Bards of the Board

Latest Episodes:

What Should You Bring to Game Night?? w/ Alex Radcliffe from Board Game Co! | EP 35 Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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 covered with a selection of accessible games that will help ease your group into the world of modern board gaming.
From gateway games to lighter strategy options, we’ll highlight the titles that strike the perfect balance of fun, depth, and approachability, ensuring everyone has a blast!
Whether you're hosting a family gathering, a small group of friends, or just looking to expand your collection, these games are perfect for players of all experience levels. So grab your game night crew, and let’s dive into the world of easy-to-pick-up, hard-to-put-down board games!
Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
11:53 What We've Been Playing
24:46 Main Topic!
55:52 Final Thoughts

Building Your Character and Great Game!! Call to Adventure Board Game Review | EP 34 Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

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?? You'll have to watch to find out!!
You can find Call to Adventure for yourself at:
https://amzn.to/3OKcHxB
Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:37 What We've Been Playing
8:37 Call to Adventure
51:17 Cookie Scale
57:00 Final Thoughts

Colorful Quilts for a Crunchy Game!! Calico Board Game Review | EP 33 Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

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'll have to watch to find out!!
You can find Calico for yourself at:
https://amzn.to/4g78GPo
Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
3:55 What We've Been Playing
19:50 Calico
55:15 Cookie Scale
1:01:10 Final Thoughts

The Bird IS the Word!! Wingspan Board Game Review | EP 32 Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

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 Double Double Doozies?? You’ll have to watch to find out!!
You can find Wingspan for yourself at:
https://amzn.to/4fnkdKH
Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:08 What We've Been Playing
24:32 Wingspan
1:05:49 Cookie Scale
1:08:30 Final Thoughts

Why Doesn't This End Up at the Table More?? Five Tribes Board Game Review | EP 31 Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

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 find out!!
You can find Five Tribes for yourself at:
https://amzn.to/3AjPFu5
Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:38 What We've Been Playing
13:07 Five Tribes
56:31 Cookie Scale
1:01:45 Final Thoughts

You'll NEVER Believe Jason's Number 1!! | Top 10 2 Player Board Games Oct 17, 2024

Show notes

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 do the Bards bring out in the head to head?? You'll have to watch to find out!!
Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:10 What We've Been Playing
9:12 Top 10 Time
13:07 Jason's 10
15:50 Robbie's 10
20:40 Robbie's 9
23:17 Jason's 9
25:48 Jason's 8
29:20 Robbie's 8
32:08 Robbie's 7
33:50 Jason's 7
36:53 Jason's 6
39:10 Robbie's 6
44:08 Robbie's 5
46:52 Jason's 5
48:28 Jason's 4
51:19 Robbie's 4
58:15 Robbie's 3
1:02:20 Jason's 3
1:06:01 Jason's 2
1:08:18 Robbie's 2
1:11:32 Robbie's 1
1:14:30 Jason's 1
1:19:06 Final Thoughts

The Catchiest Game Yet!! Pandemic Board Game Review! | EP 29 Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

In 2020 the world found itself amidst a global pandemic, but the creators of this board game have had folks experiencing this for years. Today's game talks about Pandemic, the board game where you and your team will work together to stop the spread of disease worldwide. Through unique roles, a random deck to oversee the spread of the viruses, and more you'll find yourself racing against time and infection! How do the bards feel about it?? You'll have to watch to find out!!
You can find Pandemic for yourself at:
https://amzn.to/3N99Xcz
Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:10 What We've Been Playing
13:09 Pandemic
52:51 Cookie Scale
57:35 Final Thoughts

Millionaires of the Forest?? Raccoon Tycoon Board Game Review | EP 28 Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

Buy a Railroad, Produce Commodities, or Invest in a Town?? In today's game you'll have the potential to start your empire of the woodlands with some incredible gameplay as an introduction into a lighter step of modern hobby gaming. Whether you want to push your luck and wait for the best time to cash in on your resources, or take the sure bet on your turn this episode and game leads to loads of laughs. What do our Bards think?? You'll have to watch to find out!!
You can find Raccoon Tycoon for yourself at:
https://amzn.to/4eqK03I
Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
2:33 What We've Been Playing
22:53 Raccoon Tycoon
1:02:00 Cookie Scale
1:07:08 Final Thoughts

Good for Kids AND Adults?? | Kingdomino Board Game Review EP 27 Sep 05, 2024

Show notes

Tile Laying Games are a Personal favorite of Robbie’s, and throw in some Polyomino pieces and Jason’s in as well. Today’s game is an award winning Tile Placement game where you’ll be building your very own Kingdom under a small restriction to add a little bit of pressure. Do the Bards agree with its award winning status? Do we see another Double Doozie?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

You can find Kingdomino for yourself at:

https://amzn.to/3ZayG7q

Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!

We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!

https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

1:16 What We've Been Playing

23:50 Kingdomino

54:00 Cookie Scale

1:01:00 Final Thoughts

How to Introduce New Players to Board Games with James Hudson of Druid City Games!! | EP 26 Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

**Sorry for Robbie's Audio Issues. He tried a new camera for the Youtube version and accidentally selected it for his audio as well!! Will be fixed for next episode!!**
Today we welcome our next incredible guest to the channel, James Hudson of Druid City Games! He's the owner and one of the game designers as well as a family friend of Jason's! In today's episode the crew sits down to help give you a few games as well as some terms and conditions to consider for hosting or introducing new players to games. Do our Bards find new suggestions beyond ones they've already discussed? What is James's Take on difficulty and introducing new players to games?? You’ll have to watch to find out!
To Check Out James's Content and Druid City Games Head to the following Links!!
https://www.youtube.com/@realdruidcitygames
https://www.druidcitygames.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jamesmatthewhudson/?hl=en
Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of the game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
We hope you accompany us on this journey … and join us at the table!
Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
5:00 What We've Been Playing
17:40 Our Games to Introduce Others
56:50 Final Thoughts

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