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Dominion: Alchemy
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Twilight Struggle
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Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization
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War of the Ring Collector's Edition
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Power Grid
Descent: Journeys in the Dark
Hansa Teutonica
Pandemic
Endeavor
War of the Ring
Race for the Galaxy: The Brink of War
Catacombs
The Republic of Rome
BattleLore
Space Hulk (3rd Edition)
Wars of the Roses: Lancaster vs. York
Fresco
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SABG Top 50 List -- 2008
Brian Bankler
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Last year the members of the San Antonio Board Gamers voted on their Top 50 games. And this year we did it again! So here it is. Each player got 20 votes, and a #1 vote was worth 40 points (and a #20 vote was worth 21 points).


2007 Geeklist -- http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/24956

11 Voters mentioned 129 distinct games, and 51 games got two (or more) votes, so this is really a "Top 51".

Read our blog at http://saboardgamers.blogspot.com/. Stop by if you are in town!
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Posted Fri Jul 11, 2008 12:41 am
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1. Board Game: Power Grid [Average Rating:8.18 Overall Rank:5]
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Brian Bankler
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 Power Grid again shows up at the top of the list. In fact, it has exactly the same number of voters, and same number of points, despite the fact that some voters changed (including people who voted for Power Grid). Eerie.

7 Voters, 244 points. Last year's rank -- #1 (No change)
2
2. Board Game: Race for the Galaxy [Average Rating:7.95 Overall Rank:12]
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Brian Bankler
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 The big jump from last year, which isn't a surprise since it hadn't been released (two playtesters voted for it).

5 Voters, 179 points. Last year's rank -- #36 (+ 35).
1
3. Board Game: Glory to Rome [Average Rating:7.41 Overall Rank:136]
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Brian Bankler
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 Probably the most surprising game on this list when comparing SABG rankings vs BGG. This has gained a fair number of voters over the last year.

5 Voters, 154 points. Last year's rank -- #20 (+17).
Benjamin Kindt
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Losing to Race by a nose.... I actually like the game a bit better than Race for its wild variety.
4. Board Game: Puerto Rico [Average Rating:8.30 Overall Rank:1]
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Brian Bankler
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 The last of the games that show up on five (or more) lists, and one that gets played infrequently, but is well-regarded.

5 Voters, 148 pts. Last year's rank -- #3 (-1)
1
Benjamin Kindt
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I do stop and regard it in my closet respectfully far more than I play it... Still, a good game.
Charles Hasegawa
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Mesa
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This is one of those quandary games as far as I'm concerned. It is a good game, but...
- the players need to be of near equal skill and/or experience
- its fiddly to setup
- its been overplayed and analyzed
- its faster to play on the computer

So, while its a good/great game, it is also a bit over ranked to my mind. It seems to get a good ranking out of respect, but when you ask if folks want to play, there is almost always something new they'd rather pull out.
5. Board Game: Tikal [Average Rating:7.42 Overall Rank:74]
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Brian Bankler
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 An older game makes a big leap up the charts.

Four voters, 128 pts. Last year's rank -- #28 (+23).
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Tiffany Jones

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I am pleased.
Robert Ramirez
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I am surprised
Benjamin Kindt
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San Antonio
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I've never played.
6. Board Game: The Princes of Florence [Average Rating:7.83 Overall Rank:18]
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Brian Bankler
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 And joining Tikal in the "Elder statesman gaining quickly" is PoF.

4 voters, 127 pts. Last year's ranking -- #32 (+26)
Amy Wiles
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This is not seeing enough play, in my book.
Brian Bankler
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Funny, I think we've played it twice recently. I think you can blame missing this on that new guy you've been seeing. (Go ahead, blame him! He doesn't care! That's the beauty of it... he doesn't care!)
7. Board Game: Ca$h 'n Gun$ [Average Rating:6.81 Overall Rank:338]
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Brian Bankler
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 Another big rise for a newer party-ish game.

4 voters, 122 points. Last year's rank -- #38 (+31).
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8. Board Game: Commands & Colors: Ancients [Average Rating:7.97 Overall Rank:14]
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Brian Bankler
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 Solid growth for this ....

3 Voters, 116 pts. Last year's rank -- #26 (+18)
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Steve Schifani
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Best of the CnC family by far. I wish a medieval version had been done along its guidelines.
9. Board Game: Memoir '44 [Average Rating:7.59 Overall Rank:45]
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Brian Bankler
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 ... and it's close cousin. In fact, they were back-to-back last year, but flipped.

3 Voters, 113 points. Last year's rank -- #25 (+16).
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10. Board Game: Arkham Horror [Average Rating:7.60 Overall Rank:50]
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Brian Bankler
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 Arkham Horror makes the biggest leap from any game that showed up last year...well, maybe. (See below).

3 Voters, 110 points. Last year's rank #48 (+38).
1
Chris Franka
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Bankler wrote:
Arkham Horror makes the biggest leap from any game that showed up last year.


Probably because I submitted a list this year but not last year. With most of this list made of 2- and 3- vote games, one extra vote makes a huge difference in the final rank in this list.

