Episode 589: Player Elimination Games

Episode release date is July 30, 2025

Show Notes

This week we are discussing Player Elimination Games. This is not a mechanic we all love, but we have a surprising amount of player elimination games.

Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast

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• SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast

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• Andy

• Zombicide: White Death

• Zombicide: White Death - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

• Nathan

• Mythicals

The Player Elimination mechanic is one where one or more players are removed from the game before it officially ends. This can happen with two players or 16. When a player is eliminated, they typically can no longer take actions, score points, or influence the outcome, and must simply observe the rest of the game unfold.

This mechanic can create tension and urgency, as players try to avoid being eliminated and race to stay in the game. However, it can also lead to long periods of downtime for eliminated players. So lets turn to the game table and see who gets eliminated.

Player Elimination Games

• Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion

• Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure Game

• Clank! In! Space!: A Deck-Building Adventure

• Clank! Catacombs

• Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated

• Nemesis

• Nemesis: Lockdown

• Shadows over Camelot

• Battlestar Galactica

• Arkham Horror: The Card Game 

• Magic: The Gathering

• Star Wars: Customizable Card Game

• Star Trek: Customizable Card Game

• Overpower

• Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game

• Star Wars: X-Wing (Second Edition)

• Star Wars: Miniatures

• Memoir ‘44

• Twilight Imperium: Third Edition

• Mythic Battles: Pantheon  

• The Castles of Burgandy

• Merchants of the Dark Road

• Cyclades: Legendary Edition

• Lords of Waterdeep

• Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game

• Tiny Towns

• Ankh: Gods of Egypt

• Skull

• Feed the Kraken

• Risk Legacy

• Betrayal Legacy

• Betrayal At House on a Hill

Episode 588: Pick-up and Delivery Games

Episode release date is July 23, 2025

Show Notes

This week we complete our discussion of Pick up and Delivery games. So, we are going to line up a bunch of games and choose some to discuss.

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• SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast

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Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty)

• Nathan

• Gonza index

• Solar 175

• Douglas

• Marvel Zombies (X-Men)

• Andy

• Architects of the West Kingdom

Top Pickup and Delivery Games on BGG

• Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated

• Pandemic Legacy: Season 2

• Darwin’s Journey

• Final Girl 

• Age of Steam

• Istanbul

• Xia: Legends of a Drift System

• Star Wars: Outer Rim 

• Railways of the World

• Horrified

• Western Legends 

• Steam

• The Witcher: Old World

• Istanbul: Big Box

• Indonesia

• Merchants and Marauders

• Firefly: The Game

• Flash Point Fire Rescue

• Bus

• Macao

• Black Orchestra

• Forbidden Desert

• Mansions of Madness

• Freedom: The Underground Railroad

• In the Hall of the Mountain King

• Broom Service

• Roads and Boats

• High Frontier 4 All

• The Oracle of Delphi

• Railways of Europe

• Coal Baron

• Leaving Earth

• Century: Golem Edition - Eastern Mountains

• Stationfall

• My Little Scythe

• Deep Sea Adventure

• Vast: The Crystal Caverns

• Evacuation

• Panamax

• Clinic: Deluxe Edition

• Imperial Steam

• Lords of Xidit

• Forbidden Island

• Container

• Akrotiri

• Horrified: American Monsters

• Genoa

• Merchants of the Dark Road

• Wasteland Express Delivery Service

• Flick ‘em Up!

• Container: 10th Anniversary Jumbo Edition

• Empires of the Void II

• Explores of the Empires of the Void II | Board Game | BoardGameGeekNorth Sea

• Wiz War

• Black Fleet

• Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters

• Islebound

• Cafe

• Via Nebula

• Merchant of Venus (Second Edition)

• Zombie Teenz Evolution

• Fortune and Glory: The Cliffhanger Game

• Dead Men Tell no Tales

• Tiny Epic Zombies

• Maglev Metro

• Maximum Apocalypse

• Hansa

• Whistle Stop

• Santiago de Cuba

• Ahoy

• Yukon Airways

• Thunderbirds

• Merchant of Venus

• Aftermath

• Fire and Axe: A Viking Saga

• Fireball Island: The Curse of Vul-Kar

• Merkator

• Solenia

• Curious Cargo

• Ride the Rails

• Empire Builder

• Alien: Fate of the Nostromo

• Pirates Cove

• Giants

• Himalaya

• Nuns on the Run

Episode 586: Pickup and Delivery Games

Episode release date is July 9, 2025

Show Notes

This week we kick off our discussion of pickup and deliver games. So, we are going to line up a bunch of games and choose some to discuss.

