tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86078004259594690852024-03-12T17:05:56.610-07:00Al's Gaming BlogAl Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-11194806722407783522013-05-19T08:35:00.000-07:002013-05-19T08:35:56.155-07:00Meet Luten: Halfling BardPretty much my whole DnD/Pathfinder career has been spent playing a fighter. And why not? fighters are the first in, last out, which really reflects my overall gaming strategy (hit quick and hit hard)--although that strategy has not really worked out well in the past and thanks to B.H. Liddell Hart's book "Strategy," I am slowly learning why. But we'll save Hart for another posting.<br />
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Earlier this year, I <a href="http://alsgamingblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-new-year.html">wrote</a> of the death of my 4th level fighter at the hands of a mounted orc and a hot d20. I then tried a cleric, who I do not believe even made it out of that session. After some thought I decided to have some fun and play a bard. Luten, the harmonica playing halfling bard, was born, as detailed in the past <a href="http://alsgamingblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-new-year.html">post</a>.<br />
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I am having fun with the bard. As mentioned in the earlier <a href="http://alsgamingblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-new-year.html">post</a>, he led an Orc patrol around a rock outcropping like the pied piper, allowing my companions to pick them off one at a time. Luten has not been without his issues, though, and this player quickly learned (the hard way) that bards do not play their music in silence, as I awoke a camp of sleeping orcs, who proceeded to slaughter all but myself and one other of our party. That other lone survivor (as soon as I saw the slaughter I headed out of camp and toward safety) was a wizard who easily slew a score of orcs. In fact, so impressed was Luten, that he wrote a song about "Diesil the Orc Slayer" giving my companions a +1 bonus against orcs.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6NsVlG3ThmBrueyIU0RG8aZoGvi3dl-kZPOxcFwtdpiKgI6q0qwr_OO3uNWXJ9-hphOms1oOT_NRhN9zda_tZkUAKjldfIHcjiXW2YUt3tV6jZ7pGNlq94B5TuhdXbOjvlPPKESHfQ/s1600/Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6NsVlG3ThmBrueyIU0RG8aZoGvi3dl-kZPOxcFwtdpiKgI6q0qwr_OO3uNWXJ9-hphOms1oOT_NRhN9zda_tZkUAKjldfIHcjiXW2YUt3tV6jZ7pGNlq94B5TuhdXbOjvlPPKESHfQ/s200/Book.jpg" width="147" /></a><br />
It's been fun. I bought a Pathfinder Character Portfolio to flush him out, a miniature, and a book on playing halfings. I should be able to pick them up from the local online game store this week.<br />
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Happy gaming! Roll well and live!<br />
AlAl Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-1279626523086412072013-05-15T17:30:00.001-07:002013-05-15T17:30:41.258-07:00Warehouse Sale!No two words excite a gamer more than "Warehouse Sale!" One of our local online game dealers, <a href="http://www.miniaturemarket.com/">Miniature Market</a>, had such a sale to commemorate the annual "Geekway to the West," held just down the road. The warehouse was open to the public to buy games at discounted prices and other games were dramatically marked down. I put myself on a budget ($100) because I will be moving soon and wanted to make sure I had a good stock of games before my money went into living expenses and stuff for the new house.<br />
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I've been looking for a good tactical level game pre-1800. <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/14683/men-of-iron">Men of Iron</a> (GMT) is out of stock so that was one of my shopping goals--to secure a game along those lines...something different for me. I had also been wanting to buy <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/36480/crown-of-roses">Crown of Roses</a>, but have been reluctant to pay $80 for the game.<br />
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I ended up buying four games. I did get <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/36480/crown-of-roses">Crown of Roses</a> for $50 and bought <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/39932/chariots-of-fire">Chariots of Fire</a> as my "something different" game.<br />
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I also bought a game called <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/32428/rugby-world">Rugby World</a>. Talk about "something different." It looks fun though and I can't wait to play. The final game I picked up, for four dollars, was <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/86128/barons">Barons</a>, a card game that seems to have been well-received on boardgamegeek.<br />
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If you aren't familiar with <a href="http://www.miniaturemarket.com/">Miniature Market</a>, I encourage you to check out their website. They have quite a wide selection and some incredible prices.<br />
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Well, that's it for now. I will write more later...including a posting about playing Liberty with my older son and an update on my Stan Musial / Ted Williams career replays. Here's a preview: I haven't gotten far. Oh, and sorry for the lack of pictures this time out...just wanted to get something out there.<br />
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And just as I finish up I get an email about GMT games having a week-long 50% off sale. Eh...maybe the spending freeze can wait another week.<br />
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Roll well and live!<br />
AlAl Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-32486841869124606122013-04-28T09:10:00.000-07:002013-04-28T10:55:23.954-07:00Liberty (aka Oedipus's Dice)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumEFuBswF8R4N9Vmx5HArWvp345sIbroH7CUxJa6Ncu0l8c5yLUtSeeCAMUgUWQ-nFdeDmwW8cHshzZcqjLCWdywAlOr1SR7Tk2r60N1CaT9WhlHoCsStJqa04IvXMZGwzjtGYJacGA/s1600/1776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumEFuBswF8R4N9Vmx5HArWvp345sIbroH7CUxJa6Ncu0l8c5yLUtSeeCAMUgUWQ-nFdeDmwW8cHshzZcqjLCWdywAlOr1SR7Tk2r60N1CaT9WhlHoCsStJqa04IvXMZGwzjtGYJacGA/s320/1776.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've been boardgaming for a while now (since grade school) and the first game I remember playing was <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/4057/1776-the-birth-of-a-nation">1776: Birth of a Nation</a> with my father. He played the Americans and I played the British. I won the game and he wasn't pleased. "It's not right to beat the Americans, even in a game." Those words, I think, stuck with me and have cursed not only me, but my children, with poor dice rolling. I really didn't make the connection between this incident and my poor dice rolling until I read Oedipus for a class and wrote a paper on curses. At that point it became clear: me and my descendants were cursed because I beat the Americans as the British in a Revolutionary War game. Interestingly, when I mentioned this to a friend of mine and gaming buddy, he pointed out that every time we played an American Revolution game, I played the Americans. Huh, I thought, maybe there was something to the curse hypothesis after all.<br />
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But how does one break a curse? The obvious solution would have been to challenge my dad in a game, but he's been deceased for 20+ years so that wasn't possible. I saw several alternative options: I could play a Revolutionary War game against one of my two sons as the British and throw the game and let the Americans win, or I could play as the Americans, let the British win, and then forgive my son for beating me in an alternate reality curse breaking game. Unfortunately, my youngest son doesn't care much for wargames and my oldest son keeps rather busy, so I opted for a third alternative: I would play a solo game, but seriously try to win as the British while the Americans would hold on for dear life. Either way, if the British won, I'd break the curse by telling myself it was okay. If the Americans won, I'd break the curse by declaring "vengeance" upon the prior loss.<br />
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I decided to break the curse using <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/6719/liberty-the-american-revolution-1775-83">Liberty</a>, an easy to play block game by Columbia Games.<br />
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1775 - Not much happened the first year. Both sides built up forces. The British did try to attack Baltimore, but were repulsed by General Arnold and his forces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk090mql4w8-04aj_207ayJAOLRq549dcneqib_qyCBStTjOHUGvggzUbspMbswZsoHcVoXtpD3hyphenhyphen_uNN5adnbFFeK1OvpNhajpdsAaCT0YcjIdV64e-05aGlFHtaKI0onWk-qiZgkFg/s1600/The+War+Begins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk090mql4w8-04aj_207ayJAOLRq549dcneqib_qyCBStTjOHUGvggzUbspMbswZsoHcVoXtpD3hyphenhyphen_uNN5adnbFFeK1OvpNhajpdsAaCT0YcjIdV64e-05aGlFHtaKI0onWk-qiZgkFg/s320/The+War+Begins.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The War Begins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZLHCSF3p_4mrPMPQ3_3kNx7fnD3MQsZ3aG5TAUdkF7NNTbkUeooFfVDgsUoCFMtXQpNAzq1TPCdRGuanE0Qyn7qC_J8Mx9wr2-ghBR5WKGcOx9T3SkIezfqndHfV3UN5S62nZz1t4Q/s1600/An+Early+Attack+on+Baltimore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZLHCSF3p_4mrPMPQ3_3kNx7fnD3MQsZ3aG5TAUdkF7NNTbkUeooFfVDgsUoCFMtXQpNAzq1TPCdRGuanE0Qyn7qC_J8Mx9wr2-ghBR5WKGcOx9T3SkIezfqndHfV3UN5S62nZz1t4Q/s320/An+Early+Attack+on+Baltimore.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Early Attack on Baltimore</td></tr>
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1776 - Both sides built up and reinforced.<br />
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1777 - The war begins to heat up as the British take Philadelphia in a decisive battle. Meanwhile, Gates attacks Carleton at Ticonderoga and takes a beating, leaving the fort in British hands. Arnold tries to retake Philly but fails. Essential the British were taking a two prong approach: attack from the North and take the Middle Colonies. I really did not bother much with New England or the Northeast. My goal was to divide the American forces between north and south and then start cutting supply.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3XDZ73BWcZndZ3zdBQxURLez9GNW_0Fa2eT9awFOEkp2XWrfbQH8Sae_iPTZpEmSEOqDSMmB0AttnfUX9xzkzRg9iQk_pGOP04N4GH0W39i58b3YLMSETYwB03nQBPOaV9ZlcmBuUQ/s1600/The+British+Push+for+the+Middle+Colonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3XDZ73BWcZndZ3zdBQxURLez9GNW_0Fa2eT9awFOEkp2XWrfbQH8Sae_iPTZpEmSEOqDSMmB0AttnfUX9xzkzRg9iQk_pGOP04N4GH0W39i58b3YLMSETYwB03nQBPOaV9ZlcmBuUQ/s320/The+British+Push+for+the+Middle+Colonies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British Push for the Middle Colonies</td></tr>