This is starting to suffer from too many expansions. I think extra cards are always welcome, but the extra boards are maybe too much.
Brian Bankler
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bigtex01 wrote:
one extra vote makes a huge difference in the final rank in this list.

Yes, but one of last year's voters didn't submit a list this year....there were two new voters for Arkham
11. Board Game: Goa [Average Rating:7.81 Overall Rank:21]
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Brian Bankler
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 Goa climbs steadily, which is odd, since I don't recall it being played since the last voting. I must have missed those sessions.

3 Voters, 106 pts. Last year's rank -- #19 (+8)
1
Amy Wiles
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Jeff and I play Goa at home on occasion. We need to play with four more frequently, though. Maybe if we can make it to a Monday night session sometime...
Chris Franka
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I like Goa, but besides Jeff and Amy's games, I can't remember this being played either in the last 9+ months. I wish I played more, but I don't think I play it nearly enough to have really considered it for my list.
1
Edited Fri Jul 11, 2008 5:28 am
Tiffany Jones

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I played it once and only once. So I know it got played. And I liked it.
Robert Ramirez
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This needs to see more play (from the games in my collection).
12. Board Game: Poker [Average Rating:6.79 Overall Rank:378]
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Brian Bankler
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 Ok, the real mover and shaker. Since so many games were bunched up, I extended last year's list to around 60 games. If you count those 'almost made its', then Poker is the biggest gainer. If you don't, its the highest "New" game.

3 Voters, 105 points. Last year's rank -- #53 (+41).
13. Board Game: Mr. Jack [Average Rating:7.33 Overall Rank:96]
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Brian Bankler
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 The real 'highest-new-game.'

3 Voters, 104 pts. Last years rank -- none.
14. Board Game: Hannibal: Rome vs. Carthage [Average Rating:7.97 Overall Rank:20]
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Brian Bankler
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 Another newcomer. And we'll see how it moves next year, since a few people played it after voting closed this year.

3 Voters, 100 points. Last year's rank -- N/A.
15. Board Game: Strat-o-Matic Baseball [Average Rating:7.42 Overall Rank:510]
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Brian Bankler
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 Either this or Race for the Galaxy probably commanded the most playtime over the last year. I've personally played ~40 games in the last year, and each of the other 6 manager has probably done the same. But only 3 people voted for it.

3 Voters, 98 points. Last year's rank -- N/A.
2
Benjamin Kindt
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Wow, I expected this one to go higher with our group.
Brian Bankler
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I think our league is fun ... but that's because leagues are fun. Strat-o-matic is an enjoyable experience, but I wouldn't call it a good game. Still, three voters did.
16. Board Game: Ra [Average Rating:7.71 Overall Rank:28]
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Brian Bankler
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 All those new games had to push some games down.

3 Voters, 96 pts. Last year's rank -- #11 (-5)
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RA is displeased. Expect catastrophes.
17. Board Game: Celebrities [Average Rating:7.38 Overall Rank:1393]
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 One of the only party games to survive from last year to this one. Tumbles out of the top 10.

3 Voters, 93 points. Last year's rank -- #8 (-9).
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Benjamin Kindt
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I smell Michael lurking about here... I need to try this someday.
Chris Franka
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bkindt wrote:
I need to try this someday.

How can you not have played this? That's it, you're out of the group.

We played this on my first day meeting the SABGers. I remember someone wrote "Knizia" on a piece of paper and I was just like "Whaaaat?" I was sure he was some guy who either did Anime, samurai films, or Godzilla movies.
Tiffany Jones

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I have only played once. And I think I am ok with that. Jeff made sure that we didnt lose too badly. I need to sit down and think up a list of people to add, just in case.
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bigtex01 wrote:

I remember someone wrote "Knizia" on a piece of paper and I was just like "Whaaaat?" I was sure he was some guy who either did Anime, samurai films, or Godzilla movies.

In fact, he does all three. (He's a small guy, so fits in those suits). He also designs games.
The Doctor is In


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I attribute the tumble to the fact that I neglected to submit a list. Thats -40 points right there.
Edited Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:14 pm
18. Board Game: Age of Steam [Average Rating:7.92 Overall Rank:15]
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Brian Bankler
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 Another game nudged down slightly by the newcomers.

3 Voters, 90 pts. Last year's rank -- #12 (-6)
Amy Wiles
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I'm definitely not playing this one enough!
Chris Franka
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I haven't gotten a chance to play this one yet, regretfully. I don't even know who owns it. I'll definitely play it when it shows up to a gaming session.
Robert Ramirez
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After 5 games of Railroad Tycoon, I got tired on it and sold it. This may have more longevity. Hmmmm.... but I need to try it first to officially come to that conclusion.
19. Board Game: Acquire [Average Rating:7.47 Overall Rank:67]
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Brian Bankler
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 Our first tie sees Sid Sackson's classic game nove up a few spots ...

3 Voters, 88 pts. Last year's rank -- #23 (+4)
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20. Board Game: Bridge [Average Rating:7.53 Overall Rank:126]
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Brian Bankler
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 ... with an even more classic game sliding ever-so-slightly.


