Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Snowed In Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

This episode we share our favourite long and really long board games. We also talk about what we’ve been playing including first thoughts on Scurry Up from Up Games, and wrap up with two featured reviews, How to Save A World from Burnt Island Games and Metro Runner from Thunderworks Games.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 294 was recorded on February 4th, 2026. These episodes are recorded Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

We usually try to record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/294

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:36) Ask the Bellhop - Great longer board games
(00:41:51) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(01:14:44) The Game Room - How To Save A World
Pre-order How to Save A World direct from Burnt Island: https://www.burntislandgames.com/how-to-save-a-world?ref=tabletopbellhop
Check out our review of Endeavor on A Grand Time, Episode 258: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep258/
Learn about other great games published in Canada on Elbows Up! Episode 282: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep282/

(01:43:47) The Game Room - Metrorunner
Pick up Metrorunner on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZWJTHK
Show for other games from Thunderworks: https://amzn.to/4akBvHb
Our other Thunderworks Games content: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=thunderworks

(02:02:09) Closing the Doors

Send feedback to moe@tabletopbellhop.com deanna@tabletopbellhop.com or sean@tabletopbellhop.com

TIP THE BELLHOP:
Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

FIND US:
Webpage: https://tabletopbellhop.com
Discord: https://discord.tabletopbellhop.com
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/tabletopbellhop.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabletopbellhop/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tabletopbellhop/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/tabletopbellhop
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Go Big or Go Home Jan 25, 2026

Show notes

This episode we share a rather large list of games we think are great for large groups, groups of seven or more players, and that’s not just a bunch of party games.

We also share what we’ve been playing and wrap up with three featured reviews: 3-2-1 Countdown from Grandpa Beck’s Games, Brick Like This! from Asmodee, and Hand Games 21 a book by Don Eskridge.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 293 was recorded on January 21st, 2026. We usually record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep293/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) CHECK-IN

(00:01:59) Announcements
February 2026 Events: Feb 8th - Board Game Bazaar Feb 22nd - Pop Up Board Game Cafe Feb 26th - Brews & Board Games Our event calendar: https://tabletopbellhop.com/local/

(00:02:56) Ask the Bellhop - Great games for seven or more players

(00:37:31) The Bellhop’s Tabletop

(00:51:15) The Game Room - 3-2-1 Countdown
Pick up 3-2-1 Countdown on Amazon, https://amzn.to/4k4hB7O
Or better yet order it direct from Grandpa Beck’s where you can use BELLHOP to save 15%, https://www.grandpabecksgames.com/products/3-2-1-countdown?sca_ref=9131133.6jeLXLbaBX
Check out our Skull King review on Ep 263 https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep263/
And our Reign of Dragoness review on Ep 283 https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep283/

(00:58:20) The Game Room - Brick Like This
Pick up Brick Like This! on Amazon, https://amzn.to/4rbxwDm
You may also dig Monkey Palace another newer LEGO Game, https://amzn.to/3NMVjep
Learn about more of our favourite party games on ep 166 https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep166/

(01:11:57) The Game Room - 21 Hand Games
Pick up Hand Games 21 on Amazon, https://amzn.to/4sXsuMB Check out Don’s hit social deduction games The Resistance https://amzn.to/4pYNfoi and/or Avalon https://amzn.to/3O3pgHd
An apology: During the review of Hand Games 21 we say Dan Eskridge instead of Don, sorry about that Don.

