The Innkeeper's Table

It's a very bittersweet moment. Dylan and Bill have sadly decided it's time to step away from the podcast—possibly forever, or perhaps just for a time. In this extended final episode, the innkeepers look back on the last four years, and how  The Innkeeper's Table has affected their lives. A special,  special thanks to all of you listeners. You've made it worthwhile, and we've loved having you alon...

Do you have a favorite game that, somehow,  no one else seems to have ever heard of? That's what this week's Top 3 list is about! In this episode, the innkeepers discuss their top 3 "hidden gems" games—the games that, in spite of being good, somehow have missed the public eye. What games fall into this category for you? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com.

First, we start off with a big announcement. After the announcement, though, we move into our discussion of one of Dylan's favorite games, Terra Mystica.  It's filled with halflings, dwarves, elves, witches, and other mystical creatures who are all just trying to carve out a place in this enchanted world. Have you ever played  Terra Mystica ? What did you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts at...

"What's a pirate's favorite letter?" Most people immediately say "Arrrrr!" but actually, his first love will always be "the C." Pirates are a great theme—from pieces o' eight to mighty buckswashlers on the open seas! And wouldn't you know? Some game designers have been designing some games upon the bounding main! In this episode, the innkeepers talk about their favorite pirate-themed games. ------...

Dune. The Desert Planet. The only source of Spice in the universe, completely overrun by inhospitable deserts and deadly sandstorms. Whether you're a fan Frank Herbert's masterpiece or of hefty board games where you're battling for conquest,  Dune: War for Arrakis is probably right up your alley. In this episode, Bill and Dylan discuss the newly-released game and what makes it so epic. -----------...

Sometimes, a game doesn't need a fancy story or illustrations or any sort of theme. For some games, gameplay is  everything . In this episode, the Innkeepers are taking a look at abstract strategy games—games where it's just the players, the pieces, and the board between them. Some of these games go WAAAAY back. ------- Do you have a favorite abstract strategy game? We'd love to hear about it! Wha...

Who was the mysterious woman about whom many of Shakespeare's sonnets are written? In this episode, Dylan tells Bill about a game about that very question. And not only is the theme interesting and unique—it's made specifically for solo play. How shall we play it? Let us count the ways... -------- Have you ever played Black Sonata? What was your experience like? What similar games would you sugges...

Do you like maps? Do you like moving little dudes around on those maps? Then you probably like Dudes On a Map games! These are games where you're moving units around, conquering territories, and making strategic plays to defeat your denemies. In this episode, Dylan and Bill break down their favorite games in this genre. Dude. ------ What are your favorite Dudes On a Map games? What Top 3 list woul...

With the cold spell that's been sweeping the United States lately, we thought it might be a good idea to discuss a cozy game all about making nice, warm quilts! Have you played Patchwork? What did you think of it? What game would you like us to spotlight next? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com.

Bring Your Own Book is a game that feels like it's flown under many people's radar, so we wanted to give it some love. Have you ever played Bring Your Own Book? We'd love to hear some of your funny experiences with it! What games would you like us to spotlight in the future? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com!

Many gamers have that list of games they've bought but, somehow,  still haven't ever gotten to the table, and the innkeepers are  definitely no exception! In this episode, as we come to the end of 2023, Bill and Dylan list the top three games on their "shelves of shame" that they're really hoping to finally get to the table in 2024! What games are you hoping to get off your shelf of shame soon? Wh...

Technically, Unlock is a  series of games, but since they all follow the same mechanics, and you can only play each game once, we figured it was best to cover them as a unit! Do you enjoy the  Unlock series? Have you tried any other "Escape the Room" style games? What are your favorites? And what game do you think we should spotlight next? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com!

Bill and Dylan discuss their top picks when it comes to "gateway games" or "welcoming games"—the games that work well for people who are just barely discovering how deep the hobby gaming rabbit hole goes. What's  your favorite game in this category? Is there a specific Top 3 list you'd like us to make? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com!

Dylan and Bill spent last weekend at a small local convention. In this episode, they discuss the convention, some of the games they played, and how things went overall. Do you have a board game convention that you enjoy? We'd love to hear your convention stories! Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com!

We've got a convention this weekend, so this week's episode will be just a little bit late! Stay tuned!

It's the end of the world as we know it! (So how do  you feel?) Bill pitches the  independently-publushed game Doomlings from Doomlings, LLC to Dylan.  It's a fun, casual card game where players are trying to guide an amorphus species of critters from the Dawn of Life all the way through the End of the World. And it's adorable! Have you had a chance to try out  Doomlings ? What did you think of th...

October's come! The time for fright! But are there spooks on Gaming Night? Can gamers seek, if they are bold, For games to make the blood run cold?   In this week's episode, the spooky season has come to the Inn! Dylan and Bill discuss their Top 3 games to play in October, when you're looking for a creepy atmosphere. What's your favorite game to play around Halloween? What Top 3 list would you lik...

Y'know what board games could use more of? Quantum Theory! But let's make it a classic trick-taking game! ... Okay, so this is the game that no one asked for, but ended up being a  great concept. What color is the card in your hand? It's never truly certain until you play it! Do you have a game you'd like us to spotlight? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com !

We talk a lot about games... But what about the places you buy them? In this episode, Dlyan and Bill turn the Top 3 list a tad askew and discuss the top three things they think any good game store should have. What do  you look for in a game store? What Top 3 list should we do next? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com !

It's been ten years since it came out, but Sushi Go is still a great game, earning its place as a classic in the hearts of many gamers. In this episode, Bill and Dylan discuss Sushi Go, as well as its successor, Sushi Go Party. Do you have a game you'd like us to spotlight? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com !

Can't we all just get along? Sometimes, you want to play a game, but you're not necessarily in a competitive mood. Cooperative games have got you covered! In this episode, Bill and Dylan talk about their favorite three cooperative games. What are your favorite co-op games? What other Top 3 lists would you like our innkeepers to create? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com !

Dylan tells Bill about a game he enjoys playing with his kids:  Similo . A quick setup, quick teach, and quick play,  Similo is a great breadstick game that takes the children's game  Guess Who to the next level, incorporating a variety of popular characters and making the game enjoyable for all ages. Do you have a game you'd like the Innkeepers to spotlight? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@...

Dylan and Bill talk about their favorite three games that are based on previously-existing intellectual properties. What are your favorite games based on an IP? Are there any Top 3 lists you'd like to hear us make? Let us know at innkeeperstablepodcast@gmail.com !  

Hooray! Dylan's back! And he's ready to talk board games! In this episode, Bill tells Dylan about a game he's played that Dylan hasn't had an opportunity to get to the table yet. Picture Perfect mixes aspects of spacial reasoning, memory, and a little bit of deduction in a fun, Roaring '20s-themed photo op. Do you have a game you'd like the Innkeepers to spotlight? Let us know at innkeeperstablepo...