In Episode 286 we cover 5 board game expansions each that are (almost) mandatory.00:00 Introduction01:45 Board game expansions we won't play without03:31 Look back at Top 5 Board Game Expansions from ...
The Old King's Crown (01:06:26)
In Episode 285 we give our hot take review on The Old King's Crown covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We talk about the BGG Hall of Fame inductee, For Sale, ...
Echoes of Time (01:06:57)
In Episode 284 we give our hot take review on Echoes of Time covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We cover a poll on motivations to engage with the board game ...
2025 Lookback and Board Game Awards (00:58:05)
In Episode 284 we take a look back at 2025 and discuss some of the great (and no so great) games we played last year. Most of them were even published last year.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction2:27 Bigge...
Hot Topic: Are We In Peak Board Gaming? (01:02:12)
In Episode 282 we discuss the current state of the hobby and if it's the best it's ever been. Are we in peak board gaming? Where do we go from here? If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting u...
Top 5 Games We Only Played Once in 2025 (00:51:40)
In Episode 281 we look back at the games we played once for the first time in 2025. Great games and we want to play them more. We briefly look at last year's list and see how we did.00:00 Introduction...
Top 5 Board Games We Want To Play in 2026 (01:15:36)
In Episode 280 we look back at last year's list of games we wanted to get played and then we discuss the games that are top of mind we hope to get to try over the next year.Timestamps:00:00 Introducti...
Ada's Dream (01:15:41)
In Episode 279 we give our hot take review on Ada's Dream covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We cover a poll on Multi-player Solitaire board games and then d...
Top 5 Family Games (01:16:24)
In Episode 278 we discuss the top 5 games that each of us thinks will be a big hit for families of all types (family gatherings, gaming with kids, etc.)Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:12 Top 5 Family ...
Hot Topic: Our BGG Ratings (01:01:47)
In Episode 277 we discuss why and how we rate board games on BGG and run through each of the rating levels, how they're described on BGG, and provide samples of our ratings at each level. We also disc...
Joyride: Survival of the Fastest (01:13:58)
In Episode 276 we give our hot take review on Joy Ride: Survival of the Fastest covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We cover a poll on board game convention a...
Annoyances, Omissions, and More - Mailbag Episode #6 (01:06:45)
In Episode 275 we return to the mailbag and answer a bunch of our listener's board game related questions.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction1:31 What are some of your go-to games for groups that have varyi...
Galactic Cruise (01:17:33)
In Episode 274 we give our hot take review on Galactic Cruise covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We cover a poll on board game productions and then discuss s...
Hot Topic: Healthy(?) Competition (00:56:59)
In Episode 273 we discuss competition and specifically what we think is healthy competition. We also discuss a poll about cheating in tabletop games.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:29 Poll Time: Have ...
Top 5 Board Game Designers on Our Shelves (00:58:45)
In Episode 272 we discuss the top 5 board game designers that are represented on our game shelves.01:02 Corrections (Creature Comforts and Distilled: Cask Strength)06:32 Poll: How does it make you fee...
Cosmic Frog (01:09:04)
In Episode 271 we give our hot take review on Cosmic Frog covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We also talk about some games that have been on our tables inclu...
Retro Board Games (01:01:55)
In Episode 270 we take a look at three retro board games that got us into the hobby with mini reviews of each - D&D Computer Labyrinth Game, Solarquest, and Guillotine.We also discuss a poll topic on ...
BGHT CampCon Recap Part 2 (8 Games Discussed... and a Rant!) (00:59:48)
In Episode 269 we discuss all of the games (and many expansions) played during the second half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering, this time in Government Camp, Oregon.Timestamps:00:00 Intro...
The Game Makers (01:04:31)
In Episode 268 we give our hot take review on The Game Makers covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We discuss a listener question on best 2 player mid-weight E...
BGHT CampCon Recap Part 1 (8 Games Discussed) (01:06:08)
In Episode 267 we discuss all of the games played during the first half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering, this time in Government Camp, Oregon.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction06:02 The Lord o...
Theme Driven Mechanisms (00:59:50)
In Episode 266 we discuss mechanisms and board games that were inspired by the theme they represent.Dave Beck (designer of Distilled and Luthier) also joins us for the discussion and gives us a sneak ...
Wyrmspan: Dragon Academy and What We Want in Expansions (00:59:27)
In Episode 265 we review and discuss the Wyrmspan: Dragon Academy expansion. We also discuss what we look for in expansions and what usually makes great expansions for us.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction...
Stupor Mundi (01:13:36)
In Episode 264 we give our hot take review on Stupor Mundi covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We discuss a poll on 'Take That' in board games, Chris gives us...
5 Year Anniversary Celebration! (01:33:01)
In Episode 263 we celebrate 5 years of the Board Game Hot Takes Podcast!Friend of the Show, Leanne, hosts an exciting board game and podcast quiz show for our hosts.Then we all (as well as several lis...
Moon Colony Bloodbath (01:02:46)
In Episode 262 we give our hot take review on Moon Colony Bloodbath covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game.We discuss a poll on buying games without researching ...