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• Nathan

Sequoia

• Sequoia is a quick, light dice-rolling and area majority game where players compete to grow the tallest trees in 11 different "forests."

• Objective: Have the tallest tree (most tree tokens) in as many forests as possible to score victory points.

• Over 10 turns, all players simultaneously roll five dice. They then secretly form two pairs from four of those dice (leaving one die unused). The sum of each pair determines which "forest" (numbered 2-12) they can place a tree token in.

• Strategy: You have to decide whether to focus on a few forests to dominate them, or spread your efforts to secure second-place consolation prizes.

• After 10 turns, the player with the most trees in a forest gets the first-place points, and the second-place player gets a smaller consolation prize. Ties are resolved with special tie-breaker rounds.

• Quick and Portable: Sequoia is known for its fast gameplay (around 10-15 minutes) and small box size, making it easy to bring to game nights.

Switchback

• Switchback is a quick and engaging tile-laying board game where players are trying to create the longest continuous paths of numbers (representing hiking trails up a mountain).

• Score the most points by having your "hikers" on tiles that form continuous numerical sequences of four or more tiles.

• Players take turns placing a tile from their hand onto the board. After placing a tile, they either place one of their hikers on that tile, or "buddy up" two of their hikers for a future double move.

• You'll constantly be making choices like:

• Where to place your tile to extend your own paths or block opponents.

• When to place a hiker versus buddying them up for a better placement later.

• Whether to join an opponent's path to share points or create your own.

• At the end of the game (when all tiles are placed), only hikers on paths of four or more consecutive numbers score points.

• Simple rules but tough decisions, all with a quick playtime (10-20 minutes).

• Douglas

• Tiny Epic Cthulhu

This week we are kicking off our discussion of pickup and delivery games. The "Pick-up and Delivery" (P&D) mechanic in board games is a core gameplay loop where players acquire specific items or units from one location on the game board and then transport them to another designated location to complete an objective or earn points. It's a fundamental concept that simulates logistics, trade, and transportation challenges within a game's theme.

Here's a breakdown of its characteristics and how it's used:

1. Goods/Passengers/Resources: There's always something to be picked up.

2. Pick-up Locations (Sources): Designated spots on the board where the goods originate. These can be:

   • Fixed locations: Factories, farms, cities, ports.

   • Player-controlled locations: A player's own production buildings.

   • Dynamically generated: Cards drawn that specify a pick-up point.

3. Delivery Locations (Destinations): Designated spots where the goods need to be dropped off. 

4. Movement/Transportation: Players use their game pieces (vehicles, ships, trains, pawns representing workers) to move from the pick-up location to the delivery location. This often involves:

   • Movement costs: Spending actions, money, or specific movement points.

   • Route planning: Deciding the most efficient or strategic path.

   • Obstacles/Competition: Other players, terrain, or events that impede movement or make certain routes less desirable.

5. Capacity Limits: Players usually have a limited capacity for how many items they can carry at once, forcing strategic decisions about what to pick up and when.

6. Reward/Completion: Successfully delivering an item typically grants:

   • Victory points: The most common form of reward.

   • Money or resources: To fund further actions.

   • Unlocking new abilities: Access to new routes or upgrades.

   • Advancing on a track: Progressing towards an endgame condition.

The P&D mechanic is incredibly versatile and appears in many genres:

1. Logistics and Trade Games:

   • Theme: Often about managing a transportation network or economy.

2. Economic Games:

   • Theme: Focus on resource management, production, and supply chains.

3. Adventure and Quest Games:

   • Theme: Characters embarking on journeys, completing tasks, or rescuing individuals.

4. Worker Placement Games (often integrated):

   • Theme: Players assigning workers to perform actions.

Overall, the Pick-up and Delivery mechanic adds a layer of logistical challenge and strategic depth to board games, forcing players to think about movement, resource management, and timing to achieve their objectives.

