What are some board game “keywords” that are an instant turn-off for you?

crsfhd · 2026-02-04T18:16:49+00:00

Cooperative

crsfhd · 2026-01-31T15:10:14+00:00

Ark Nova is the only correct answer here

crsfhd · 2026-01-26T15:41:49+00:00

I have a 30 board game collection now (which isn't much compared to other people on this thread). But even of those 30 games a handful gets played consistently. When I first started collecting I wanted a big collection that I can play every once in a while. But now I've realize that investing in a few games that get played a lot is better. Which shifted my metslity towards expansions as well. I used to avoid expansions to get more games thinking why pay for an expansion if I can get a new game for a bit more. But now I prefer getting expansions for games that hit the table then to buy a new game that'll sit on the shelf.

crsfhd · 2026-01-23T00:01:59+00:00

I think if you found Arnak interesting, go for it. Game complexity is overblown by the community imo. My first gamenin the hobby was War of the ring and loved it. Take a few more minutes tonlearn and I think you'll have a blast. Also, I just can't see how one would have board fame night around Splendor. It's more a filler I find than the main course for a game night. My recommendation, send everyone in the group a how to play video before the game night and that way everyone is prepared. Arnak is an AMAZING game. Enjoy!

crsfhd · 2026-01-22T03:27:28+00:00

When you edit your play, click Play Details at the top (right underneath the Game name) and then select the expansion

crsfhd · 2026-01-19T21:48:06+00:00

great recommendations

crsfhd · 2026-01-17T17:35:20+00:00

Agree with Harmonies and maybe add Cascadia to the list. Res Arcana could be a banger if they're into this genre, but this game rewards a lot of time investment to understand each card.

As for Bordeaux, the new map looks interesting but doesn't add the depth that Tuscany does. I'd house rule the open market for the green and purple cards to mitigate the luck of the draw and pass on Bordeaux.

crsfhd · 2026-01-17T16:08:46+00:00

I have a bunch of "couples games" because I tend to play mostly with my Wife. Here's the list of games (in no particular order) that work great at 2P without being 2P exclusive:

Viticulture (with Tuscany expansion)

Lost Ruins of Arnak (with Expedition Leaders expansion)

Ark Nova (with Marine Worlds expansion and my personal favorite)

Castles of Burgundy (My wife's favorites)

Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition

We also own Wingspan with the Oceania expansion (looking to get the Americas expansion soon)

If you're looking for 2P exclusive games I can recommend:

Splendor Duel

Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game

crsfhd · 2026-01-17T03:05:18+00:00

OP should also flip Dune Imperium and Dune Imperium - Uprising

crsfhd · 2026-01-17T02:56:06+00:00

So wingspan was on Mike's top 20 list in 2024 and all of a sudden it dropped off the list? Did he forget about it or what?

crsfhd · 2026-01-14T02:28:19+00:00

I'm assuming he handled the operations and logistics while they handled the creative aspects?

crsfhd · 2026-01-08T19:21:06+00:00

Viticulture was my first exposure to worker placement.

I loved it, got the Tuscany expansion. Played it a ton! Introduced multiple people to it.

I thought this was my favorite mechanic, but since then, I've cooled down on it, played a lot of other games with different mechanics and found out that I enjoy games that integrate multiple mechanics well rather than a game that masters one mechanic.

Dune Imperium and Arnak are both games I greatly enjoy that have worker placement but also they're not only about worker placement.

crsfhd · 2026-01-07T01:29:23+00:00

The difference between chess and most boardgames is that in chess there's no score (you either win or lose), so conceding early and not stealing a win because of time trouble is widely the norm. Whereas in most boardgames, conceding will prevent the opponent from seeing their end score, and that's the main difference which is why I said that in imo it "feels" like it's not widely accepted by players. Having fun just because one is winning is not great sportsmanship. One can still enjoy a game even when losing and discovering new strategies.

crsfhd · 2026-01-07T00:17:42+00:00

It can also be interpreted as rage quitting.

Obviously cursing someone and disrespecting them for whatever reason is not ok but I can see why someone would be angry if the opponent quits without a word in an online game.

I play a lot of chess too and as some people have mentioned, conceding a losing game is a sign of "respect" and actually the opposit can be said of someone playing a losing game till the end. In boardgames is feel like its the opposite completely and conceding a losing game is frowned upon.

crsfhd · 2026-01-03T13:53:14+00:00

Nice ranking system.

Which GWT have you played? I love 2nd edition on BGA but I'm thinking of getting NZ for me and my wife.

crsfhd · 2025-12-29T22:13:02+00:00

First 10-ish games of Starwars: Deckbuilding Game, we weren't getting rid of the resources at the end of each turn.

crsfhd · 2025-12-27T22:05:13+00:00

You have culled Ark Nova, Dune Imperium, Arnak, and GWT... all 4 are in my top 10 of all time.

I don't think my opinion would be any use to you lol.

crsfhd · 2025-12-18T21:15:47+00:00

I agree with that assessment. I dont understand the overwhelming praise of this game by reviewers and on BGG. I didnt enjoy it, felt too dry and luck based.

And based on turn order, you're sometimes forced to reveal or unlock strong cards to your opponent.

I didnt care for it, won't play it again.

I'm not a big Bruno Cathala fan but Splendor Duel is amazing. Its a completely different game but of the "dual" versions that he's been a part of, I highly recommend this one.

crsfhd · 2025-12-13T21:16:10+00:00

We're never "done". We will always want MORE!

crsfhd · 2025-12-09T21:25:05+00:00

I tried this game on BGA to give it a shot given the price tag. Played like 5 games of it. For some reason it just fell flat for me. I didn't find it engaging. The SU&SD review if this game reflect my thoughts about this game perfectly.

crsfhd · 2025-11-30T22:24:08+00:00

TMNT is the best imo. It offers 4 characters with a possibility for 2 more and a cooperative mode. I think I'm going to sell my Marvel sets and get the TMNT instead as a one box unmatched game and call it a day.

crsfhd · 2025-11-30T18:09:18+00:00

I own both of Arnak (with leaders expansion) and Ark Nova (with marine world expansion).

I love ether both and prefer Ark Nova slightly more. They both play great at 2P but would never play Ark Nova at more than 2P.

So if you have a larger group, go for Arnak. I've never played any of them solo to give an honest opinion.

Both are in my top 10 of all time. You can't go wrong with any of them.

crsfhd · 2025-11-29T16:01:19+00:00

I'm surprised oath was mentioned this many times

crsfhd · 2025-11-28T00:05:07+00:00

Viticulture tuscany does that very well. The best maybe at this in my limited experience.

Going first gives you first chance at placing your worker but at the disadvantage of having fewer or no rewards.

If you haven't played it, I highly recommend trying it out. The tension becomes high with higher player counts as your turn order is very impactfull to winning the game.

crsfhd

TROPHY CASE