(01:37:27) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

The Unofficial Bellhop Awards Jan 18, 2026

Show notes

We share the best new to us games that we played in 2025, five from each of us, for fifteen total. We also talk about all of the games we played over the holidays (which was a lot!). Then we wrap up with a review of SETI from CGE.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 292 was recorded on January 14th, 2026. We usually record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep292/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) CHECK-IN

(00:02:01) Announcements
We renewed our GAMA membership https://www.gama.org/
We will be at GAMA Expo https://www.gama.org/page/gama-expo
Learn more about GAMA and the Expo: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep236/

Upcoming Events: Jan 22nd - Brews & Board Games at the Walkerville Brewery
Jan 25th - Board Game Mixer at Hidden Trail

Our event calendar: https://tabletopbellhop.com/local/

(00:03:41) Ask the Bellhop

(00:32:36) The Bellhop’s Tabletop

(01:37:51) The Game Room - SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Pick up SETI at B&N, https://barnesandnoble.sjv.io/jex6DM
Check out our other CGE content, https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=CGE
Visit https://www.czechgames.com

(02:08:42) Closing the Doors

Great Expectations Dec 21, 2025

Show notes

We answer a question from one of our awesome Patreon patrons who asked what we think publishers can do to better set expectations for their board games. We also share the games we’ve been playing lately, including Grandpa Beck’s latest game, Whoa There Cowboy! Plus we dive into detailed reviews of two games where we got exactly what we expected, Alhambra Family & Friends Edition from Queen Games, and Beer & Bread from Capstone Games.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 291 was recorded on December 17th, 2025. We usually record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep291/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) CHECK-IN

(00:02:23) Announcements
Upcoming Events:

Dec 28th - Pop up Board Game Cafe at Hidden Trail
https://tabletopbellhop.com/hidden

Jan 6th - ProtoWIN Game Designer Night at Hidden Trail
https://tabletopbellhop.com/protowin/

Jan 22nd - Brews & Board Games at the Walkerville Brewery
https://tabletopbellhop.com/local/

(00:03:39) Ask the Bellhop

(00:59:01) The Bellhop’s Tabletop

(01:11:08) The Game Room - Beer & Bread
Beer & Bread: https://amzn.to/4qfdsQ2
Check out the Capstone Games Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/4qlf7n5
27 Quick & Fun Easy to Learn Two Player Board Games https://tabletopbellhop.com/gaming-advice/quick-and-easy-two-player-board-games/
24 More of the Best Two Player Board Games for Date Night https://tabletopbellhop.com/gaming-advice/date-night-board-games/

(01:28:34) The Game Room - Alhambra Family & Friends Edition
Pick up Alhambra Compact Edition: https://amzn.to/4sg7j8f
Check out the Queen Games Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/4pcGE9v
Our other Queen Games coverage: https://tabletopbellhop.com/tag/queen-games/

(01:45:26) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

Tricks and Trumps Dec 14, 2025

Show notes

This episode we share our favourite modern trick taking games, specifically games we discovered in the last few years. In addition we’ll talk about the games we’ve played since we last recorded, including some detailed first thoughts on SETI from CGE. We wrap up with two trick-taking game reviews: Lunar Skyline from Dead Alive Games and Origin Story from Stonemaier Games

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 290, was recorded on December 10th, 2025. We usually try to record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep290/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) CHECK-IN

(00:02:19) Announcements
Upcoming Events:
Dec 18th - Brews & Board Games at the Walkerville Brewery
https://www.walkervillebrewery.com/events/bandbg-dec18
Dec 28th - Pop up Board Game Cafe at Hidden Trail
https://tabletopbellhop.com/hidden
Jan 6th - ProtoWIN Game Designer Night at Hidden Trail
https://tabletopbellhop.com/protowin/

(00:03:28) Ask the Bellhop

(00:21:08) The Bellhop’s Tabletop

(00:42:04) The Game Room - Review of Lunar Skyline

Pick up Lunar Skyline, https://amzn.to/3KL4uLp
Check out the Dead Alive Games Amazon Storefront, https://amzn.to/4rSWAAm
Learn more about Lunar Rush, https://www.deadalivegames.com/lunarrush

(00:59:56) The Game Room - Origin Story

Pick up Origin Story, https://amzn.to/4iUQdbC
Check out the Stonemaier Amazon Storefront, https://amzn.to/4pIZXIo
Check out our other Stonemaier Game content, https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=stonemaier%20games

(01:20:50) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

Ask us Anything Board Game AMA Nov 16, 2025

Show notes

This episode we answer questions from our chatroom live, including talk about obscure games, if we’ve ever intentionally destroyed a game, how long we’ve been hosting local events, joining another channel, games we lose often, and more.