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At this point, the Americans were still not able to bring in the French.<br />
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1778 - The British were real close to winning and gave a grand push to try to wrap things up before the French entered the war. As it was, with the French out of the war, the British were able to leave the West Indies open. In the opening move, the British attacked Baltimore, Yorktown, and New Brunswick while the Americans attacked Ticonderoga. All four attacks succeeded, leaving Britain in control of the middle colonies, and the Americans in control of Ticonderoga and the North. At this point, the British had enough points to win, but the Americans countered by retaking New Brunswick and then taking St. John's. In an interesting twist, Washington ended up in the North while Gates ended up in New Jersey. The turn ended with the British having 26 VPs and no French entry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn7FcKcecn0lP0JzV1JP8X6-nnboofU6rpUecpqomJ-7PojkK281TJA2WsvyiziruOtkdaFNm_mew7WaM6oSukbo87sq0wEsNQWprLpnoNGbu-XAEAMVyfhjxJBK4-nHCsOacOx19mQ/s1600/Washington+Moves+North.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEn7FcKcecn0lP0JzV1JP8X6-nnboofU6rpUecpqomJ-7PojkK281TJA2WsvyiziruOtkdaFNm_mew7WaM6oSukbo87sq0wEsNQWprLpnoNGbu-XAEAMVyfhjxJBK4-nHCsOacOx19mQ/s320/Washington+Moves+North.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington Moves North</td></tr>
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1779 - The British and Americans work out a prison exchange (pretty much even up). Not much really happened this turn. Washington moved north to attack Montreal and the British took Charleston, bringing them to within 2 VPs of victory. The Americans once again failed their French entry roll.<br />
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1780 - This was definitely an exciting year. The Americans took Quebec and shored up the south in an effort to prevent the British from winning. They then attacked NYC and Boston, taking Boston, but losing to the British at the battle of NYC. The British took Springfield, setting them up for a gaming winning push against Hartford and Boston. They managed to retake Boston, but lost at Hartford. The war would continue another year, and without the French. (Really? Six rolls and I can't get an 8 or higher?)<br />
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1781-83 - With only three years left in the war, both sides shifted gears. Previously, the British had been attacked high-value targets while the Americans were doing the opposite. At this point in the war, the British started picking up a number of smaller VP targets, effectively using their heretofore unused Indian allies. The Americans, on the other hand, in an attempt to concentrate their forces and prevent the British from winning, started attacking higher-value targets like NYC. They also made a move in the South to prevent the British from winning a southern strategy. The French never would enter the war and the British flirted with 30 VPs the entire last three turns. At the end of 1782 I realized they could have won had they taken Ft. Pitt with the Shawnee. The British managed to get just 30 VPs at the end of 1783 to win the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9Yfi8s9tKc-08nX1I3aTNjXFmwPtQVFwBJlnndVqr4Da5iokRJb-9eBiwzaafkQgnHzWjQKlBYNrIHzNEIEkT_8wADqHwiThjGlNDZUuomsgVRacxrpeLtr-4EGZUwfEewmcoqc25Q/s1600/The+Final+Pincer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit9Yfi8s9tKc-08nX1I3aTNjXFmwPtQVFwBJlnndVqr4Da5iokRJb-9eBiwzaafkQgnHzWjQKlBYNrIHzNEIEkT_8wADqHwiThjGlNDZUuomsgVRacxrpeLtr-4EGZUwfEewmcoqc25Q/s320/The+Final+Pincer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British Closing in on the Americans for the Win</td></tr>
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A few notes about this game:<br />
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1) I played the cards randomly.<br />
2) I often forgot to roll for weather effects. I'm sure that would have impacted the game.<br />
3) French intervention is CRITICAL. While it's possible for the Americans to win without the French (as they almost did this game), it is very difficult. Same with the British, I don't see how they can win if the French intercede. The British have to hit hard and hit early. I would actually like to see some modified French roll based on the year...the longer the game goes, the easier it would be to bring them in and vice-versa. It would reflect real-life where the French waiting for a while...or maybe base it on British/American VPs?<br />
4) I think too often I would fight until the end--all three rounds or until one side was eliminated. In hindsight, knowing now how hard it is to replace units, I would have fought more limited engagements.<br />
5) The British need to make use of their Indian forces. I kept them in stasis most of the game, but they made a difference in the end.<br />
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Was the curse broken? Only time will tell. I have won two games of Power Grid since then, but that game doesn't involve dice.<br />
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It's a fun game and I'm looking forward to playing this again--maybe even with a real person.<br />
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Happy Gaming! Roll well and live!<br />
Al<br />
<br />Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-86721975097273168342013-04-18T18:14:00.001-07:002013-04-18T18:14:54.075-07:00Power Grid: Double Win!I have been doing much more gaming than blogging lately, but I do have a lot going on in my life right now (new job, school, daughter getting married). Still, I'd like to bring everyone up-to-date with a series of posts, starting with a summary of two games I played of <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2651/power-grid">Power Grid</a>, a fun and easy game in which players compete to build the most effective electrical power network. I say "effective" and not "biggest" because while someone might have a larger network, if they can't power it, they may end up losing.<br />
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There are no dice involved in the game (something I enjoy) and the mechanics are easy and balanced. Players take turns bidding for power plants, buying fuel (coal, oil, nuclear, and garbage), expanding their network, and powering their cities. The game puts the leader at a disadvantage and those trailing at an advantage, making the game pretty even throughout.<br />
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The first game I played was with my two sons, 23 and 13. The game was pretty close but I had made a critical mistake--I invested heavily in fossil fuel plants on the last turn, we were nearly out of oil and coal. My 13 year old bought his fuel first and could have bought the rest of the coal (there are limits to what one can buy to ensure someone doesn't monopolize any of the fuels) but didn't, allowing me to power my 17+ city network and win the game.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-YBw2ILdJ8axt5aVoIlOGFTclMc7S8sbsQpLijcZJfR-44b_UeeSDeAK5l64slH17gcGDGh8TE4iBeTjZwzzgbakTWtyURxIO8N-Bn6xeziwP17C7WXWEjVeYk5dWdrgK7hAncn8XQ/s1600/Power+Grid+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-YBw2ILdJ8axt5aVoIlOGFTclMc7S8sbsQpLijcZJfR-44b_UeeSDeAK5l64slH17gcGDGh8TE4iBeTjZwzzgbakTWtyURxIO8N-Bn6xeziwP17C7WXWEjVeYk5dWdrgK7hAncn8XQ/s200/Power+Grid+I.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Winning Position in the First Game (I am blue)</td></tr>
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The second game was during the First Annual International Table Top Game Day. Again, I won, but barely. The game was pretty close throughout, but toward the end I went on an expansion frenzy and pulled ahead. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnq-qV2X7e0uJTMHzuCr-tkOZ19TWqLnl4hl6Cg68_Qr3qd_e19SpkJJcvgFo1sDVtMltu78CwReV5n7w7JL-4QmovOF9YDVcdmL8Zu1t-zoemKOcB77xlycopYgBApXrj7NW0nFBTQ/s1600/International+Table+Top+Game+Day+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnq-qV2X7e0uJTMHzuCr-tkOZ19TWqLnl4hl6Cg68_Qr3qd_e19SpkJJcvgFo1sDVtMltu78CwReV5n7w7JL-4QmovOF9YDVcdmL8Zu1t-zoemKOcB77xlycopYgBApXrj7NW0nFBTQ/s200/International+Table+Top+Game+Day+2013.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">International Table Top Game Day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the last turn, my closest opponent decided not to expand, but to save
up for a better power plant the next turn. I was able to take advantage
of his decision to win the game that turn.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OR6bwqVXVnG-fPNbeSWd-OioDZRN6pCQ1nD_zF6wcu6lE4uW1_B3aZk426EohMu7sxcxpZ360I4OuNX7y731fnhuZpIQ1RGpoIuwmbAgMlWUjmancN1mIds1gugXOJWPfOdZS64D9A/s1600/Power+Grid+II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OR6bwqVXVnG-fPNbeSWd-OioDZRN6pCQ1nD_zF6wcu6lE4uW1_B3aZk426EohMu7sxcxpZ360I4OuNX7y731fnhuZpIQ1RGpoIuwmbAgMlWUjmancN1mIds1gugXOJWPfOdZS64D9A/s200/Power+Grid+II.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Winning Position in the Second Game (I am once again playing blue)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The game is fun and is becoming one of those "really don't have to think about the rules a whole lot" games that our group enjoys playing. The basic game comes with two maps: Germany and the United States, and expansion maps and power plants are available.<br />
<br />
Roll well and live!<br />
Al <br />
<br />
<br />Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-54892811703071535032013-02-19T09:48:00.001-08:002013-02-19T09:51:25.328-08:00Mid February Update, Part 2As mentioned in my previous post, I've been a busy little gamer this past month and have been having a lot of fun. In addition to the annual MLK Day gaming, I was able to play a session of Pathfinder and several other "lite" games this past weekend, mostly with my son and others.<br />
<br />
<u>Pathfinder</u><br />
I actually made it through a gaming session this year with my character in tact, a Bard. I've had a lot of fun playing my halfing and have been pretty potent with my sling staff which, with my high dexterity, makes me a deadly shot. I've also been able to sing my companions to victory over an assortment of beasts.<br />
<br />
This last session was rather uneventful as we had to meet our new companions and explore a simple dungeon. It was a nice break from the massacres we've faced recently.<br />