Pickup and Delivery Games

• Dead Men Tell No Tales

• Space Dealer

• Century: Golem Edition - Eastern Mountains

• Escape Zombie City

• Forbidden Desert

• Maglev Metro

• The Witcher: Old World

• Pirates Cove

• Waste Knights: Second Edition

• Evacuation

• Pandemic Legacy Season 2

Episode 585: Meeple Nation July 2025 News 

Show Notes 

Episode release date is July 2, 2025

It is time again for our news episode. We will be talking about some gaming highlights, new games, new game announcements, and we may even manage to get to some crowdfunding games too.  Come join us at the game table.

Sponsorship

• Game Toppers 

• SaltCON

Intro of Meeple Nation The World’s Okayest Podcast.

• Web Page

• Links to Episodes

• SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast

• Bios

• Email us at [email protected]

• Patreon

• Instagram @meeplenation

• Facebook Meeple Nation

• Facebook Group Meeple Nation Off Air

• X Meeple Nation

• Discord Meeple Nation

• Come watch us on YouTube

•  

Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights

• Nathan

• Games with Dianne

• Azul

• Lucky Numbers

• Tsuro

• Douglas

• Azul Duel

• Dorfromantik

• Dorfromantik Duel

• Res Arcana Duo 

This episode as with all of our news episodes is broken into three sections. New Game releases: games that can now be found in the wild, new game acquisitions, and games we are eager to try. Game announcements: This is a list of games that are fulfilling maybe and have not yet reached the store shelves, unless it is a CMON game then it is on the game shelf and backers are waiting disgruntled. New game announcements also include games that are in late production and will be released at a future time. Crowdfunding is games that have piqued our interest and maybe have even been backed by us. So with that, let's turn to the table and see what games we are talking about today.

New Game Releases

• Wondrous Creatures

• DC Forever

• The Anarchy

• Marvel Champions: Falcon

• Marvel Champions: Winter Soldier

•  https://arkhamdb.com/

• https://marvelcdb.com/

• https://ringsdb.com/ 

New Game Announcements

• Clank!: Catacombs - Underworld

• Point Galaxy

• Fortunes of Scoundrel Bay

• Gwent: The Legendary Card Game

• Azure

• Wispwood

• Wroth

• Recall

Crowdfunding Games

• Kickstarter

• Endeavor Deep Sea: Uncharted Waters

• Gamefound

• Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation

SaltPOD 0006, Summer 2025 Release date: June 30, 2025 Welcome gamers! If you are a board gamer, a social gamer, or someone who loves RPGs, SaltCON is a place for you. Welcome back to SaltPOD, your dedicated deep dive into the vibrant world of SaltCon and the incredible community that makes it tick! If you're new here, SaltPOD is your backstage pass, your insider scoop, your direct line to all things SaltCON. SaltCON – the biggest and best tabletop gaming convention in the Mountain West! We're here to explore the amazing games, the fantastic people, and the unforgettable experiences that make SaltCon a must-attend event year after year. Get ready to level up your excitement!" This episode we are reviewing all the great things that happened at SaltCON Summer which happened June 6th through the 8th at the Davis Conference Center, in Layton City. The first Summer event is the smallest of the events that happen at the Davis Conference Center, but that does not mean there is a shortage of events and fun to be had. This was still three days that were packed full of RPG events, Board Game events, Social gaming events, and even a tournament or two to be played in. So sit back and let’s dig in. We have a lot to talk about. Vendor Hall Some very cool stuff for gaming drinks, games, and gaming accessories.

• https://www.facebook.com/diethuludimension/

• https://www.etsy.com/shop/DiceChaos/

• https://wyvernwarfare.com/

• https://www.facebook.com/Fictionmobile/

• https://binarycocoa.com/

• https://aalazersquirrel.com/

• https://www.4xpgaming.com/

Hot Games:

• Andromeda’s Edge

• Cat Blues: The Big Gig

• Creature Caravan

• Critter Kitchen

• Finspan

• House of Fado

• SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

• Slay the Spire: The Board Game

Play to Win Games 

• I played a handful of games from this game on the shelves, there were around 30 games that were there to try out and to get a chance to win them. Even if you just wanted to review the rules and enter to win the game that is an option, but this is a great way to try a game and see if you want to have a chance to win them.

• https://saltcon.com/summer-play-to-win/

Gaming library

• A huge game library with over 2500 games to check out and play.

• Classic games, and new games alike.

There were 278 different events the attendees could sign up for.  178 Total RPG events.