We also share what we’ve been playing and do full reviews of Codenames Duet Second Edition from CGE and Please Don’t Burn My Village from Fireside Games.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 289, was recorded on November 12th, 2025. We usually try to record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep289/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) CHECK-IN

(00:02:30) Announcements
Upcoming Events:
Nov 27 - Brews & Board Games at the Walkerville Brewery
Dec 7th - Board Game Bazaar at Hidden Trail
Dec 18th - Brews & Board Games at the Walkerville Brewery

Taking some time off, we probably won’t be back until December 10th at the earliest.
Find holiday deals on tabletop games here: https://tabletopbellhop.com/tabletop-deals/

(00:04:09) Ask the Bellhop

(01:00:22) The Bellhop’s Tabletop

(01:15:40) The Game Room - Review of Codenames Duet Second Edition
Pick up the new edition: https://amzn.to/4o35b09
Check out the CGE Amazon store: https://amzn.to/4ikQrIZ
Check out our original Codenames Duet Review On the blog https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/codenames-duet/
On YouTube: https://youtu.be/qMqoTztp61M?si=ZzX6Y46o0FURf4vC

(01:27:28) The Game Room - Review of Please Don’t Burn My Village!

Pick up Please Don’t Burn My Village! https://amzn.to/4oGiQv8
Visit the Fireside Games Store on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XwTl3q
Check out our other Fireside Games content: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=fireside

(01:37:27) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

Hat Trick Nov 09, 2025

Show notes

This week, we reduce our question pile by answering three of your questions that aren’t quite involved enough to warrant a full podcast episode; one on favourite games and game styles, one on cons, and one on the state of the industry.

We also share thoughts on How to Save a World from Burnt Island Games and do full reviews of both Slanguage from Foxmind and The Lord of the Rings the Fellowship of the Ring Trick Taking Game from Office Dog.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 288, was recorded on November 5th, 2025. We usually try to record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep288/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) CHECK-IN

(00:02:04) Announcements

(00:04:02) Ask the Bellhop - We Answer Three Questions

The Bellhop’s Tabletop - What we’ve been playing

(00:40:17) The Game Room - Slanguage
Buy Slanguage https://amzn.to/4p4kYNj
Visit the FoxMind Amazon Storefront https://amzn.to/43kRuSO
Our other party game reviews: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=party%20game

(00:51:40) The Game Room - The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Trick-Taking Game
Pick up The Fellowship of the Ring Trick-Taking Game https://amzn.to/4hS7Bxc
Check out the Asmodee Amazon Storefront https://amzn.to/47unAxR
Other Lord of the Rings games we’ve covered: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=lord%20of%20the%20rings

(01:08:32) Closing the Doors

TIP THE BELLHOP: Get bonus content by becoming a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/tabletopbellhop
Shop Tabletop Bellhop merch https://tabletopbellhop.com/merch
Buy us a coffee https://ko-fi.com/tabletopbellhop

Level Up Nov 02, 2025

Show notes

This episode we share our favourite games where you level up or power up during the game, but that aren’t campaign games. To go with that we’ve got a spoiler free review of Vantage from Stonemaier Games.

We also review Tea Witches from The Op, share first thoughts on How to Save A World, talk about our first ever Pop Up Board Game Cafe, and more.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 287, was recorded on October 29th, 2025. We usually try to record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep287/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:01:53) Ask the Bellhop
(00:35:12) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(00:53:02) The Game Room - Review of Vantage
Pick up a copy, https://amzn.to/3JFdml7
Pick up the Vantage Playmats, https://amzn.to/4oMTxax
Or the upgraded Skill Tokens, https://amzn.to/4oQ5EDU
Visit Stonemaier Games on Amazon, https://amzn.to/3LlriBc
Our other Stonemaier content: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=stonemaier
(01:29:24) The Game Room - Review of Tea Witches
Pick up Tea Witches, https://miniature-market.sjv.io/4G4E6M
Pick up the Deluxe Upgrade Kit, https://miniature-market.sjv.io/qzPyrj
Check out our GAMA Expo 2025 Coverage: https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep267/
We’ve covered a lot of games from The Op: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=The%20Op

(01:54:08) Closing the Doors

They Grow On You Oct 26, 2025

Show notes

We share our favourite nature themed board games, and deep dive two of them with detailed reviews of Hutan: Life in the rainforest and Gnome Hollow.