<br />
I may write a different post on my Bard, Luten, later.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Gaming Weekend</u><br />
This past weekend, a holiday weekend, I was able to play three games in three days.<br />
<br />
First, <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/117985/star-trek-catan">Star Trek Catan</a>. As you can imagine, Star Trek Catan is Settlers of Catan in space, with the addition of some specialist cards that we opted not to use the first time we played--especially since those we played with were new to the Catan world. I found Star Trek Catan a refreshing take on a game that, frankly, really never gets old. The components were nice--little starships were roads, outposts settlements, and starbases cities. Outposts were converted to starbases by the addition of what they call a "habitation ring." A nice mechanic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKH9kT1MBMtlXtqlQGA63r1fdc0i5Asc2nMFTSXzMTjLmX7tQdOHE03EQjk71iwR5i7jijJQysZz02U-zF_IktYr4EBTZl_c7GEXaS_lylzH6tOUQe6cp1oLImStxYAK0ssqT3yiFhA/s1600/STC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKH9kT1MBMtlXtqlQGA63r1fdc0i5Asc2nMFTSXzMTjLmX7tQdOHE03EQjk71iwR5i7jijJQysZz02U-zF_IktYr4EBTZl_c7GEXaS_lylzH6tOUQe6cp1oLImStxYAK0ssqT3yiFhA/s200/STC.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star Trek Catan (toward the end of the game)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Instead of the usually supply of wheat, bricks, etc, players went after resources such as dilithium, tritanium, water, oxygen, and food. Surprisingly though, food didn't correspond to wheat, but instead corresponded to sheep. Still, it was an easy game to pick up on and easily transition from standard Catan. Maybe next time we'll play with the specialist cards.<br />
<br />
I liked it,except that the starships were too high and bulky for the game and it was hard to see what was going on with the game and the map. Also, the dark hexes made it difficult to see the entirety of the game. Still, it was fun and a nice variant on this now-classic game.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUoBvSvztdiIosUGWNTSN9U2BWYHWx06JHzrktjro2M59y-CHG9zy3DS7ubmYGFXgCh2D38WlYrO6w4uHPiDHHNvqbPIGV6pwuiJZLW0ik0bcAow4PhHhp15E-t-Vz0DW5sZw_1SVJQ/s1600/WOTR1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Next up was a game of <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/9609/war-of-the-ring-first-edition">War of the Ring</a> with my youngest son. We had been wanting to play this for a while, but never found the time (due to the rules and set up) until this weekend. We had fun. We played the introductory game.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;">
<tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUoBvSvztdiIosUGWNTSN9U2BWYHWx06JHzrktjro2M59y-CHG9zy3DS7ubmYGFXgCh2D38WlYrO6w4uHPiDHHNvqbPIGV6pwuiJZLW0ik0bcAow4PhHhp15E-t-Vz0DW5sZw_1SVJQ/s1600/WOTR1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBUoBvSvztdiIosUGWNTSN9U2BWYHWx06JHzrktjro2M59y-CHG9zy3DS7ubmYGFXgCh2D38WlYrO6w4uHPiDHHNvqbPIGV6pwuiJZLW0ik0bcAow4PhHhp15E-t-Vz0DW5sZw_1SVJQ/s200/WOTR1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frodo and Sam are forced to take the long way</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
He played the Shadow Forces and I played the Free Peoples. I immediately attacked north for a quick victory, but he was able to shore up his defenses and whittle down my forces. I could only take one Shadow city. He quickly moved in on Gondor and rolled them up rather quickly. I was hoping to hold in Rohan but he activated Isengard and pressed the attack there and in Lorien. it was a quick victory for the Shadow Forces. In hindsight, my inattention to the ringbearers and to Gondor/Rohan cost me the game. Had I pressed the ringbearers more, he would have devoted more dice to the hunt pool (as it was, by the end of the game he was only putting up one die in the hunt box and when he did role, he rolled well.<br />
<br />
He also blocked my middle path, forcing Frodo and Sam to take the long way around Middle Earth) and worked to activate my nations more. I was counting on him to attack and push my political track toward war, but by the time he did (and I did spend a few musters to move them down) it was too late to mount an effective defense.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3i40SItE9y-uXMMO8iiIvlDJwVF6M9yJOJ9i3gVEd65-onbxomvuwAIfXVLwLXi6hpC8Em0CRsArx5XRVDGYJfZQ1E1RSxL5-J5CANS_6hYpU-hzyD0dV-2nAQjY4_ryrdyfDDzyCg/s1600/WOTR3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3i40SItE9y-uXMMO8iiIvlDJwVF6M9yJOJ9i3gVEd65-onbxomvuwAIfXVLwLXi6hpC8Em0CRsArx5XRVDGYJfZQ1E1RSxL5-J5CANS_6hYpU-hzyD0dV-2nAQjY4_ryrdyfDDzyCg/s200/WOTR3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victory for the Shadow Forces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The last game of the weekend was a quick <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/13/the-settlers-of-catan">Settlers </a>game with my mom, youngest, and old son. It was fun and close, but my youngest was able to score four quick points (largest army, VP, and city upgrade) to win his third game of the weekend. After that, I took him to buy some lottery tickets. Not really, since he's only 13, but it was a good thought.<br />
<br />
That's it for now. Next blog entry will be a "meet Luten" post about my new Halfling Bard and the joys of playing that race and class.<br />
<br />
Roll well and live!<br />
AlAl Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-58512204360054096012013-02-17T14:08:00.000-08:002013-02-17T14:08:48.534-08:00Mid Feburary Update, Part 1Been a while since I've updated this blog and I have been playing quite a bit of games (for me at least).<br />
<br />
First, I've not been able to start my 1944 APBA replay of the Cardinals, but hope to start soon.<br />
<br />
Other than that, I've played several games during the past 30 days or so since my last update.<br />
<br />
<b>Martin Luther King Day</b><br />
<br />
My group has a tradition of gaming on MLK Day. It started a few years back when we realized we were all off on that day, and with it being a holiday, our schedules were rather flexible. We've had some great game days over the years and usually have a pretty good turnout. Usually, we play one of those "if only we had the time" type of games (for example, <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/7480/sword-of-rome">Sword of Rome</a> or <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/3409/the-napoleonic-wars">Napoleonic Wars</a>, or <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/12493/twilight-imperium-third-edition">Twilight Imperium</a>). This year we decided to do something different--two things actually. First, we decided on a "light" game--Formula De--and decided to play at the local game shop. It was fun.<br />
<br />
<u>Formula De </u><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgmeMhpL72iLfPP89derwFVeKUyh4etJ7pJegz9qDQB8p8PPbj0BCWcnu6NV_hjgu2mt4WjxvhTTifrm9vbaEAltTKD8l9cQWxbDv-vjf6mZ9a369abDt3Lxxf0AXWiQqUhMEEUrwDg/s1600/FD+Lap+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgmeMhpL72iLfPP89derwFVeKUyh4etJ7pJegz9qDQB8p8PPbj0BCWcnu6NV_hjgu2mt4WjxvhTTifrm9vbaEAltTKD8l9cQWxbDv-vjf6mZ9a369abDt3Lxxf0AXWiQqUhMEEUrwDg/s200/FD+Lap+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MLK Formula De Race Near End of First Lap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were five of us there (AW, DMW, PS, TS and SE) and it was a good
race. We raced Monte Carlo since it was the track we were most familiar
with and only raced two laps. We've done three laps before but honestly,
most of us get bored after two laps. The only plus side to three laps
is the need to pit (for almost all of us) which really factors into the
strategies employed. We never play with weather or tires (or should I
say "tyres"?). <br />
<br />
Well, two of us, AW (me) and PS got off to a good start, while DMW struggled. Toward the end of the first lap we were split into two groups: AW and PS out in front, TS, DMW and SE taking up the rear. And that was it for pretty much the rest of the way, although TS managed to close the gap a bit and finish in a solid 3rd.<br />
<br />
<u>Castle Panic</u><br />
After that we grabbed <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/43443/castle-panic">Castle Panic</a> off the shelf and played that. It's a fun coop game we've played before. Basically, players work together to fend off creatures and protect the castle. Sometimes it's an easy go, and at other times the creatures/monsters can overwhelm the castle. The game is always close, but this time we had a good handle on affairs throughout the game.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYIoxvGMeQlUXbyZN8-WhawqBfS7IlDkZ4lhfGutNWSBfXEsbtPsLFYMsSgkBa-ImoTDL_CM9HyXHSiewUVUKAeC6wBmW7TPM2B8pB2NEeE1U1jAm_NDFV-FmbopCim2bryqVJXcCUQ/s1600/Castle+Panic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYIoxvGMeQlUXbyZN8-WhawqBfS7IlDkZ4lhfGutNWSBfXEsbtPsLFYMsSgkBa-ImoTDL_CM9HyXHSiewUVUKAeC6wBmW7TPM2B8pB2NEeE1U1jAm_NDFV-FmbopCim2bryqVJXcCUQ/s200/Castle+Panic.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victory is Ours!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next posting I will update you on the life of my Bard (yes, I did say life--he is still alive), my first play of <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/117985/star-trek-catan">Star Trek Catan</a>, and my first game of <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/9609/war-of-the-ring-first-edition">War of the Ring</a> in many years. <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading. Roll well and live!<br />
<br />
AlAl Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-39910445166176530332013-01-22T16:54:00.002-08:002013-01-22T16:55:23.435-08:00New APBA Quest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUymWSqgP_DoKe-OYlXykx5Pwziu1jaxSilDS-c4zPXCZ7nmn-mhobt9fc-upzTooD5iSpvtz1KeZvCauZB-fIXhYf9Hwi0OWmrpRM0V_qBNJJ57IOC6BEgOu2M0NvcODWi3nnEvpyQ/s1600/APBA+BOX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfWiasCouXcjJCCB6eYnX-BYQJ_sBUI5Tmwwt9KCP0wz_BewXkDJZqwUq6oJ4He0QUlcc5rLkP4pVfyQaQNKiEsw9ndv-ni8_tgIU8BB_SfnHXfgr7P2ryxsOkH_1D4zqOA6dYYeCEA/s1600/apba+card+stan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
I'm a big fan of <a href="http://apbagames.com/">APBA Baseball</a>. By printing sets of cards for every
baseball season since 1901, the possibilities are endless. But where
does one start? I know some who have started a replay of the entire
history of baseball since 1901. Others replay seasons here and there, in
no particular order, or will replay the season for one particular team.