• 85 RPG events

• 26 Pathfinder events

• 67 Dungeons and Dragons Adventurers League events

  • Pathfinder Society: Salt of the Ocean Multi Table Event

    • In the Eye of Abendego, the storm has receded just enough to reveal two particularly interesting new sites: one is a wrecked Pathfinder ship and the other an ancient island associated with prophesiers and demons. With some help from an old pirate friend, the Pathfinders are kitted up in order to investigate these two new occurrences, however it seems like she wasn't the only pirate with her eyes on these strange new prizes. The Society will have to face the dangers of sea and storm as they sail to their goal, hoping to beat their rivals to the hidden secrets!

• This event was played with multiple tables running simultaneously, at multiple level tiers. The Pathfinder Society came out victorious!

• D&D Adventurers League: Hold Back the Dead Multi Table Event

• The Adventurer's League had some close calls, and not everyone made it out alive this time... but the dead have been vanquished. For now. 

• Hold Back the Dead is a multi-table Dungeons & Dragons adventure where heroes must defend a stronghold under siege by an overwhelming undead force. As the tide of the dead rises, players work together across tables to uncover the source of the invasion and prevent an ancient evil from breaking through. Designed for epic coordination and tense decisions, it blends horror, heroism, and high-stakes combat in a dynamic battlefield setting.

• Playtests for new RPG systems were available at SaltCON Summer with the highlights being 

• Untold RPG and 

• Nephilim the Forsaken, brought in by local game designers. 

• SaltCON End of Summer will have a stronger focus on prototype RPG systems and welcomes game developers to join the SaltCON GameMasters Guild on Discord or Facebook to learn more about bringing their systems to the convention.

• Total sessions run: 175

• Other popular games included Cyberpunk Red, Shadowdark, Call of Cthulhu, Shadowrun, Vampire the Masquerade, The Electric State, BESM, Nimble 2, Dragonbane, DC20, and many more!

Game Swap

Flea Market Saturday for 2-hours

Tournaments

• Sabacc

EventsBroadway Murder Mystery - Groomed for Murder!

• • This was a big hit and will return for End of Summer with rumor of a second game being added. Grilled to Death

• Nebula: A 4X inspired Big Group Game

• Tichu around with Danny

  • We had about half of the attendees learning Tichu for the first time, it was really cool to see them pick up strategies after each hand! There were many surprising outcomes, including many successful and unsuccessful Tichu calls, hands that looked certain, than turned upside down, and many laughs. Everyone that I spoke to that was learning for the first time was excited to get the game, and play some more!

• Blood on the Clock Tower

  • Nine different event and one how to play event

• Mini Painting Seminar

  • Saturday 1:30

64 total board game events

Board Game Events

• 30 Board Game Events

Meeple Nation events

• 34 Meeple Nation Board Game Events

What a way to start the Summer of Gaming. So what is next?

• SaltCON End of Summer

  • August 29-31

  • 1000 badges

  • Game library

  • RPG area

    • Tons of RPG events

  • Hot Games

  • No-Ship Math Trade

  • Game swap

    • Open all three days

  • Flea Market

    • Saturday 9-10AM

  • Figure Painting 

    • Saturday 12:30 -3:30PM

  • Vendors

  • Reserved tables

    • Four left

Next Year SaltCON is adding a Sixth Event. One that will have many people very excited. 

SaltCON Cruise August 7-14

Leaving Seattle and cruising up to Alaska and then back to Seattle.

Limited to 100 spots

Gaming Library

Room Block

If you have any questions feel free to email us at [email protected]. We are always excited to hear about new games and exciting events and great times. And with that we have completed another deep dive into the salty goodness of SaltCon! We hope you're as excited as we are for all the fun and games. Remember, SaltPOD is your ongoing connection to these amazing events. But the board gaming adventure doesn't stop here! If you love in-depth discussions, diverse perspectives, and talking about all things board games, be sure to check out our regular podcast, Meeple Nation! There we have episodes serving up fantastic content week after week. Until next time, keep rolling those dice, and we'll see you at SaltCon!"Thanks for listening. 

isode 584: A Look at Market Games 

Episode release date is June 25, 2025

Show Notes

This week we in contrast with the open drafting mechanic we discussed the last few episodes, this week we are focusing on games that have and use a market, and how a market game is different from an open drafting game.

Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast

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Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty)

• Nathan

1. River of Gold with Cheryl

2. Azul with Madi and BGA

• Andy

1. Aeons Trespass Odyssey

The Market mechanic, in essence, simulates a dynamic economy within a board game. Unlike a simple "take one from a pile" or a closed draft where items circulate, a market presents players with a publicly available pool of goods, actions, or resources. This pool often changes, either by new items being revealed, existing items being bought, or even prices fluctuating.

What makes the Market mechanic so engaging is the tension it creates. Players are constantly evaluating not just what they need, but also what their opponents might be eyeing. With what is currently available in the market. Is it worth paying a premium for that crucial item now, or should you wait and hope a cheaper option appears? Do you play the jerk role and counter draft to deny an opponent a vital resource by taking it yourself, even if it's not your absolute top priority?

Markets can take many forms:

• Static Markets: Where a set of items is always available, and players choose from it.

• Dynamic Markets: Prices might change based on supply and demand.

• Rotating Markets: Items might enter and exit the market over time, creating a flow of new opportunities.

• "I-Cut-You-Choose" Style Markets: While sometimes a separate mechanic, some games blend this, where one player sets up a market or splits resources, and another player chooses first.

We discussed how open drafting games are very closely related to market games, but ultimately, the Market mechanic adds layers of tactical decision-making, player interaction, and often, an exciting push-your-luck element. 

It's about optimizing your purchases, anticipating others' moves, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of available options. So next time you're sitting down to play and see a row of tempting cards or a pile of valuable resources, you're likely engaging with the dynamic world of the Market mechanic!

Top Rated Market Games

• Power Grid

• Puerto Rico

• Clans of Caledonia

• The Pillars of the EarthDIY Expansion link

• Tiny Epic Pirates

• Wasteland Express Delivery Service

• Foundations of Rome

• Foundations of Metropolis

• Skyrise

• Merchants of the Dark Road

• Ark Nova

• Jaipur

• Glen More II: Chronicles

• Glen More

• Kutna Hora: The City of Silver

• Brass: Birmingham

• Galactic Cruise

• Windmill Valley

• Cubitos

• Honey Buzz

• The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth

• Acquire

• Queendomino

• Catan

• Distilled

• Archipelago

• Gentes

• River of Gold

• The Vale of Eternity

• The Vale of Eternity: Artifacts

• The Vale of Eternity: Curses

• Architect of the West Kingdom 

Games we did not discuss

• Brass: Lancashire

• Food Chain Magnate

• Paladins of the West Kingdom

• Nucleum

• La Granja

• Hallertau

• Anno 1800: The Board Game

• 1830: Railways and Robber Barons

• The Manhattan Project: Energy Empire

• Navegador

• The Great Zimbabwe

• Pax Renaissance: 2nd Edition

• Bonfire

• At the Gates of Loyang

• Fresco

• Stockpile

• Pipeline

• Port Royal

• 1846: The Race for the Midwest

• Pax Porfiriana

• Paperback

• Shikoku 1889

• Pax Renaissance

• Cuba

• Arkwright

• CO2: Second Chance

• Raccoon Tycoon

• Imperial Steam

• Akrotiri

• Age of Industry

• Genotype: A Mendelian Genetics Game

• Vanuatu

• Planet Steam

• The Rich and the Good

Episode 583: Top Rated Open Drafting Games

Episode release date is June 18, 2025

Show Notes

This week we are concluding our discussion of open drafting games. This episode we will be picking out games off the top Open Drafting Games, some games we missed and some we don’t own.

Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast

• Web Page

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• SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast

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Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty)

• Nathan

1. Living Forest

2. Siege of Rundar, Game I could not remember The Guild of Merchant Explores

• Andy

1. D&D 5.5 Japanese Setting

In board game mechanics, open drafting is a specific type of drafting where players take turns selecting items (like cards, tiles, dice, or tokens) from a shared, visible pool of options.

To touch on the key points again. Open Drafting and Market games will have a lot of overlap. Key Characteristics of Open Drafting:

1. Shared Pool: There's a central display or common area where all the items available for selection are laid out.

2. Visibility: All players can see all the available options in the pool at all times. This is the defining feature of "open" drafting.

3. Turn-Based Selection: Players take turns choosing and taking one or more items from this shared pool. Once an item is taken, it's removed from the pool (or sometimes replaced immediately, depending on the game).

