about 20 minutes for each game this is a nice little filler.

Game 1: Jonathan=21, Alison=15, Mark=7, Tamara=3, Jenn=2, David=0
Game 2: Andrew=21, Dave=19, Mark=8, Pete=5
Game 3: Pete=21, Andrew=15, Mark=9, Dave=3

Ratings: Andrew=7.5, Dave=8, Mark=7.5, Pete=7.5, Jonathan=6, Alison=6.5, Tamara=6.5, Jenn=6, David=7

Thread: Session Report

cwmassey — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Game 10 and my last for the day Exxtra: From one smacktalking dice fest to the next. I'm thinking there is no skill in this one, but it is fun and probably my second favorite dice game now behind Bluff. Same playiers as in Bluff, different results as Dave got some cheap points, lucky rolls and beat us silly. A lot of fun.

So that's the day from my perch. As I said, a great time. I wish the day was longer and I really wish I could have sat down at the table with everyone there for at least one game, but that is why there must be a UG II.

Thread: Session Report

wavemotion — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

After Liar's Dice I couldn't help but suggest Exxtra which is another great dice rolling game. It's more chaotic but still fun. Same players as above - poor David had such bad luck he had a hard time getting off the Start space - the rest of us progressed reasonably well. It was close - three of us were in contention near the end - but I rolled the max 76 and waited as each player tried to knock me off the 5-space on the ladder - but they couldn't and so I took the win.

Thread: Session Report

gschloesser — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Being forced to switch our gaming session to Tuesday from our normal Wednesday due to a function at my daughter's school, we suffered from a smaller than usual turnout with 9 gamers in attendance. We were joined by my wife Gail for the first game, though, which was a pleasant surprise.

Next week we should have a stellar turnout as we are having an 'Election Night' and will be playing several election style games in anticipation of the upcoming Presidential elections.

ROLL CALL: Gail Schloesser, John Moore, Jim Fairchild, Lenny Leo, Ashton Arnold, Darren Arnold, Willerd Fann, Jerry Maus, Jon Comeaux, Greg Schloesser

Strangely, up until the recent Gulf Games 6 in Navarre Beach, Florida, I had never actually seen this Reiner Knizia dice-fest. I had heard some negative remarks about it back at the 1999 Gathering of Friends, so I never sought out the opportunity to play.

Recently, however, the game has been getting some favorable responses with Stven Carlberg's group in Atlanta, so I took the opportunity to play it at Gulf Games. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and immediately ordered a copy.

Yes, the game is a dice fest and, yes, it is very heavily luck-based. But so what? It is fun to play and elicits the same type of "push your luck" temptations as found in Can't Stop.

The object of the game is to be the first player to move your pawn to the finish line. This is accomplished by the rolling of dice and the skillful (?) placement of the dice onto the movement 'rungs' depicted on the board.

Each player takes turns rolling two dice. Each die has an 'X' on it, while one die has a high number of '7'. The highest possible roll on the two dice is a 76 (a '7' and a '6'). Once a player rolls, he can either place the two dice on one of the six 'rungs' on the ladder depicted on the board, or roll again. He can continue to roll until he gets a number he is satisfied with, or until he rolls an 'X', in which case he moves his pawn back one space on the track and his turn is over.

As mentioned, once a player is satisfied with the number rolled (which is usually a higher valued number), he places these dice on one of the six 'rungs'. Each rung has a movement value associated with it, ranging from 5 points for the highest rung to a low of '0' for the bottom rung. If a player's dice are still on a rung when his turn arrives again, he may move his pawn the number of spaces corresponding to the appropriate rung.

Here's where the nasty ... and really fun part comes into play. When placing your dice on a rung, any dice which are located on a higher rung AND have a value equal to or less than the dice you just placed are removed from the ladder! So, if Bill had previously rolled a '63' and placed it on the second rung (which has a '4' movement value) and I subsequently roll a '63' or higher and opt to place my dice on the third rung, then Bill's dice are immediately removed. Thus, his pawn will not move forward when it is his turn again. Nasty!

So, a player must weigh the odds when placing his dice. A VERY good roll will usually result in the player placing his dice on a higher rung, while a mid-range roll can cause some angst as to which rung to place the dice. The temptation is to always place the dice on a higher rung so you can move your pawn further on your turn. The danger, however, is that opponents will roll values which are equal to or greater than your total and place their dice on a lower rung, thereby booting your dice from the ladder.

Further, times arise when a player must "take one for the team" by placing his dice on a very low rung so as to oust opponents dice from the ladder. This is especially critical if an opponent is approaching the finish.

The decision on whether to continue rolling or stop is also a tough one. Not only is there the temptation for a better value, but if a player rolls doubles (possible with either 1's, 2's or 3's), he immediately moves his pawn the corresponding number of spaces (1, 2 or 3) AND may accept the roll or continue rolling. Remember the constant, ever-present danger, however: any 'X' rolled immediately ends your turn without the chance to place your dice on the track. Plus, for each 'X' rolled, you must move your pawn backwards on the track.

Again, this isn't the deepest game ever invented, but it is just plain fun to play. I put it squarely in the same category as Can't Stop, Fill or Bust or Bluff in terms of 'fun'. It's a game which should come out regularly as an opener, closer and "in-betweener".