I knew I wanted to do something, but couldn't decide what.<br />
<br />
Then Stan
Musial died.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-O5XiFuPHBZU7UB8tAU7l4YN0tX54wUWN0BQIL0eneKQGdjOQhWjudTLGLJROu5qNUpCTgWH9Lpr2OAM6FVDmNni250qqGb6qjjCoZAp3oGBDfIsMw-a8Izv_HbMRb7iYEyaU1I6Vw/s1600/Stan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-O5XiFuPHBZU7UB8tAU7l4YN0tX54wUWN0BQIL0eneKQGdjOQhWjudTLGLJROu5qNUpCTgWH9Lpr2OAM6FVDmNni250qqGb6qjjCoZAp3oGBDfIsMw-a8Izv_HbMRb7iYEyaU1I6Vw/s200/Stan.jpg" width="134" /></a></div>
Stan "The Man" Musial was indeed one of the greatest players of all-time
and the best player to ever don the redbirds uniform. What does this
have to do with APBA? Well, while I've never met Musial, I did send him
an APBA box score to autograph for me back in the early 1990s, which he
did and at no cost. I can't remember the details of the game, only that
it was between the Cardinals "Original Franchise All-Stars" team and
some other team. I believe he went 3-4 with 2 HRs and several RBIs. I
figured it fitting that he sign it, which he did. It was my prized
autograph until I was forced to sell it for financial reasons. Think
Curt Schilling's "Bloody Sock." Still, it is one of my fondest memories
and my "Stan Musial" story.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3vssJNDgcH3c2gZ6ngY-knpbf23VBj2OGQ_Y3VJ2e3gr_NhqWEgzys0J8mFoAyfFGoCGSArjlbpt_yqRYcdYAzJ-yO00QTkMFV_89JHt-m8a19I8UoAmJKXTf4BbsEEwtHHo7Ogz-A/s1600/Ted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3vssJNDgcH3c2gZ6ngY-knpbf23VBj2OGQ_Y3VJ2e3gr_NhqWEgzys0J8mFoAyfFGoCGSArjlbpt_yqRYcdYAzJ-yO00QTkMFV_89JHt-m8a19I8UoAmJKXTf4BbsEEwtHHo7Ogz-A/s1600/Ted.jpg" /></a>While reflecting on
this man's career, his contributions to baseball, and his connection to
APBA in my mind and in my heart, it dawned on me -- why not replay his
entire career? I'm a Cardinals fan, so it's not like I'd be replaying a
team I didn't like and frankly, they had some good years in the 40s. The
50s were a dark time in Cardinal history but maybe with me at the helm
things will turn out differently?<br />
<br />
Then I got to
thinking...who else was a great player of that same time? Ted Williams
of course! And since the Red Sox are another of my favorite teams I
figured it I was going to replay Musial's career, I might as replay
Williams's too! So that's what I decided to do: replay the careers of
two baseball greats: Ted Williams and Stan Musial. Here are my guidelines:<br />
<br />
1)
I will start with 1939 (Ted Williams's rookie year) and replay the Red
Sox. All 162 games. From there I'll play 1940 (Sox) again, and for 1941
I'll pick up both teams. However, since I currently have a few years in
their careers, I probably won't necessarily play them in chronological
order. I know. Bad, huh? And I think I'll start with 1944. Williams was
off to war, but Musial was home and that was the year the Cardinals
played the Browns in the World Series.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfWiasCouXcjJCCB6eYnX-BYQJ_sBUI5Tmwwt9KCP0wz_BewXkDJZqwUq6oJ4He0QUlcc5rLkP4pVfyQaQNKiEsw9ndv-ni8_tgIU8BB_SfnHXfgr7P2ryxsOkH_1D4zqOA6dYYeCEA/s1600/apba+card+stan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfWiasCouXcjJCCB6eYnX-BYQJ_sBUI5Tmwwt9KCP0wz_BewXkDJZqwUq6oJ4He0QUlcc5rLkP4pVfyQaQNKiEsw9ndv-ni8_tgIU8BB_SfnHXfgr7P2ryxsOkH_1D4zqOA6dYYeCEA/s200/apba+card+stan.jpg" width="148" /></a>2) Unlike some
fans (or fanatics), I am not going to look up the details of every game.
Instead, I'll just use the lineups provided by APBA. I will, however,
limit Williams and Musial to the number of games they played during the
regular year--or at least come close. As for the war years, if they did
not play during that season, I won't do a replay. Also, I'll probably play all the games against each team at the same time, instead of trying to follow the regular season schedule.<br />
<br />
3) As
for the playoffs and World Series, I plan to implement a playoff
system. The 2nd place team will play the 3rd place team in a
best-of-three series and the winner of that will play the pennant winner
in a best-of-five series. World Series will be a best-of-seven affair. I
will use the regular season records for all teams other than those I am
replaying. For those I'm replaying (and I will replay even the
non-Williams and non-Musial games) I will substitute my record for their
actual season record and see where they would place.<br />
<br />
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<br />
So, that's it. We'll see how far I get :).<br />
<br />
Happy gaming! Roll well and live! <br />
<br />
Al Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-12773512808735659282013-01-21T07:53:00.002-08:002013-01-21T07:54:35.719-08:00Happy New Year!Well, Happy New Year! Albeit a few weeks late. I've had quite a busy year so far this year, mostly related to work and the job hunt, so I haven't been gaming very much. I do hope to turn that around in the coming weeks.<br />
<br />
I have been playing quite a bit of <a href="http://rpggeek.com/rpgsystem/2789/pathfinder-system">Pathfinder </a>-- at least two sessions this year. Both of which were fun, but neither of which went well for my characters. Yes, that's right, characters plural.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwtz0bPZVaxXTAmetOv_5I87N4wQZo9p9LfqHN4iv9tsnOmfmi5Tkw25SxxcsE3BY5CHu10xj4noLMLljWyYZEaRgIQiMSZv0kdhsoQFUHGzntxlIzTKXDa1OrRKDFLlneGw9V86fxQ/s1600/DesnaPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="2" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwtz0bPZVaxXTAmetOv_5I87N4wQZo9p9LfqHN4iv9tsnOmfmi5Tkw25SxxcsE3BY5CHu10xj4noLMLljWyYZEaRgIQiMSZv0kdhsoQFUHGzntxlIzTKXDa1OrRKDFLlneGw9V86fxQ/s200/DesnaPic.jpg" width="135" /></a>For the past year I have been playing a fighter. Not a very good one I should add, but I did enjoy mixing it up during combat and wielding my two-handed magic sword with only one hand. I was building up quite a bit of wealth as well and had already reached third level, on the verge of leveling up to fourth level. I was even studying to be a cleric. Life was good. Then we were attacked by some creatures and one of them scored a double 20 against me. Yeah, my head came off. That was early in the session so I rolled up a new character, a cleric of Desna.<br />
<br />
I was ready to go with Varion. I had my spells, my figure, and my backstory--I was the step brother of my fighter who was killed. I quickly proved my worth by dispensing luck and healing the injured. But during our second session of the year, I tried to hide myself in some rock outcroppings, tripped, and was killed and eaten by an orc's lizard mount. Not a pleasant way to go. So, figuring I was doomed to death, I decided to roll up a bard.<br />
<br />
I had never played a bard before, but it always seemed like a lot of fun. My instrument of choice would be a crude self-invented harmonica, in honor of the Stan "The Man" Musial, who had died just the day before. Once again I had my spells ready and my figure in place. My first chance to prove myself came when we encountered an orc patrol. My group was hidden in a rock outcropping (a different one from where my cleric was killed) and I mesmerized the patrol with my harmonic and brought them past the rock outcropping where my group laid in wait to pick them off one at a time.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich0v6TB7N00pZljVfoJYEqf_dNqGRU72cuA47LOvN8jlXSBA0Q_RBJWJl_tMbScPMt64a3pdVi3jtq_027WiC-UX4MPf7NX_dOOFHBrQdMBIMx1GHoFBGnGRLVWaYfFN_STO0dGYEaw/s1600/The+Bard+and+the+Orcs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEich0v6TB7N00pZljVfoJYEqf_dNqGRU72cuA47LOvN8jlXSBA0Q_RBJWJl_tMbScPMt64a3pdVi3jtq_027WiC-UX4MPf7NX_dOOFHBrQdMBIMx1GHoFBGnGRLVWaYfFN_STO0dGYEaw/s320/The+Bard+and+the+Orcs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Things went downhill after that. We tried to infiltrate an orc camp to liberate some ant-people who had been taken as slaves but we were discovered and a mass of orcs pretty much slew our party. Our rogue had a magic deck which helped to some extent, but ended up drawing the "magic sword of death" card and was killed and turned into an evil sword, but not before he could liberal the ant-people slaves to help us fight. Yeah, they were pretty much slaughtered by did serve as speed bumps.<br />
<br />
Our one fighter was killed and replaced by a barbarian, who was also killed. Our wizard and druid fought bravely, but the druid tried to escape by casting a disguise spell to hide as an orc, but one orc wasn't fooled and he slew the druid. The wizard, who killed a total of--get this--16 orcs, managed to cast a spell that helped him escape while my halfing bard was able to sneak past the battle and make his own escape.<br />
<br />
It was a bloodbath, but it was a fun bloodbath.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLjKV84JUpVmaZ-Ed4cYKsEpr1zkr7CXzfNGJZziQaF9lDfOpq3aQCt_4FMJahuDZ1DyBz5LssirUnotsrkJiB1AYpTNNev_2Mlu8CdLKhbtJkRejJMmsV92-5tmA9EYdGQqHj-pgyg/s1600/guilford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLjKV84JUpVmaZ-Ed4cYKsEpr1zkr7CXzfNGJZziQaF9lDfOpq3aQCt_4FMJahuDZ1DyBz5LssirUnotsrkJiB1AYpTNNev_2Mlu8CdLKhbtJkRejJMmsV92-5tmA9EYdGQqHj-pgyg/s1600/guilford.jpg" /></a>On another note, I ended up buying <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/240/britannia">Britannia </a>for myself for Christmas and have only one game left on my wish list -- <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/7086/guilford">Guildford </a>-- which I may soon buy from a friend. After that, I'm done for a while.<br />
<br />
I write this on Martin Luther King Day, a day where I and many of my fellow gamers have the day off. As is tradition, we are getting together to play games. We usually play an all-day wargame (yeah, I know, ironic since the day is to celebrate the life of a man of peace) but with the inauguration today and busy schedules, we are getting together for a quick game of Formula De. It's a fun game and we will have about 1/2 dozen or so--maybe more. <br />