3 Voters, 88 pts. Last year's rank -- #15 (-4)
21. Board Game: Ticket to Ride [Average Rating:7.51 Overall Rank:56]
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Brian Bankler
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 Another solid entry that slid. (All TtR votes have been lumped together).

3 Voters, 86 pts. Last year's rank -- #7 (-14).
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Steve Schifani
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Texas
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I'd only played this once till the XBox 360 version came out. It'll probably make my next list.
22. Board Game: Magic: The Gathering [Average Rating:7.29 Overall Rank:121]
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Brian Bankler
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 The grand-daddy of all CCGs stays on the list.

3 Voters, 85 pts. Last year's rank -- #13 (-9).
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Robert Ramirez
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Wow.... So Jeff, Amy, and...?
Amy Wiles
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Good question, Rob!
23. Board Game: Titan [Average Rating:7.16 Overall Rank:224]
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Brian Bankler
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 The classics never go out of style for long.

3 Voters, 82 points. Last year's rank -- N/A.
Benjamin Kindt
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Somehow I just can't convince myself to buy the new version. My last play of the non-electronic version took 8 hours and was called without a clear winner due to fatigue and apathy....
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The first time Jeff and I played, it was a 45 minute game -- our Titan stacks ran into each other very early. The second time, it was eight hours.
24. Board Game: Torres [Average Rating:7.30 Overall Rank:116]
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Brian Bankler
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 Tied with Titan.

3 Voters, 82 points. Last year's rank -- #51 (+28).
25. Board Game: Diplomacy [Average Rating:7.16 Overall Rank:185]
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Brian Bankler
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 Another classic slowly moving up the ranks.

2 Voters, 79 points. Last year's rank -- #34 (+9).
Benjamin Kindt
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Wow! I didn't vote for this, but I just picked up the new AH version and would love to back sta... I mean play with the group sometime.
Douhgnuts! Doughnuts! Doughnuts! Doughnuts!
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I think I mentioned last year - if we ever do this PBEM, I'm in.
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7 comments [Hide]
Dennis Ugolini
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San Antonio
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I'm disturbed at how anticorrelated I am to this list, especially since I contributed to it.

My top ten:

Diplomacy (#25)
Blood Bowl (n/a)
Space Hulk (n/a)
Ra (#16)
Crokinole (#38)
Poker (#12)
History of the World (#31)
Strat-O-Matic Baseball (#15)
Ace of Aces (n/a)
Modern Art (n/a)

Meanwhile, four of the top six are games I'd rather not play (#3-#6 to be specific). But I have gleaned three things from this:

1. I was negligent in not listing Cash 'n Guns, which I should've placed at #20 instead of Junta (nostalgia vote).

2. I desperately need to play Twilight Imperium.

3. I'll start bringing Tigris & Euphrates.
Douhgnuts! Doughnuts! Doughnuts! Doughnuts!
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Bankler wrote:

Bridge
Race for the Galaxy
Shadowfist

Shadowfist #3? How the mighty have fallen!


Anyway, here's my list:

PowerGrid
The Princes of Florence
Goa
Amun-Re
On the Underground
Ra
Magic:the Gathering
Haste Worte
Keythedral
Mississippi Queen
Dicke Kartoffeln
Medina
La Citta
Puerto Rico
Age of Steam
Torres
Die Macher
Caylus
Roads & Boats
Schoko & Co.
Chris Franka
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amwiles wrote:
Traders of Genoa

I've only played that one time at Jeff and Amy's, but I really liked it. I wasn't very good at it, but I keep thinking I want to try it again. I just haven't played it enough to determine where it fits on the list. I bet it'll make my list next year if I can get another play or two.

Here's my list:

1 Commands & Colors: Ancients
2 Power Grid
3 Race for the Galaxy
4 Tichu
5 Glory to Rome
6 Ca$h 'n Gun$
7 Memoir '44
8 Arkham Horror
9 Twilight Imperium 3rd Edition
10 Descent: The Road to Legend
11 Ticket to Ride
12 Notre Dame
13 Neuroshima Hex!
14 Fury of Dracula
15 Combat Commander: Europe
16 Strat-o-Matic Baseball
17 Nexus Ops
18 Pillars of the Earth, The
19 Crokinole
20 BattleLore
2
Edited Sat Jul 12, 2008 2:20 am
Benjamin Kindt
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Here is my list (already now out of date):

1. Twilight Imperium 3
2. War of the Ring
3. Arkham Horror
4. Command and Colors: Ancients
5. Combat Commander
6. Hannibal: Rome vs. Carthage
7. Doom
8. Wilderness War
9. Twilight Struggle
10. Star Wars Epic Duels
11. Blue Moon City
12. Lord of the Rings: Confrontation
13. Citadels
14. Heroscape
15. Perikles
16. Memoir '44
17. Glory to Rome
18. Shogun
19. BattleLore
20. Titan
Steve Schifani
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Texas
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I had Epic Duels on my list also...
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