Thread: Session Report

wavemotion — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

Exxtra - Lisa, Jonathan, Mark, Craig and myself. I still like this little filler. Jonathan rolled his eyes when we brought it out but like a good sport got into the competition wholeheartedly and make a run for another win but Lisa rolled a few doubles and we couldn't catch her (although we tried, we really tried!).

Mark writes:
On the other end of the Knizia’s spectrum of games is this one. It’s a dice fest, fun in the same way Can’t Stop is, but a dice fest. Lisa won this one.

Craig writes:
Total dicefest - Quick and lite fun, but I think I
enjoy Can't Stop more.

Scores: Lisa=21, Jonathan=13, Mark=10, Craig=7, Dave=1 (whohoo!)
Ratings: Lisa=8, Jonathan=6.5, Mark=7.5, Craig=7, Dave=7.5

Thread: Session Report

gschloesser — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

With the Presidential election nearly upon us, we decided to have an 'Election' night of gaming at the Westbank Gamers. The room was appropriately decorated, participants donned traditional straw hats and Lenny Leo even arrived with handfuls of cigars! Of course, we didn't actually light-up the cigars, but they did help create the "smoke-filled room" stereotypical atmosphere.

To top it all off, we held a mock election, just to see who the President would be if the Westbank Gamers had the sole decision. The vote wasn't even close: Bush 10, Nader 2, Forbes (write-in) 1.

We also welcomed a new gamer to our fold: Dave Myers. Dave was a former gaming partner with Mike Hayman, one of our gamers who deserted to the Northshore. Fortunately, Dave seems more than willing to play all types of games. Welcome, Dave!

ROLL CALL: Gail Schloesser, Steve Pouey, Steven Maus, John Moore, Lenny Leo, Don Knecht, Willerd Fann, Jim Fairchild, Erin Voorhies, Keith Canova, David Myers, Joey Konyha, Jerry Maus, Greg Schloesser

Time again for this fun-filled Knizia dice-fest. Once again we were joined by my wife Gail, who has taken a liking to this game. Other participants were Lenny, Steve P., Steven M., John and myself.

For those interested, I've described this game in a bit more detail in last week's report. This time, Gail stomped us all, ripping around the track and leaving us in her dust. Lenny was even left stranded at the starting spot!

Thread: Session Report

gschloesser — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

I was expecting an overflowing crowd at the gaming table, but a few folks canceled at the last minute and others arrived later than normal. Still, we did have 16 gamers eventually in attendance.

ROLL CALL: Mark Michiel, Steve Pouey, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Wendy Templet, John Moore, Willerd Fann, Lenny Leo, Jerry Maus, Steven Maus, Keith Canova, Joey Konyha, Dave Myers, Jim Fairchild, Tabea Nobis, Donald Knecht, Greg Schloesser

In spite of Mark's unnatural aversion to dice games, he agreed to give Reiner Knizia's Exxtra a try. He was joined by Steve P. and I.

Mark's self declared horrible luck with dice didn't surface here ... at least not at first ... as he promptly burst into a commanding lead. Eventually, his luck turned, however, and I managed to sweep past him to claim the victory.

Greg 20, Mark 15, Steve 5

Thread: Session Report

PBrennan — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

2 games of this light dice-fest 15 minute filler.

Game 1: Pat 21, Andrew 13, Jeff / Nick 8 (the dice just loved me, I could roll no wrong) Game 2: Llyn 21, Nick 20, Garth 16 (Llyn snatched victory from behind with her third double 2 of the game)

A rating after 4 plays of 6 for 'ok game, some fun at least' as a filler

Thread: Session Report

gschloesser — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

While waiting for Dave to arrive so the Rus game could resume, we opted for a quick game of Reiner Knizia's Exxtra. The participants were Lenny, Walter, Ashton, Jim, Spouey and I.

Six players is just too many for this game. With this maximum number, it just takes too long to complete as folks are constantly being knocked off the scoring 'ladder'. The game does play much better with 4 or 5 players.

The lead changed hands several times, with a few players threatening to win, but always being knocked back. Spouey came closest, but was continually knocked off the ladder and eventually rolled a series of 'X's' on the dice, moving him further away from the finish line. Ashton, too, found himself just four spots from the finish and had a lofty '73' on the four rung on the ladder. Everyone pushed their luck in attempts to unseat Ashton, but everyone failed. Finally, it came down to Jim, the last player before Ashton would claim the victory. On Jim's very first roll, he rolled a '73' and knocked Ashton off the ladder.

However, Ashton promptly rolled a double '3', followed by a double '1', giving him the victory!

Ratings: Ashton 7, Spouey 7, Greg 6.5, Jim 6.5, Lenny 6, Walter 5

Later in the evening, Jim, Mark and Dave played another match. This one was much quicker and resulted in a win for Jim.

Thread: Session Report

wavemotion — 2001-01-01T06:00:00+00:00

EXXTRA - The Reiner Knizia dice game has been away from the table too long. A nice random dice fest with Dave F and Constantine as the other players. Good fun - I took a big lead and then was chopped down by the other players turn after turn! I even managed to roll a maximum 76 and placed it on a rung high enough to allow me the win if it came back around to me - but Constantine rolled at least a half-dozen times and managed another 76 to bump me! It was good excitement in a 20 minute game - although I generally enjoy it with more players. I'll get my dice revenge next time!