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Happy gaming! Roll well and live!<br />
<br />
AlAl Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-25017822302214914402012-12-22T12:40:00.000-08:002012-12-22T12:40:08.444-08:00New Game PurchasesWith the holidays fast approaching, some great movies out (including a 12+ hour Lord of the Rings marathon) and having started graduated school, my gaming has dried up somewhat. However, as is tradition, I bought myself a little Christmas present -- Mr. Madison's War (GMT) and ASL Starter Expansion Pack #1.<br />
<br />
I almost bought <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/36480/crown-of-roses">Crown of Roses</a>, but with it being December 2012, I really wanted to buy an 1812 game during the war's 200th anniversary year, and <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/63758/mr-madisons-war-the-incredible-war-of-1812">Mr. Madison's War</a> looked like the best of the bunch. The components looked good and honestly, I've never played a GMT card-driven game I didn't like, although there was one--the name escapes me now--that struck me as "more work than it's worth."<br />
<br />
The other game I bought was the <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/58601/advanced-squad-leader-starter-kit-expansion-pack-1">ASL Starter Expansion Kit #1</a>. I used to really be into ASL, but when I needed to raise some cash, it was the first game that went ($300). I miss it, and when I saw this game on the shelf ("Everything thing you need to play ASL") I figured it would be a good way to get back into the game without plunking down a lot of money. ASL can be expensive.<br />
<br />
Other than that, I've been playing Magic with my son and Pathfinder. I played DM for the first time in a long time and enjoyed it, although it is definitely more work than playing a character, that's for sure.<br />
<br />
Hope everyone has a happy holiday season and I'll see you in 2013! Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-27381962445001424292012-11-23T20:55:00.000-08:002012-11-23T20:55:09.707-08:00A New Game and a ReunionHaven't posted in a while, but I am hoping to get on a regular schedule with my updates. Been doing some work with my other blogs (mainly just shutting them down for now) and cleaning up my BBG profile. Also worked on a new microbadge for <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/microbadge/25932">AvalonCon</a> attendees. I've designed about a dozen or so <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/microbadges?creator=bambino64">microbadges </a>to date. I enjoy it, and it provides a steady stream of geek gold income.<br />
<br />
As for gaming, I've played two games this past month (three if you count the aborted Kingmaker game with my youngest son) -- one a new game (Conquest of Paradise), the other an update of an old favorite (Britannia).<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Conquest of Paradise </b><br />
<br />
<b></b>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ73hIgYxSvdAkLU9GChidnqWu-qkjMUCxxvrEWoCiWiYhUGvXFkFQhVb331X1DnYeM-nizAbCwFncO70fR_3KKm545_xa5qXJmAkTnBOZ-M8MhKbm4MHOW3cqJd5le-I8AC6gggPnA/s1600/Conquest+of+Paradise+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ73hIgYxSvdAkLU9GChidnqWu-qkjMUCxxvrEWoCiWiYhUGvXFkFQhVb331X1DnYeM-nizAbCwFncO70fR_3KKm545_xa5qXJmAkTnBOZ-M8MhKbm4MHOW3cqJd5le-I8AC6gggPnA/s1600/Conquest+of+Paradise+Box.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box Cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This game reminded me a lot of Twilight Imperium. According to the blurb on BBG, <b style="font-weight: normal;">Conquest of Paradise</b><b> </b>is "a game of empire building in
the "Polynesian Triangle" of the central Pacific Ocean for two, three,
or four players. Players explore the unknown ocean around them, hoping
to discover the most lucrative island groups, and colonize them. They
build canoes and train warriors to create a force to defend their
empire, while forging lines of communication with their developing
discoveries. Resources are scarce; using them wisely is a key to
victory. Investing in exploration widens your empire. Building warriors
strengthens your empire. Investing resources into cultural innovations
can yield unexpected dividends, like tattooing, hula dancing, surfing,
or even the giant moai statues of Easter Island fame."<br />
<br />
I
can't really say it better myself. This is the first (and probably
only) game I've ever played of that theme. At first I thought it was
European conquest of the Polynesia region, but soon found out it was the
<i>original </i>conquest of the area by natives. I thought that was an
interesting take. The components are top notch and I really enjoyed
the game mechanics.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXudC4O7mKkrdxCXndIlXziRBnOy4ilp4Zk1MNWGAxSlpV_303QIiLljnPVUjOgLfh6nrKO6NWnatTqsUOs7FXqEOYhU73HgiHoHEcy7U6T1G6nc5gdAc7jMLGm_9c6kS0yYUu9g8RaQ/s1600/Conquest+of+Paradise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXudC4O7mKkrdxCXndIlXziRBnOy4ilp4Zk1MNWGAxSlpV_303QIiLljnPVUjOgLfh6nrKO6NWnatTqsUOs7FXqEOYhU73HgiHoHEcy7U6T1G6nc5gdAc7jMLGm_9c6kS0yYUu9g8RaQ/s320/Conquest+of+Paradise.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Position at the End of the Game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Like Twilight Imperium, players
have to make some tough decisions -- the old "bread or guns" question --
do you spend resources to expand, settle, and progress, or spend it to
defend, or maybe even attack? The cultural innovations, in addition to
rewarding VPs, gives the player certain perks. I can't recall the
details, but the "stop an invasion" helped me win my first game.<br />
<br />
Another
reason I won is because I "discovered" New Zealand (rich and lucrative)
right next to my home island, and my opponents waited until the last
turn to mount an attack on me, which failed due to the defenses I had
built up and my "stop an invasion" card.<br />
<br />
Overall, it was a fun game--although I'm not sure how often I'll
play it. It's definitely not an "I have to get this game," but if
someone suggests it I'll play.<br />
<br />
<b>Britannia</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-2wx7yG1UI5_Qh76iJv1PeDZ3Of6Tw4XyelpaBNWptNeyWHo5pjn8y8qP9v9OjS0NArPtT-5M7giXFL3A3tDfhWt4Zal5xQxdmKTpAKWeupUqxSaelFk1CMm4wxQzB4rg8vHGrF46Q/s1600/Britt+Old+Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-2wx7yG1UI5_Qh76iJv1PeDZ3Of6Tw4XyelpaBNWptNeyWHo5pjn8y8qP9v9OjS0NArPtT-5M7giXFL3A3tDfhWt4Zal5xQxdmKTpAKWeupUqxSaelFk1CMm4wxQzB4rg8vHGrF46Q/s200/Britt+Old+Game.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avalon Hill Edition</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I played this game quite a bit in the 90s, and a few times at AvalonCon. It's like "History of the World" but with a focus on Great Britain. Players play a particular color and different invading groups based on that color. For example, I played green and played the Welsh, the Caledonians, the Danes and the Jutes. Each play takes turn playing his group based on the history of the group. The game started with my Caledonians and Welsh and the Jutes and Danes came in later -- the Danes in force. Historically, the game begins with the Roman invasion and encompasses the time period up to the Norman invasion (and then some). Civilizations ebb and flow and great leaders (including Arthur, Harold, William, and Cnut) live and die. Victory points are earned in various ways (occupying, holding, being voted Bretwald or King, or killing specific enemies), again according to the player's civilization and reflected the objectives of that particular group (for example, the Welsh gain victory points by destroying Roman forts or occupying York during a specified game turn). The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnhk_oAG6BTKm28DnkyZUtMIMdMD2a5s-7sUpaLwJojVN3Wg5htXOnVHN6-p_oseHI6crI79piZF6Buws0hYkbK-IU1SWVbdIACIlH0Aw4lKSArQ3wVk1IxYYxK8PpcjweAANQfyKdg/s1600/Britt+Old+Counters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7GMM0A9zuU-sxQa-vQXapZQhDOh73dEHaYqnpMxG_m10N-c6eefW0UhFMbFxXt0qvpsOJRfCqVIaQM-ankxV9QnLqTo8lpnfaMVJzER9FCasbOl6mD8jvW161bdbLoiPRJdJ78yPng/s1600/Brittania+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7GMM0A9zuU-sxQa-vQXapZQhDOh73dEHaYqnpMxG_m10N-c6eefW0UhFMbFxXt0qvpsOJRfCqVIaQM-ankxV9QnLqTo8lpnfaMVJzER9FCasbOl6mD8jvW161bdbLoiPRJdJ78yPng/s200/Brittania+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Welsh Resurgence (Fantasy Flight)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's a fun game, despite the fact I came in last place. I got pounded early and, while my Welsh enjoyed a resurgence, I couldn't do what I needed to do with the Jutes and the Danes to make a difference.<br />
<br />
The version I played was the updated Fantasy Flight version. The rules and game played just about the same, but the components were given the "Fantasy Flight" treatment (better graphics, more color, etc).<br />
<br />