4. Strategic Interaction: Because everyone can see what's available and what others are taking, open drafting encourages a high level of player interaction and strategic depth. Players aren't just thinking about what they need for their own strategy, but also:

   • "Hate Drafting": Taking an item that might not be optimal for you, but is crucial for an opponent's strategy, thereby "denying" them that piece. This can be a friendly jab or a crucial tactical move.

   • Anticipation: Trying to predict what other players will take on their turns based on their visible boards or strategies.

   • Adapting: Adjusting your own plans if a key item you wanted is taken by an opponent.

How it Differs from Other Drafting Types:

The main contrast to open drafting is closed drafting (often called "pick-and-pass" or "hand drafting"):

• Closed Drafting: Players typically receive a hand of cards (or a set of items) and select one (or more) to keep, then pass the rest of their hand to the next player. 

• The key difference is that the pool of options available to the next player is unknown until they receive the new hand. Players don't see the full communal pool; they only see their current hand.

Top Rated Open Drafting Games

• Dune: Imperium

• Dune: Imperium - Uprising

• Railways of the World

• Concordia

• Concordia Venus

• Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West

• Food Chain Magnate

• Everdell

• Lost Ruins of Arnak

• The Gallerist

• Clank!

• Clank! Legacy

• Clank! Catacombs

• Clank! In! Space!

• Dominion

• Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game

• Wingspan

• Wyrmspan

• Harmonies

• Star Realms

• Lisboa

• Cascadia

• Endeavor: Age of Sail

• Endeavor: Deep Sea

• Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition

• Mage Knight: Board Game

• Space Base

• Tyrants of the Underdark

Games not Mentioned

• Ark Nova

• Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

• The Castles of Burgundy

• 7 Wonders Duel

• The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth

• Pax Pamir: Second Edition

• Anachrony

• Blood Rage

• Obsession

• Paladins of the West Kingdom

• Mechs vs Minions

• The White Castle

• Azul

• Revive

• Aeon’s End

• El Grande

• Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

• Splendor Duel

• Architect of the West Kingdom

• The Quest for El Dorado

• Lorenzo il Magnifico

• Mombasa

• Patchwork

• Trajan

• Wonderland’s War

• Aeon’s End: War Eternal

• ISS Vanguard

• Targi

• Res Arcana

• Alchemist

• Ticket to Ride: Europe

• The Isle of Cats

• Undaunted: Normandy

• Planet Unknown

• Kemet

• Jaipur

• Forest Shuffle

• Welcome To…

• Meadow

• Sagrada

• Star Wars: Deck Building Game

• Azul: Summer Pavilion

Episode 582: Our Top-Five Open Drafting Games 

Episode release date is June 11, 2025

Show Notes

This week we are continuing our discussion of open drafting games. This episode we are hitting on our top-five Open Drafting Games

Intro of Meeple Nation The World's Most Okayest Podcast

• Web Page

• Links to Episodes

• SaltPOD: A SaltCON Podcast

• Bios

• Email us at [email protected]

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Sponsorship

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Meeple Nation Gaming Highlights (Highlight-Thirty)

• Nathan

1. BBQ

2. Cheryl teaching games

3. Ribs tonight

4. Summer cooking

• Douglas

1. Barenpark

• Andy

1. Everdell Duo

In board game mechanics, open drafting is a specific type of drafting where players take turns selecting items (like cards, tiles, dice, or tokens) from a shared, visible pool of options.

To touch on the key points again. Open Drafting and Market games will have a lot of overlap. Key Characteristics of Open Drafting:

1. Shared Pool: There's a central display or common area where all the items available for selection are laid out.

2. Visibility: All players can see all the available options in the pool at all times. This is the defining feature of "open" drafting.

3. Turn-Based Selection: Players take turns choosing and taking one or more items from this shared pool. Once an item is taken, it's removed from the pool (or sometimes replaced immediately, depending on the game).

4. Strategic Interaction: Because everyone can see what's available and what others are taking, open drafting encourages a high level of player interaction and strategic depth. Players aren't just thinking about what they need for their own strategy, but also:

   • "Hate Drafting": Taking an item that might not be optimal for you, but is crucial for an opponent's strategy, thereby "denying" them that piece. This can be a friendly jab or a crucial tactical move.

   • Anticipation: Trying to predict what other players will take on their turns based on their visible boards or strategies.

   • Adapting: Adjusting your own plans if a key item you wanted is taken by an opponent.

