Top of the Table: A Quest to Play the Entire BGG Top 100
Drew Hauge
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One person's journey to play the 100 best board games in the world (and a few games outside the Top 100 as well). For additional content, check out my blog, www.thetopofthetable.com. I'll update this GeekList each time I add another top 100 review to BGG. Thanks for reading!

The items in this Geeklist are sorted by popularity (based on number of thumbs received by each BGG thread), with the most popular reviews at the top. New reviews will appear at the bottom of the list initially but will be adjusted as they accumulate more thumbs.
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1. Board Game: War of the Ring: Second Edition [Average Rating:8.47 Overall Rank:12]
Board Game: War of the Ring: Second Edition
Drew Hauge
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Review #21/100: War of the Ring 2e (6/8/2017, Ranked #13)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] My First Time Trying War of the Ring
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/06/08/review-war-of-the-ri...

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I hope my excitement is evident in this review, as I chronicle my experience trying the epic War of the Ring for the first time.
 
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2. Board Game: Go [Average Rating:7.64 Overall Rank:162]
Board Game: Go
Drew Hauge
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Review #8/100: Go (2/10/2017, Ranked #97)

BGG Thread: [Playing the Entire BGG Top 100] A Beginner's Opinion on Go
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/02/10/review-go/

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In this review, I talk about the Top 100 list's oldest game, and how learning to play it can be a humbling experience.
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3. Board Game: Tigris & Euphrates [Average Rating:7.70 Overall Rank:88]
Board Game: Tigris & Euphrates
Drew Hauge
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Review #24/100: Tigris and Euphrates (8/7/2017, Ranked #60)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Tigris and Euphrates Has Aged Like a Fine Wine
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/08/07/review-tigris-and-eu...

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In this review, I take a look at one of the oldest (and arguably still one of the best) games on the BGG Top 100.
 
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4. Board Game: Agricola [Average Rating:7.96 Overall Rank:29]
Board Game: Agricola
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Review #39/100: Agricola (1/14/2019, Ranked #22)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Agri-Cola: The Ameritrash Game that Could Have Been
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2019/01/13/fan-theory-agricola-...

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For a fairly complex game about farming, Agricola features very few crops and an oddly increasing frequency of harvests. In fact, Uwe Rosenberg intended Agricola to be his first foray into heavily thematic Ameritrash games, with players racing to prepare for the zombie apocalypse.

If you like this one, be sure to check out the rest of this series: Uwe Got Some 'Splaining To Do: Uncovering The Secret Meaning Behind Rosenberg Classics
 
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5. Board Game: Puerto Rico [Average Rating:8.00 Overall Rank:25]
Board Game: Puerto Rico
Drew Hauge
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Review #20/100: Puerto Rico (6/1/2017, Ranked #12)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] In Defense of Puerto Rico's Geek Rating
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/06/01/review-puerto-rico/

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In my first post after SU&SD's special feature on the BGG Top 100, I take a look at the 2002 classic Puerto Rico and question their critique of the BGG ranking algorithm.
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6. Board Game: Twilight Struggle [Average Rating:8.30 Overall Rank:9] [Average Rating:8.30 Unranked]
Board Game: Twilight Struggle
Drew Hauge
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Review #11/100: Twilight Struggle (2/24/2017, Ranked #3)

BGG Thread: [Playing the Entire BGG Top 100] A Non Wargamer's Take on Twilight Struggle
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/02/24/review-twilight-stru...

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In which I take a look at one of the most popular games on the top 100 list, and question whether it is deserving of its high rank.
 
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7. Board Game: Inis [Average Rating:7.79 Overall Rank:107]
Board Game: Inis
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Bonus Review: Inis (3/21/2017, Ranked #282)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] When Inis Ends in a Tense Finish, It's a Win-Win
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/03/21/review-inis/

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Inis is not yet in the BGG Top 100, but I couldn't wait any longer to post a review of this one. It's one of my favorite games of the moment, with beautiful artwork and rich theme. Best of all, the mechanics always manage to funnel players into a nail-biting ending. This one's definitely worth a look.
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8. Board Game: Concordia [Average Rating:8.12 Overall Rank:17]
Board Game: Concordia
Drew Hauge
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Review #35/100: Concordia (3/19/2018, Ranked #23)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Concordia is a Refreshing Mediterranean Breeze
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2018/03/19/review-concordia/

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Five years from its initial publication, Concordia is still gaining in the rankings. Is it too early to call this game a classic?
 