We also talk about the recent public play game night we hosted where we were joined by a rep from Outset Media, and, of course, talk about the games we’ve been playing lately.

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 286, was recorded on October 22nd, 2025. We usually try to record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep286/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:02) Ask the Bellhop
(00:29:47) The Bellhop's Tabletop
Send your questions to: Questions@tabletopbellhop.com
(00:45:16) The Game Room - Hutan Life in the Rainforest Pick up a copy, https://amzn.to/47nBjVU
Visit The Op store on Amazon, https://amzn.to/48PbLUd
We’ve covered a lot of games from The Op, check it out: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=The%20Op

(01:08:33) The Game Room - Gnome Hollow
Our Gnome Hollow Unboxing, https://youtu.be/BqJBEfOyWPo?si=Vdhcr5l-afbdMsYn
Gnome Hollow Upgrade Kit Unboxing, https://youtu.be/UhbN5Cjgn6A?si=dn0r_IwpS67XqmmM
Pick up a copy, https://amzn.to/4o1GUIx
Grab the upgrade kit, https://amzn.to/3L5oYhJ
(01:30:46) Closing the Doors

Board Game Swap Oct 19, 2025

Show notes

We recently hosted a board game swap meet and tonight we’re going to talk about how that went in hopes of giving you some tips to run a similar event for your community.

We will also share our first thoughts on Vantage, the new sci-fi open world sandbox game from Stonemaier Games and talk a bit about our first ProtoWIN local game designer day.

We close out with three reviews: The Uncharted Expansion for Land Vs Sea, Pencil Book Quest, and the P’Kup

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast Episode 285, was recorded on October 15th, 2025. We usually try to record Wednesdays at 8 PM Eastern at https://www.twitch.tv/tabletopbellhop

Find full, detailed show notes at https://tabletopbellhop.com/podcast/ep285/

Disclosure: Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Games mentioned may be review copies provided by publishers.

(00:00:00) Checking In
(00:02:10) Announcements
Expect to see our podcast drop at 3pm Eastern on Sundays going forward. That includes all formats, the blog, on your podcatcher and the YouTube video.

(00:02:49) Ask the Bellhop
(00:36:48) The Bellhop's Tabletop
(01:03:14) The Game Room - Land Vs Sea Uncharted
Our original Land Vs Sea Reviews:
On the Blog https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/land-vs-sea/
On YouTube https://youtu.be/y3Z6Y5U0HOI?si=Odw_V7w1T52C8pWz
Pick up the Uncharted Expansion for Land Vs Sea https://amzn.to/46WuN9L
We’ve covered a lot of Good Games Publishing's Games, Check it out: https://tabletopbellhop.com/search/?q=%22good%20games%20publishing%22
(01:22:19) The Game Room - Pencil Book Quest
Our Pocket Book Adventures Previews
On the Blog: https://tabletopbellhop.com/game-reviews/pocket-book-adventures/
On YouTube: https://youtu.be/UlyPLZbEcbI?si=Pe6_qNfUNxxiy5px
Pick up Pencil Book Quest https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/grumpy-spider-games/pencil-book-quest
Pick up Pocket Book Adventures https://grumpyspider.com/product/pocket-book-adventures/

(01:35:06) The Game Room - P’Kup Card Lifter
Pick up a P’Kup (Use BELLHOP to save 10%) https://getpkup.com/?ref=ahwzwxdz

(01:48:04) Closing the Doors

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected