Bards of the Board

Step into the eerie halls of Warwick Manor as the Bards tackle one of the most atmospheric board games ever made-Mysterium. In this episode of Bards of the Board, we dive into the beautifully haunting world of psychic visions, ghostly clues, and cooperative deduction. One player takes on the role of the silent ghost, communicating only through surreal dream cards, while the rest of the table works...

This week on Bards of the Board, we journey to Arrakis. Jason brings one of his all-time favorites to the table: Dune: Imperium — the deck-building, worker-placement epic that blends political intrigue, resource management, and all-out conflict in the battle for spice. While it may lean heavier than some games we typically cover, Robbie found himself thoroughly hooked… and maybe a little obsessed....

In Episode 52 of Bards of the Board, we set our sights on the stars with Stella, the strategic, word-association game set in the beloved Dixit universe. Using the familiar dreamlike art Dixit fans love, Stella asks players to read the table, take risks, and see how closely their thinking aligns with everyone else’s. We break down how Stella plays, what makes it different from classic Dixit, and wh...

In this episode of Bards of the Board, we fire up the kiln and dive into the shimmering world of River Valley Glassworks—a board game all about crafting, colors, clever combos, and keeping your glassblowing workshop running like a work of art. We break down:✨ How the game actually feels to play—smooth engine-builder or fragile puzzle?🧩 Mechanics that shine (and a couple that cracked under pressu...

Not every game night starts with seasoned gamers—and sometimes the best challenge is finding the perfect gateway for a hesitant player. In this episode of Bards of the Board, we count down our Top 10 board games you can teach your mom (or any reluctant gamer!) to help them fall in love with the modern hobby. From light, approachable titles to sneaky strategy games that keep things fun without over...

Welcome back to Bards of the Board! 🎲✨ This week we’re diving into the world of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn with a full review of Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game. We’ll break down how the game captures the spirit of the books, what works (and what doesn’t) in its deckbuilding mechanics, and whether it deserves a spot at your table. If you’re a fan of the Mistborn series or just love exploring n...

Welcome back to Bards of the Board! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the magical world of Disney Lorcana, the trading card game from Ravensburger that’s taken the hobby by storm. We’ll explore what makes Lorcana unique, how it stacks up against other TCGs, and whether it’s worth adding to your game shelf (or collection binder). From gameplay mechanics to theme integration, we’ll share our tho...

Bards of the Board is back with a deep dive into one of the most beloved eurogames of all time — Castles of Burgundy! In this episode, we explore what makes Stefan Feld’s classic stand the test of time, from its dice-driven strategy to the endless ways to score points. We’ll share our favorite strategies, talk about how it plays across different player counts, and debate whether the latest edition...

In this episode of Bards of the Board, we dive deep into the magical world of Res Arcana — a game of mages, artifacts, and alchemical dominance. Designed by Tom Lehmann, Res Arcana challenges players to build efficient engine combos with a tight card pool and even tighter resource management. We break down: * What makes Res Arcana stand out from other engine builders * Our favorite (and least favo...

In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the world of family-friendly board games that are perfect for introducing your kids and loved ones to the hobby game space! Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking to share your passion or a parent curious about games beyond Monopoly and Uno, we've got you covered. We're joined by special guest Chris Yi from The Dice Tower , who shares hi...

In this video, we dive into the thrilling cooperative board game Horrified, where you and your team must work together to defeat legendary Universal Monsters like Dracula, The Mummy, Frankenstein's Monster, and more! Whether you're a horror fan, a co-op game enthusiast, or just looking for your next game night hit, we’ll break down what makes Horrified such a standout title. 🎲 What’s in...

Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we dive deep into the world of Disney villainy! This time, we're reviewing Disney Villainous – the hit board game from Ravensburger that lets you step into the shoes of iconic Disney villains like Maleficent, Ursula, Jafar, and more. We break down the game mechanics, the strategy behind each villain, the stunning artwork, and whether this game is a...

In this video, we dive into Smartphone Inc., the sleek economic strategy game about dominating the global tech market! We break down how it plays, what makes it unique, and whether it's a good fit for players who are newer to modern board gaming. We’ll cover: ✅ How the game works ✅ What we liked and didn’t like ✅ Complexity level & learning curve ✅ Final thoughts: Is it beginner-frien...

Welcome to the table as we dive into one of the most fast-paced, chaotic, and fun social deduction games out there. Watch as alliances form, accusations fly, and secrets are revealed—all in just one night. Will the village survive, or will the werewolves go undetected? You can find One Night Ultimate Werewolf for yourself at: https://amzn.to/42RSSuX Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing no...

Welcome to the Table, specifically...our table!! Every 10th episode we bring a top 10 list, and today is no different. In today's episode we're discussing our top 10 games that we have actually played together. This episode was a blast to record, and might be Robbie's favorite so far, as we walked down memory lane discussing games we've played. We welcome you into some of our i...

In this episode of Bards of the Board, we break down one of the most beautifully crafted board games out there – Azul! Join us as we explore the mechanics, strategy, and artistry behind this fan-favorite tile-laying game. Whether you're a seasoned Azul player or new to the game, our discussion will give you valuable insights into how to master your moves and outplay your opponents. We’ll cove...

In this episode, we dive into the strategic world of 7 Wonders, the classic card drafting board game where players build their own civilizations over three ages. Join us as we discuss the mechanics, strategies, and what makes this game a fan favorite. From the intense decisions on which cards to draft to the thrill of completing your Wonder, we cover it all! Whether you're a seasoned player o...

In this video, we dive into the enchanting world of Dixit, the popular storytelling board game! 🎨✨ Join us as we explore: Gameplay Mechanics: Learn how the game works, from setting up to scoring, and how the unique blend of storytelling and creativity sets Dixit apart. Strategy Tips: Discover effective strategies to outwit your opponents, whether you're crafting subtle clues or interpreting...

Welcome to our latest video where we dive into the exciting world of New York Zoo! In this video, we explore everything this captivating board game has to offer, from its unique mechanics to the animal-filled gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned board gamer or new to the hobby, we’ll break down how to play, offer strategies, and share our thoughts on what makes New York Zoo such a fun experience. J...

You can find and support Alex over at: https://www.youtube.com/ @BoardGameCo   Looking to host the perfect game night with newer or less experienced board gamers? In this video, we dive into the best games to introduce to those just starting out or still getting comfortable in the hobby. Whether you're looking for easy-to-learn mechanics, engaging themes, or quick playtime, we’ve got you cove...

In a world full of quests, challenges, and chaos there is an individual who rises to the occasion. Fortunately for us, that person is you the player!! In today's game we will find our origin story, embrace our motivation, and seek the destiny we deserve! This rune-tossing game brings a unique twist to dice chucking, and the Bards have some thoughts! How do they feel about Call to Adventure??...

Cats and Quilts..and iconic combo. In today's game we are going to discuss one of the more mechanically simple games we've played that also might be one of the thinkiest and crunchiest games we've discussed at the same time. In this Tile Laying Masterpiece you'll be assembling a quilt and attracting cats to cozy up on your beautifully masterpiece. How do the bards feel about it...

You’ve heard us mention it for over a year now…and today it finally hits the table. One of our highest rated games according to the Board Game world, today we tackle Wingspan. In Wingspan you are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Do our Bards love it?? Is it back to back...

In this Mancala world you'll be moving 5 different tribes through the board to gain as many resources as possible! Five Tribes is a classic amongst Board Gamers and for those interested in a Hobby Gaming space, Robbie might argue this is a must play! With one of the more unique mechanics you'll find amongst this desert adventure.. what do the Bards think?? You'll have to watch to fi...

Welcome to the Table, and we’re back with another fantastic episode!! Every 10th episode we bring a top 10 list, and today is no different. In today's episode we're discussing our top 10 games to bring out when it's just us and one other. Whether it's a date board game night, or hanging out with a coworker, sometimes you need that game that hits just right for two. What games d...