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9. Board Game: Patchwork [Average Rating:7.66 Overall Rank:82]
Board Game: Patchwork
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Review #15/100: Patchwork (4/9/2017, Ranked #43)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Patchwork is Actually Set in a Dystopian World
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/04/10/review-patchwork/

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In this review, I pose a theory that Patchwork is actually set in a dystopian world run by textile mega-corps.
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10. Board Game: SeaFall [Average Rating:6.34 Overall Rank:2331]
Board Game: SeaFall
Drew Hauge
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Bonus Review: Seafall (7/2/2017, Unranked)

BGG Thread (Spoiler Free Version): [Top of the Table] I Hoped All the Critics Were Wrong (Spoiler-Free Version)
BGG Thread (Full Version): [The Top of the Table] I Hoped All the Critics Were Wrong
ToT Blog (Full Version): https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/07/02/review-seafall/

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Seafall had so much potential, but it proved to be too ambitious and not sufficiently playtested. In this review, I offer my thoughts on what went wrong and what I think they could have done differently.
 
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11. Board Game: The Gallerist [Average Rating:8.04 Overall Rank:56]
Board Game: The Gallerist
Drew Hauge
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Review #30/100: The Gallerist (12/20/2017, Ranked #67)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] An Original Work of Art in a Crowded Genre
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/12/19/review-the-gallerist...

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In this review, I consider what sets The Gallerist apart from the numerous other worker placement games in the BGG Top 100.
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12. Board Game: A Feast for Odin [Average Rating:8.18 Overall Rank:22]
Board Game: A Feast for Odin
Drew Hauge
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Review #27/100: A Feast for Odin (11/17/2017, Ranked #33)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] A Feast for Odin Isn't Actually About Vikings
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/11/16/review-a-feast-for-o...

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In my second "Uwe Rosenberg Fan Theory" review, I explain why A Feast for Odin is not actually about Vikings.

If you like this one, be sure to check out the rest of this series: Uwe Got Some 'Splaining To Do: Uncovering The Secret Meaning Behind Rosenberg Classics
 
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13. Board Game: Terraforming Mars [Average Rating:8.43 Overall Rank:4]
Board Game: Terraforming Mars
Drew Hauge
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Review #17/100: Terraforming Mars (4/23/2017, Ranked #10)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Terraforming Mars: Turning Regolith into Pure Gold
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/04/23/review-terraforming-...

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In this review, I talk about why Terraforming Mars is one of my current favorites, while also dissecting a couple of its drawbacks.
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14. Board Game: Anachrony [Average Rating:8.08 Overall Rank:46]
Board Game: Anachrony
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Review #36/100: Anachrony (5/3/2018, Ranked #78)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Anachrony is a Ruthlessly Efficient Time Machine
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2018/05/03/review-anachrony/

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Anachrony brings new meaning to running a "Just In Time" inventory system.
 
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15. Board Game: Santorini [Average Rating:7.52 Overall Rank:151]
Board Game: Santorini
Drew Hauge
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Review #32/100: Santorini (2/7/2018, Ranked #68)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Don't Judge Santorini By Its Cover
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2018/02/06/review-santorini/

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Don't let Santorini's cartoonish exterior fool you -- this box holds a brilliant two-player abstract with strategic depth and loads of replayability. It's quickly become one of my favorite new games.
 
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16. Board Game: 7 Wonders [Average Rating:7.76 Overall Rank:53]
Board Game: 7 Wonders
Drew Hauge
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Review #7/100: 7 Wonders (2/3/2017, Ranked #32)

BGG Thread: [Playing the Entire BGG Top 100] Is 7 Wonders Still Relevant?
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/02/03/review-7-wonders/

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In this review, I question whether 7 Wonders still deserves to make it to the table in a time of so many great new games.
 
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17. Board Game: Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition) [Average Rating:8.69 Overall Rank:5]
Board Game: Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition)
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Review #39/100: Twilight Imperium 4 (2/13/2019, Ranked #11)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] A First-Timer's Impressions of TI4
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2019/02/13/review-twilight-impe...

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If you're looking for an epic board gaming experience, and you're willing to put in the necessary time and effort, Twilight Imperium will surely deliver.
 
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18. Board Game: Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game [Average Rating:7.74 Overall Rank:78]
Board Game: Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game
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Review #28/100: Battlestar Galactica (11/26/2017, Ranked #56)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] My First Time Encountering Battlestar Galactica
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/11/25/first-impressions-ba...

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In this review, I describe my first time trying out BSG and give my initial impressions. You can trust my opinions, I'm not a Cylon.

 
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19. Board Game: Root [Average Rating:8.09 Overall Rank:31]
Board Game: Root
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Review #38/100: Root (1/5/2019, Ranked #94)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Root is a Fascinating Sandbox of Asymmetry
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2019/01/05/review-root/

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Root is a unique and fascinating sandbox of asymmetry - but is this enough to overcome its balance issues?
 
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20. Board Game: Mansions of Madness: Second Edition [Average Rating:8.08 Overall Rank:32]
Board Game: Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
Drew Hauge
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Review #31/100: Mansions of Madness (1/26/2018, Ranked #67)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Mansions of Madness Nails the 'Digital Hybrid' Concept
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2018/01/26/review-mansions-of-m...

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In this review I discuss the excellent second edition of Mansions of Madness and its digital companion app.
 
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21. Board Game: Castles of Mad King Ludwig [Average Rating:7.57 Overall Rank:128]
Board Game: Castles of Mad King Ludwig
Drew Hauge
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United States
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Review #9/100: Castles of Mad King Ludwig (2/16/2017, Ranked #60)

BGG Thread: [Playing the Entire BGG Top 100] Which is Better: Castles or Suburbia?
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/02/16/review-suburbia-and-...

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In this review, I compare two games by Bezier Games which both combine variable pricing with tile laying.
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22. Board Game: Suburbia [Average Rating:7.53 Overall Rank:138]
Board Game: Suburbia
Drew Hauge
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United States
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Review #10/100: Suburbia (2/16/2017, Ranked #75)

BGG Thread: [Playing the Entire BGG Top 100] Which is Better: Castles or Suburbia?
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/02/16/review-suburbia-and-...

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Part of a double-review (same as #9), in which I compare Castles of Mad King Ludwig to Suburbia.
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23. Board Game: Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases [Average Rating:7.75 Overall Rank:89] [Average Rating:7.75 Unranked]
Board Game: Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames Murders & Other Cases
Drew Hauge
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United States
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Review #3/100: Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1/9/2017, Ranked #52)

BGG Thread:Reviewing the Entire BGG Top 100 -- Review #3/100: Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/01/09/review-sherlock-holm...

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In this review, I discuss why I consider Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective to be a bit of a hidden gem among the BGG Top 100, and an especially good game for people who love mysteries or hate long rules explanations.
 
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24. Board Game: The Castles of Burgundy [Average Rating:8.13 Overall Rank:14]
Board Game: The Castles of Burgundy
Drew Hauge
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United States
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Review #16/100: The Castles of Burgundy (4/17/17, Ranked #10)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Castles of Burgundy is the Tim Duncan of Board Games
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/04/17/review-castles-of-bu...

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In this review, I give my opinion on how Castles of Burgundy measures up against some of the 'flashier' games in the top 10.
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25. Board Game: Terra Mystica [Average Rating:8.15 Overall Rank:15]
Board Game: Terra Mystica
Drew Hauge
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United States
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Review #29/100: Terra Mystica (12/13/2017, Ranked #7)

BGG Thread: [Top of the Table] Terra Mystica Nearly Perfects 'Perfect Information'
ToT Blog: https://thetopofthetable.com/2017/12/13/review-terra-mystica...

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In this review, I discuss why the heavilly strategic Terra Mystica feels like a 'best in class' game to me.

 
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