How it Differs from Other Drafting Types:

The main contrast to open drafting is closed drafting (often called "pick-and-pass" or "hand drafting"):

• Closed Drafting: Players typically receive a hand of cards (or a set of items) and select one (or more) to keep, then pass the rest of their hand to the next player. 

• The key difference is that the pool of options available to the next player is unknown until they receive the new hand. Players don't see the full communal pool; they only see their current hand.

Top Five

Number Five:

• Andy

• The Taverns of Tiefenthal

• Douglas

• Undaunted Normandy

• Nathan

• Beowulf: The Legend

Number Four:

• Andy

• Architects of the West Kingdom

• Douglas

• The Reckoners: Steelslayer

• Nathan

• Corsari

Number Three:

• Andy

• Reavers of Midgard

• Douglas

• SETI

• Nathan

• Akropolis

1. Arkropolis: Athenna

Number Two:

• Andy

• Paladins of the West Kingdom

• Douglas

• Everdell 

• Nathan

• River Valley Glassworks

Number One:

• Andy

• The Castles of Burgundy

• Douglas

• Ark Nova

• Nathan

• The White Castle

Episode 581: Open Drafting Games 

Episode release date is June 4, 2025

Show Notes

This week we kick off our discussion of open drafting games. So, we are going to line up a bunch of games and choose some to discuss.

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In board game mechanics, open drafting is a specific type of drafting where players take turns selecting items (like cards, tiles, dice, or tokens) from a shared, visible pool of options.

Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics and how it differs from other drafting types:

Key Characteristics of Open Drafting:

1. Shared Pool: There's a central display or common area where all the items available for selection are laid out.

2. Visibility: All players can see all the available options in the pool at all times. This is the defining feature of "open" drafting.

3. Turn-Based Selection: Players take turns choosing and taking one or more items from this shared pool. Once an item is taken, it's removed from the pool (or sometimes replaced immediately, depending on the game).

4. Strategic Interaction: Because everyone can see what's available and what others are taking, open drafting encourages a high level of player interaction and strategic depth. Players aren't just thinking about what they need for their own strategy, but also:

   • "Hate Drafting": Taking an item that might not be optimal for you, but is crucial for an opponent's strategy, thereby "denying" them that piece. This can be a friendly jab or a crucial tactical move.

   • Anticipation: Trying to predict what other players will take on their turns based on their visible boards or strategies.

   • Adapting: Adjusting your own plans if a key item you wanted is taken by an opponent.

How it Differs from Other Drafting Types:

The main contrast to open drafting is closed drafting (often called "pick-and-pass" or "hand drafting"):

• Closed Drafting: Players typically receive a hand of cards (or a set of items) and select one (or more) to keep, then pass the rest of their hand to the next player. The key difference is that the pool of options available to the next player is unknown until they receive the new hand. Players don't see the full communal pool; they only see their current hand.

• Examples of Closed Drafting: 7 Wonders (the original), Sushi Go!, Blood Rage.

Why Designers Use Open Drafting:

• Increased Player Interaction: Players are constantly engaged with the overall game state, not just their own limited hand.

• Tactical Depth: Decisions often involve weighing immediate personal gain against denying opponents.

• Transparency: All information about available items is public, allowing for more calculated and less luck-driven decisions regarding the draft itself.

• Emergent Strategy: The way the pool changes based on player choices creates dynamic and evolving strategic opportunities.

Open Drafting Games

• Alchemist

• Land vs Sea

• Azul

• Azul Duel

• Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra

• Azul: Summer Pavilion

• Azul: The Queen’s Garden

• Storm Raiders

• Res Arcana

• Firefly: The Game

• Project L: Collector's Edition

• Altiplano

• P.I.

• Planet Unknown

• Truffle Shuffle

• The Gang

• 7 Wonders: Duel

• Faraway

• Thunderstone Advance

• Dominion

• Ticket to Ride: Europe

• Ticket to Ride

• Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game

• Gizmo

• Queendomino

• Clank!: Catacombs

• Nightfall 

• Bootleggers

• Dice Forge

• Star Trek Deck Building Game: The Next Generation

• Doug’s Rapid Fire Mentions

• Cloud City

• The Witcher: Old World

• Revive

• Wonderland’s War

• Wingspan

• Wyrmspan

• 51st State

• Scarface 1920

• Waste Knights

• Rurik: Dawn of Kiev

• Champion of Midgard