Unlike Conquest of Paradise, this <i>is</i> a game I will likely buy in the near future.Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-2193592948813052522012-09-15T08:57:00.002-07:002012-09-15T09:01:10.358-07:00Walk Off Single Wins 1933 All-Star Game for the NLI've long been a fan of APBA Baseball. I started playing in a league during college (where my California Medflys beat the Newark Neanderthals one year for the title) and after graduating, played a few replays. I wouldn't replay the entire season, but would replay the playoffs using a system similar to today's playoffs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah53PGNxl5k9_SUS1EKShPiDqPSYQLrruTWZF2szDCyksJirmEJVM91_FlbqloLJUBhPbXlobPU6FFXv0LD5rHM7UNihMo_KDdfZn9voqp5OfQMbWrMhhl5rXO0FbyIG-zD2wp7XI3Q/s1600/APBA+BOX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah53PGNxl5k9_SUS1EKShPiDqPSYQLrruTWZF2szDCyksJirmEJVM91_FlbqloLJUBhPbXlobPU6FFXv0LD5rHM7UNihMo_KDdfZn9voqp5OfQMbWrMhhl5rXO0FbyIG-zD2wp7XI3Q/s320/APBA+BOX.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">APBA Game box as it appeared when I started playing in the 1980s</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a while the game took a back shelf to raising kids but was renewed last year after my son and I traveled through Lancaster, PA and I paid homage to the home of APBA -- a few months before it relocated to Atlanta. There, I bought the basic game and the 2010 season and my son and I had fun during the rest of our trip playing Red Sox vs. Cardinals. When I returned home to St Louis I ordered a few past seasons, but my writing business spiraled downward after that and I spent most of my time job hunting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHogUXE8rHUGQXDmX0FNxQFvz8vBMzCTYyk9S4Hfi38LrZpkqtaZuCcMtu_sowktlw7yuB2lPZqpehJ9b2fb3MxzCM2QkDmyjvJf07VakzUzl7VcTIlLWspVs_58ay71TjCJg3wHLivA/s1600/Me+and+APBA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHogUXE8rHUGQXDmX0FNxQFvz8vBMzCTYyk9S4Hfi38LrZpkqtaZuCcMtu_sowktlw7yuB2lPZqpehJ9b2fb3MxzCM2QkDmyjvJf07VakzUzl7VcTIlLWspVs_58ay71TjCJg3wHLivA/s320/Me+and+APBA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Me in front of APBA office (Lancaster, PA)</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then, I received the 1933 All-Star team via email and decided to replay that game. Well, two months later, I finally got around to playing the game and what a nail biter it was! Here is my summary of the game:<br />
<br />
Philadelphia, PA (AP) - September 5, 1933 - After months of delay and change in location due to striking workers in Chicago, the inaugural all-star game was finally played at Shribe Park in Philadelphia and the all-star game tradition could not have gotten off to a better start, with the NL team beating out the AL team with a bottom-of-the-ninth walk off single by the Red's Chick Hafey.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnjMF73Leydu7tEOmXNgpu1k9rIC1WxB7TO8QGsRzeTwao6ZYY5XZ35XHayAyUcY0u9J4XFP3qBpvUN-lf4ZCwTxom1iL2ewBRcxQTro5lmt99t4B-hcC2wkSA71PXAPO-po-jzCYsA/s1600/33+ASG+Ruth+and+Gehrig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOnjMF73Leydu7tEOmXNgpu1k9rIC1WxB7TO8QGsRzeTwao6ZYY5XZ35XHayAyUcY0u9J4XFP3qBpvUN-lf4ZCwTxom1iL2ewBRcxQTro5lmt99t4B-hcC2wkSA71PXAPO-po-jzCYsA/s320/33+ASG+Ruth+and+Gehrig.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Yankee teammates Ruth and Gehrig pose before the 1933 All-Star Game. <br />They would disappoint fans by going a combined 1-for-6, though <br />Lou Gehrig would record the first-ever all star game hit.</span></td></tr>
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The AL struck early in the second after NL starter "Wild Bill" Hallahan earned his nickname by loading the bases with a single, a walk, and a hit batsman. Joe Cronin hit in Al Simmons with a fielder's choice, but Hallahan settled down and the AL was not able to score any more runs that inning.<br />
<br />
The NL tied the game in the bottom of the second with an RBI double by Giant's first-baseman Bill Terry. An RBI double by Philadelphia shortstop Dick Bartell scored Pepper Martin to give the NL the lead. An RBI single by Al Simmons, who lead the AL All-Stars by going 4-for-5, tied the game in the top of the ninth, setting up and exciting showdown between Lefty Gomez and the best the NL had to offer.<br />
<br />
Wally Berger led off the bottom-of-the-ninth with a fly out to right field. Bill Terry then doubled to right and Gomez walked Jimmie Wilson to set up the double play. Dick Bartell spoiled that plan with a sacrifice bunt that sent the runners to second and third. With two outs, all-star game MVP "Chick" Hafey stepped up to the plate. Hafey had already singled off Gomez and with Terry on third and Wilson on second, Hafey smacked the ball hard to right, scoring Terry and winning the game for the Nationals.<br />
<br />
Al Simmons definitely had the best game, going 4-for-5 with an RBI and run scored, but played for the losing team. While Bill Terry had a great game, I decided to award Chick Hafey the MVP for his walk-off single.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjbInnRWf2DOeY-VnncoKFbJyporTtPWWICIrubbTLl-Tp8Ds4ay6fF83szSWH4TzWEkJbKB3y1SEWu9I_m-qFBBi_WFs607cnbIhxPhpTivRqYiGq4SfxjRJGWc4C9fJeQFYhy2sFA/s1600/33+ASG+Cardinals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjbInnRWf2DOeY-VnncoKFbJyporTtPWWICIrubbTLl-Tp8Ds4ay6fF83szSWH4TzWEkJbKB3y1SEWu9I_m-qFBBi_WFs607cnbIhxPhpTivRqYiGq4SfxjRJGWc4C9fJeQFYhy2sFA/s320/33+ASG+Cardinals.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The St Louis Cardinal's contingent to the inaugural All-Star Game posing with former teammate Chick Hafey. <br />The Cardinals accounted for four starters in all, including winning pitcher Bill Hallahan.</span></span></td></tr>
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One of the great things about APBA is that it's more than playing a game - it's like your actually watching the game. The flavor of the game (especially the master game) lends itself to a lot of enjoyable replay moments, like this 1933 All-Star Game. Kudos to the new owners of APBA for sending out these free sample sets on occasion, it really helps to build and create loyal customers.<br />
<br />
PS. I know the actually game was played in Cominsky Park, but I didn't think about looking up the exact location until midway through the game. Oops. I promise to do better research ahead of time :).Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-7623694538756205812012-09-09T10:34:00.000-07:002012-09-09T10:34:38.910-07:00Twilight ImperiumLike most people who've played TI3, I loved the game, but wasn't happy
with how the ISC card is used. It just seemed like it was a "cheap" 2
VPs and that whoever ended up with the card the most ended up winning
the game.<br />
<br />
My group experimented with different variants. We
played that it was worth only one point and we tried it worth 2 points
until the stage II objectives were revealed, at which point it was worth
only 1. My group disagreed on how to use this and the game was
eventually shelved. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVhb0UAn6Fc23Yj6MbUZalEFCrm4yaO9lbVdr7XF9aa-aPFg04x3Q_XB7ccUkRgrge1lagB2NTqG7toY3u_hyphenhyphen7EYRVxNr-XVUj2x57gdJzL68iFU4d-6zqjA_DYvdIRAjUfvOi4CC3A/s1600/ISC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVhb0UAn6Fc23Yj6MbUZalEFCrm4yaO9lbVdr7XF9aa-aPFg04x3Q_XB7ccUkRgrge1lagB2NTqG7toY3u_hyphenhyphen7EYRVxNr-XVUj2x57gdJzL68iFU4d-6zqjA_DYvdIRAjUfvOi4CC3A/s200/ISC.png" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The infamous Imperial Strategy Card</td></tr>
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Recently, my son (23) and his group wanted
to play and we played with the original rules and his group's reaction
was pretty much the same, so we took to the task of doing additional
research. Of all the variants we came across, we decided to use the one
put out by FFG and the how the card (I think) is used with the
expansion.<br />
<br />
Basically, a player gets one point for Mecatol Rex
(making that even more important) and can qualify for any number of
public objectives that turn (using the optional rule that the game is
played with the objectives exposed, which we've liked the last several
times we've played). Or, the player can chose to conduct a "free" build
while not allowing others to do so.<br />
<br />
I must admit that I really
enjoyed the game. It seemed to me there was much more strategy and that
we got to do more toward achieving the objectives. In fact, one time I
picked the ISC card I chose the rapid mobilization option instead of
the objectives option, although I realized after that turn I could have
won the game had I been able to qualify for several objectives. But
then again, if I hadn't of built, I could have been invaded and lost a
few of those objectives, so who the heck knows.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5M6VMz4UQ_CKxLZKDcMz1_XzuKMGNHqKR6SHqAighKT4PyrFaQa1qS-IyapVyHvTu_a9MD3CE82yN3Jxjg_TktTTfnJoGiBArlNTYJP-T3SRWG-T4BiUMR0Yo3U8FZn2Is2HkB4fDA/s320/TI3+Sept.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toward the end of the game. I played blue and had the "Universities of Jol-Nar."</td></tr>
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Having said that,
the player who invaded Mecatol Rex (MR) early and garrisoned it with troops
(it was the Federation Sol player) ended up winning the game. Yes, we
failed to retake MR (no one had the army to do that) and we could have
tried to take his homeworld (it was wide open) but, we were all busy
with our own objectives, none of which involved MR (out of five players
only one had a MR secret objective). I actually tried this strategy the last game we played, but someone had a "knock out the population of a planet" card and I was unable to hold on to MR.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtW8LyG0sqyZHMoBug0u95x5p6W9boaHmhsZojUc09ss_yZV2c20ti6DnRmaDGZP5JqPrpZbmGdZ3hSUsOSAWSVNw3YP-V6tfexi4agt9ypkoSfLIp9O1iVfQt1jh5wtAPOkS8z_bNw/s1600/TI3+Sept+MR+Close+Up.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtW8LyG0sqyZHMoBug0u95x5p6W9boaHmhsZojUc09ss_yZV2c20ti6DnRmaDGZP5JqPrpZbmGdZ3hSUsOSAWSVNw3YP-V6tfexi4agt9ypkoSfLIp9O1iVfQt1jh5wtAPOkS8z_bNw/s320/TI3+Sept+MR+Close+Up.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federation of Sol (red) garrisoning Mecatol Rex</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUGUktQLDG_7r_09aFpBLsoeGwO2v-f3gEXwwVpSL61pSbp2iXtAaS71lkI6iSvftZiB3n3xbo4EqttxUy9hajkAlcyW5Va5LQrSB4smw2oPztJ1GTLooRWyWxwlaNVdGCsOjA5SoHQ/s320/Race-Card-Sol.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Federation of Sol "Race Card," giving them what we call the special "breeding" ability</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall I liked the variant
card and will probably use it from now on. In fact, it does motivate me
more to purchase the expansion, but I have several other games on my
wishlist ahead of the Shattered Empires expansion.
Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-79501644835709156002012-08-27T10:51:00.001-07:002012-08-27T11:08:15.236-07:00Federation CommanderI played Federation Commander the other day for the first time and really liked it -- for the most part. My journey to Federation Commander began many, many, many years ago with the original Star Fleet Battles. Not sure if I had the first edition pocket game or the boxed game. All I remember is that plasma torpedoes were handled using a paper cone. They were deadly, but slow moving and not very effective. I played a few times through high school (1980s) and early college, then the complexity of the rules became too much and I dropped the game. It was a fun game, and I liked the impulse movement mechanic, but when the game became a matter of ECM vs. ECCM, it became more work than it's worth. I kind of feel the same way about Advanced Squad Leader, although I still enjoy that game on a smaller scale.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluDvX21lPAyfESAasoCuOkkiWgUReAD-mO7RVSakWTyyyoyEPb6k4SV1c5uKRmAvnV9gqbNkPN4ExjD2g-ZiUAKzjuSvDwqJqgzJTMS9Z4x_e0YVAPDky8IUKROWJ7uZc3KD9DP-u8w/s1600/SFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluDvX21lPAyfESAasoCuOkkiWgUReAD-mO7RVSakWTyyyoyEPb6k4SV1c5uKRmAvnV9gqbNkPN4ExjD2g-ZiUAKzjuSvDwqJqgzJTMS9Z4x_e0YVAPDky8IUKROWJ7uZc3KD9DP-u8w/s200/SFB.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Original Star Fleet Battles Game</i></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfN5yNhhD8tcDcbdOsRSbF9HDV-7WmQ9z4g_koFwSUAOxQoeE35uazA-ljxTjC1rcTiHT5WnVARMSAE2e9QEjQ10fzZOMgYrDc4oq8FawI_rbZ-QDORuEPMJcQGibVW588FD368Oqtg/s1600/pic995826_t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfN5yNhhD8tcDcbdOsRSbF9HDV-7WmQ9z4g_koFwSUAOxQoeE35uazA-ljxTjC1rcTiHT5WnVARMSAE2e9QEjQ10fzZOMgYrDc4oq8FawI_rbZ-QDORuEPMJcQGibVW588FD368Oqtg/s1600/pic995826_t.jpg" /></a>Since then, I've been waiting for a simpler, more streamlined version of the game. They came out with a few easier games over the years, although I can't recall their names. Then I came across Federation Commander. Eager, I bought the game (Romulan Border -- I'm a Gorn fan -- and Klingon Attack) back in 2008 and after that, let it gather dust on my shelf. Just didn't have anyone to play with. Then, I found out someone in my game group is a big Federation Commander (FC) enthusiast and after that it was just a matter of finding the time. That day came last weekend.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXycIpVRodXZG3BLUdQC1jLQrhcTSwAb0YTd_eRx5gJ9sTY-QuGzaDMCFPqUwUAed_16EZIRCYOBbyYO-NnRWo-54gsI5YPka1KkbIGnoaBgU4iOyQVTX4dOIXVZl0OZzlfEhMBTE9g/s1600/Fed+Commander+Klingon+Attack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: .5em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXycIpVRodXZG3BLUdQC1jLQrhcTSwAb0YTd_eRx5gJ9sTY-QuGzaDMCFPqUwUAed_16EZIRCYOBbyYO-NnRWo-54gsI5YPka1KkbIGnoaBgU4iOyQVTX4dOIXVZl0OZzlfEhMBTE9g/s1600/Fed+Commander+Klingon+Attack.jpg" /></a>I played the Klingons and was teamed up with Stephen Brasseur (http://yockbosboardgames.blogspot.com/), who played the Lyrans. Two others played the Federation (Jim D, affectionately known as "Big D") and the Hydrans (Brian). We played with 2-3 ships of 270-300 points each. I selected an F5 Frigate and a C7 Battle Cruiser. My plan was to send the F5 ahead to take out drones and draw some fire as my C7 moved into position around the three Federation frigates. Yeah, that didn't work out so well.<br />
<br />
First, the Hydrans came barreling in from their corner to join in the fray while my ally, the Lyrans, pulled a Russia and diddled their way to the front. As a result, my two ships came under very heavy fire. While my strategy worked to some extent, I failed to adhere my adversaries pre-game warning about overloaded photon torpedoes.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGkhxrP5Jw8J9rcnWnmIgN8m8M53K1FDoMXORWGqjpRaU-r1pTl1ntUI3wVg4CMwyrj9plOYP94rfADEzVkDj0wZWbSciJQms3XXHi1ol2LdtFtaKhNDyNytahde4rWG0Cbd_GhDMtw/s1600/Fed+Commander.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGkhxrP5Jw8J9rcnWnmIgN8m8M53K1FDoMXORWGqjpRaU-r1pTl1ntUI3wVg4CMwyrj9plOYP94rfADEzVkDj0wZWbSciJQms3XXHi1ol2LdtFtaKhNDyNytahde4rWG0Cbd_GhDMtw/s320/Fed+Commander.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Federation Commander SSD (Ship System Display), which allows tracking of ship's power, weaponry, damage, and other functions.</i></span></td></tr>
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<br />
I decided to take out the Federation fleet one ship at a time and did some damage to one of the three frigates, which subsequently disengaged. However, I left both ships vulnerable to a barrage of overloaded photon torpedoes that effectively ended the game.<br />
<br />
It was fun and I am looking forward to playing again, although I wonder if I'll ever be able to pick up on all the tips and tricks others have picked up over the years. I do plan to explore the game more, play some solo games, and many sign up for a three month online subscription.<br />
<br />
Having said that, I never try to end a game session without some "lessons learned":<br />
<br />
1) When playing against the Federation, stay more than 8 hexes away; use speed and acceleration to do this.<br />
2) Launch drones during impulse 8 of one turn then impulse 1 of the next turn.<br />
3) Always save a few direct fire weapons for opportunistic fire later in the same turn.<br />
<br />
I'm sure there were more lessons I should have learned, but that's all I recall.<br />
<br />
I liked the game for the most part, but the record keeping was still a bit much. The game does offer an even easier "fleet" scale that might be easier for new players.Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-68590928933951584722012-08-12T13:38:00.000-07:002012-08-12T13:38:29.986-07:00July Gaming RecapI've been playing a lot of games lately. Which, given my income deficient status (my writing work has dried up and I've devoted most of my work time to finding a regular full-time job), is probably a good idea. Yeah, it's been a slow summer, but gaming is a great hobby for those on a tight budget -- as long as you have the games (<a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/collection/user/bambino64">Al's collection</a>) and enjoy the games you have (and don't forget your friends' game collections). It helps that my sons enjoy playing some of the same games I enjoy.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2djdWeWEijdND_4gh8fQY35Y2eBzp_Ociw8nwsC-SlWoXUe7DnWsKhFLReBBniH6TGejTgcySKiDkoA7Ss_BES-o58f1KAeIe520mB9d4uaD_71MUdqju-s2668sNto1UC21IYyeOw/s1600/Pathfinder.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2djdWeWEijdND_4gh8fQY35Y2eBzp_Ociw8nwsC-SlWoXUe7DnWsKhFLReBBniH6TGejTgcySKiDkoA7Ss_BES-o58f1KAeIe520mB9d4uaD_71MUdqju-s2668sNto1UC21IYyeOw/s200/Pathfinder.jpeg" width="200" /></a>My youngest (12) and I have been participating in a well-run Pathfinder campaign with three others. It's been great and we've leveled up twice already -- he is playing a roque/fighter and I'm playing a fighter. We've been playing for a few months now and play every-other-weekend. It's a fun time and I actually think it helps him with his Asperger's.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99azm4YcyWthmNuXVDtcX-4yOpIrDCjDjDgyCuWd8fotFaf0SjOWmSd1FJlLroDYXZGRmneb9iNnSeA-lqhiwa9N3O-OVlDhOLudSAuZXGxy4xA0FAe1hZ2-w_EOrmYhHAQkI-MJI5Q/s1600/Mustangs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99azm4YcyWthmNuXVDtcX-4yOpIrDCjDjDgyCuWd8fotFaf0SjOWmSd1FJlLroDYXZGRmneb9iNnSeA-lqhiwa9N3O-OVlDhOLudSAuZXGxy4xA0FAe1hZ2-w_EOrmYhHAQkI-MJI5Q/s200/Mustangs+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I've also hooked up with a Wednesday night gaming group. We played two games of Sword of Rome (I played the Gauls both times) and had a lot of fun. We spent one night playing Mustangs, which I really enjoyed, and the group is now playing another air game, although out-of-town interviews and a back-to-school night have kept me away from those games. You can read my Mustangs AAR <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/thread/837282/a-friendly-game-of-mustangs">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Closer to home, my son and I have been playing Magic the Gathering. It's funny, but our decks couldn't be more black and white. LOL. That's an insider joke. He has a black magic (swamp) deck and I have a white magic (plains) deck. He whips out the evil creatures and I pacify them. I also love, love, love my griffins and griffin riders. When I amass a few of those it's hard to stop me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCt5LHZbNjXNE1OTLyNEpMUEXDiSO1XNrRMG7sCHOCN1tftppbw2D7jJV0hNev2V5H6PxyoccF_mO9LtGBdLnu5y-piAMFEAk3kCJCaW0F8DCPFqUZnOUbxxrdsqyY3vY5EUVmsig8Q/s1600/White+Mana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCt5LHZbNjXNE1OTLyNEpMUEXDiSO1XNrRMG7sCHOCN1tftppbw2D7jJV0hNev2V5H6PxyoccF_mO9LtGBdLnu5y-piAMFEAk3kCJCaW0F8DCPFqUZnOUbxxrdsqyY3vY5EUVmsig8Q/s200/White+Mana.jpg" width="190" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne9-8y6zwQIbESyxgs6zWFUpayx7BA_lZ56ZMI_uAfZ5eyiNOaIZ6HL5jbeLLcSeWAC9s-xuHy_tjpmVdbr_AZfNWI6iSe58lWEkv3i_mA5EcMkn_zoI576wMnJNJDEbyOgog72B7vQ/s1600/Black+Magic+Deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne9-8y6zwQIbESyxgs6zWFUpayx7BA_lZ56ZMI_uAfZ5eyiNOaIZ6HL5jbeLLcSeWAC9s-xuHy_tjpmVdbr_AZfNWI6iSe58lWEkv3i_mA5EcMkn_zoI576wMnJNJDEbyOgog72B7vQ/s200/Black+Magic+Deck.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
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We also played a game of Axis and Allies and a few rounds of Stratego. On July 4 (or thereabouts) my older son brought over Dominion. I didn't think I would like it at first, but I really enjoyed it (he kicked out butts, though) and I like the idea of a game that changes every time you play it.<br />
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Coming up, I plan to replay the 1933 All-Star game using APBA Baseball game, and my Wednesday night group is beginning Clash of Monarchs on 8/22.<br />
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That's it for now. Roll well, and live.<br />
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AlAl Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-13272169502303472952012-07-04T15:35:00.004-07:002012-07-04T15:35:48.171-07:00Final Sorting of the GamesWell, I finally sorted my games and updated my collection on boardgamegeek. I decided to categorize the games by historical period and/or type and I'm very happy with the final outcome. There's very little, if any, overlap between the games. I also created a number of boardgamegeek lists sorting my games.<br />
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There are a few gaps in my gaming list, as indicated by a few entries in my wish list. The main games I'm looking for now are ASL Starter Kit Expansion 1 (seems like a nice general introduction to the game), Brittania, and Guildford. The latter represents the only battlefield I've visited for which I do not have a game. That and maybe Wilson's Creek, but I don't know many games that cover that battle. There's an old SPI edition. Maybe I should put that on my wish list.<br />
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Anyway, here are my eight categories of games:<br />
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Family Games <br />"Grand" Wargames<br />
World History<br />
American History<br />
American Civil War<br />World War II<br />Sports Games<br />Roleplaying Games<br />
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I won't sort the games out here, but you can see my collection at <a href="http://www.boardgamegeek.com/collection/user/bambino64">Al's Boardgame Collection</a> and from there, you can find my geeklists and how I've sorted the games. It's not a perfect sorting, but it works for me.<br />
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It was fun sorting my board games and wargames and very fulfilling getting the entire list into boardgamegeek.com. I've been wanting to get that done for a long time now.Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-46321108070710611512012-03-22T08:58:00.003-07:002012-03-22T11:17:01.413-07:00Cleaning up the Game Collection: The Struggle ContinuesOkay, I think I've finally decided how to organize my game collection. The struggle I have is that I have so many games that I feel like I'm a jack-of-all games, master of none. So, I have decided to categorize and prioritize my game collection.<br /><br />For each of the below categories I will declare one primary game, three secondary games, and six tertiary games, giving me 10 games in each category for a total of no more than 40 games. Yeah, I'm gaming light.<br /><br />Role-Playing Games (Pathfinder will be my primary game in this category)<br />Group Games (Twilight Imperium and Napoleonics Wars will be my top games)<br />One-on-One Games (Magic and War of the Ring will be in this category)<br />Topical Games (APBA will be my primary game in this category)<br /><br />I realize there will be overlap but I'll work that to the game's advantage. I also realize I probably need a "Misc" category for card games and such.<br /><br />So, with a move and moving sale just around the corner I think I'll pack up and go from there.Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-83361860815745687442011-12-25T11:41:00.000-08:002011-12-25T12:22:49.805-08:00Game Collection: The First CutMy first priority for keeping games was to keep those that my group enjoys playing and plays with some frequency.<br /><br />Those games include:<br /><br />Axis and Allies<br />Formula De (incl. tracks 5/6, 9/10, 17/18)<br />Napoleonic Wars<br />Kingmaker<br />Circus Maximus<br />Twilight Imperium (3rd Edition)<br />Power Grid<br /><br />Settlers of Catan<br />Carcossone<br />Ticket to Ride: Marklin Edition<br /><br />We played Circus Maximus the other day (12.11) for the first time in years and introduced our children to this very fun game. They loved it. So much so that we are planning a cyberboard race in the coming weeks and months. I'm looking forward to that. It's always been a favorite of mine and one you can't take too seriously or personally (although we've had gaming vendettas bleed over from other games). You need to lighten up to have fun.<br /><br />We had a group of seven and I ran two chariots, which in hindsight wasn't very fair to the others. It was a classic Circus Maximus game with plenty of back-and-forth. We shortened the race to two laps and I think we may have lost only one car in the final turn. Other than that it was a race down to the finish between three chariots. I'm sure we'll play this game again real soon.<br /><br />Axis and Allies is a good "we want to play a complex wargame but don't want to read or review any rules." It's been a while since we've played, but always a lot of fun.<br /><br />Twilight Imperium and Napoleonic Wars are similar games, but more intense.<br /><br />The last three games were saved because they have family-wide appeal.<br /><br />Please note that I do not bother to update my general boardgames (Uno, etc) as many families own these games.<br /><br />Roll well and live!<br />afwAl Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-9427890908322083732011-12-25T07:21:00.000-08:002011-12-25T07:32:15.868-08:00Clearing HouseOr, I should say, cleared house.<br /><br />I don't know about you, but owning a large game collection can be stressful, especially if you don't have time to play the game.<br /><br />I recently sorted through my game collection and made some tough choices. It basically came down to this: have I played the game regularly and, if not, is the game sellable? What I mean by sellable is that the game will fetch a good price for the amount of work needed to sell it? I have a lot of older games selling for $10-$20 on BGG and EBay, but it's a lot of work to make the sale, pack the product, and bring it to the post office for shipping. Honestly, I'd rather keep it for that much.<br /><br />So I sorted my games into various stacks:<br /><br />- Games that my group plays a lot<br />- Games that I play a lot, or would like to play a lot<br />- Games that I don't want to part with for one reason or another (sentimental value, non-sellable, etc)<br />- Games to sell or trade<br /><br />I also kept most of my naval/air warfare games. I like that them.<br /><br />So I ended up selling a bunch of games, including my beloved Advanced Squad Leader, and actually financed Christmas on the proceeds. Not a bad deal. I had mixed feelings about selling ASL, but I haven't played the game in years and it's a lot of work.<br /><br />So, now time to update my Boardgame Geek list and get busy playing games.Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-1440732802252256202011-11-11T18:17:00.000-08:002011-11-11T19:24:15.976-08:00History of the World<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMbKsqx33gDbnNfH9XzfqoTsLJno1gVKw4ysAPvZsq45GrB9y5g70eSDo5tPd0BL19PibxNhcc-_DRU29zXl5i3POLZoB1d0zEaMrTIcWU5FmHYOqvNhlv1Id0B1VDEPkkHydy6Y9HA/s1600/HOW+Box.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMbKsqx33gDbnNfH9XzfqoTsLJno1gVKw4ysAPvZsq45GrB9y5g70eSDo5tPd0BL19PibxNhcc-_DRU29zXl5i3POLZoB1d0zEaMrTIcWU5FmHYOqvNhlv1Id0B1VDEPkkHydy6Y9HA/s320/HOW+Box.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673940172323796754" border="0" /></a>One of my group's favorite games is "History of the World," a game we've been playing since the old Avalon Hill days. I think it's a favorite since we all know the rules, the cards, and the basic empires, although honestly, I don't care for the game all that much, which probably comes as a surprise to my gaming group since I'm the one that usually pushes to play this game, especially this last time.<br /><br />Why? Well, there are several reasons. First, I love the scope of the game - from the earliest civilizations up to the modern age. I love studying history and the rise and fall of empires and lately have been watching a show called Rome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufWQZDp2cLzxtmLnTMTtVJCobErt_FmRVuBm6giPFAQlW4O3mVdhngSPfM8yU-MrddO_jTndVF-lixvttF4iYkz02xLgHIgvai14iAy0XcfKlYut8YK7SbsrofMDVZRD2C6ELmJsjfQ/s1600/Rome+Rise+and+Fall.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufWQZDp2cLzxtmLnTMTtVJCobErt_FmRVuBm6giPFAQlW4O3mVdhngSPfM8yU-MrddO_jTndVF-lixvttF4iYkz02xLgHIgvai14iAy0XcfKlYut8YK7SbsrofMDVZRD2C6ELmJsjfQ/s200/Rome+Rise+and+Fall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673940684451203506" border="0" /></a>: Rise and Fall of an Empire, which covers many of the Epoch III (or is it IV?) empires, so I've had an interest in playing the game. Of course, I'm never given the Romans, so it was a moot point. I'm usually stuck over in India, China, or the New World. I'm also a fan of Dr. Who, which (especially in its early years) covers a wide range of human history. As an aside, wouldn't it be interesting to include the Daleks in a future epoch? Another reason I've been wanting to play is exposure to a great deal of ancient art at our local art museum (<a href="http://www.slam.org/">St. Louis Art Museum</a>). There you can find art from the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCj7jDL7reo7EZqurqymHFEhOVh2q2eTAAxS7-l33uQ13XXuOlWF7cjQjS6Vamclh75ix7mMkse5mBDJ594P3AGsfYm2jdza4mluW1X1-4yJ0eHpWhCM_LpKBr6jv3YoUNUQNLCrJroQ/s1600/India.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCj7jDL7reo7EZqurqymHFEhOVh2q2eTAAxS7-l33uQ13XXuOlWF7cjQjS6Vamclh75ix7mMkse5mBDJ594P3AGsfYm2jdza4mluW1X1-4yJ0eHpWhCM_LpKBr6jv3YoUNUQNLCrJroQ/s200/India.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673940992814808706" border="0" /></a>ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese (many dynasties represented), and South Asia (include some from the Gupta era).<br /><br />So what don't I like about the game? I think it's a lack of control. Not that I do well in games where I can exercise a lot of control, but it just seems like lack of control is rampant in this game. You never know from one epoch to the next when you will take your turn, much less where you will be. You can have a nicely played empire, only to lose it next turn to another empire that starts on your conquered land. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TT9WqC3qwgb6KG1PctdN9lABoflty6Tvt5IzoiU-CdI5qqZhk7KaxfhqgJcDA4aAsOG9LdK8QZFbHHPZcsqa0CJAlxOODp4_Z7vw1Hd_AlIjSAPHXdBQBQbRjMY_R4eN3Rg_SYknyw/s1600/HOW+A.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TT9WqC3qwgb6KG1PctdN9lABoflty6Tvt5IzoiU-CdI5qqZhk7KaxfhqgJcDA4aAsOG9LdK8QZFbHHPZcsqa0CJAlxOODp4_Z7vw1Hd_AlIjSAPHXdBQBQbRjMY_R4eN3Rg_SYknyw/s200/HOW+A.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673942971111002962" border="1" /></a>Then there is the card draw, which, in my opinion, can make or break a game. I've gotten dealt some awful hands before (can anyone say Australia?) while I see other people clean up with leaders, engineering, and civil service.<br /><br />There's also a lot of dice rolling. Sure, there's some strategy to taking lands, building monuments, and constructing forts, but I really wonder how much of an impact that has on the final outcome? There's also the issue of the chits a player gets for being in first place following an epoch. Sure, it's great to get them, but very frustrating when you come in a close second every turn and those chits just represent a bigger deficit that needs to be overcome. This happened to me last game, but it's also discouraging for players who struggle through the early part of the game and have very little hope of catching up. Yes, it's possible they may get a really good card, but I don't think that's as big of a percentage as it should be.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL6DZk-qQS3X_kq_X8bYQigNYjMi17CFWm0j3u-0DiWODPVSMudk82_f0-GnVmJJeKBw0TaCikPBRc4TcKf2QeCz4Kd628IMdb7SX7I4hL_q58tIFsXHgecEdmb5toil-JA6JBjGxyA/s1600/HOW+B.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL6DZk-qQS3X_kq_X8bYQigNYjMi17CFWm0j3u-0DiWODPVSMudk82_f0-GnVmJJeKBw0TaCikPBRc4TcKf2QeCz4Kd628IMdb7SX7I4hL_q58tIFsXHgecEdmb5toil-JA6JBjGxyA/s320/HOW+B.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673943192689355074" border="0" /></a><br />I, along with my group, will continue to play the game. It's fun and it's a "light" level of frustration (none of us really take the game seriously). In fact, we even play the game on-line through <a href="http://www.gamesbyemail.com/">gamesbyemail.com</a>, which has a very user-friendly interface and efficient email notification system.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkL6DZk-qQS3X_kq_X8bYQigNYjMi17CFWm0j3u-0DiWODPVSMudk82_f0-GnVmJJeKBw0TaCikPBRc4TcKf2QeCz4Kd628IMdb7SX7I4hL_q58tIFsXHgecEdmb5toil-JA6JBjGxyA/s1600/HOW+B.jpg"><br /></a>Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-53718397703424532142011-10-23T09:59:00.001-07:002011-10-23T10:21:07.704-07:00Gettysburg Day 1Been a while since I've posted. I went on a tear and finished the first day of my Gettysburg battle and the movie, "Gettysburg." I thought the movie was good. It focused on only a few aspects of the battle and I think it parts it was probably overdone and overacted, but overall a fine film. Having recently visited the historic site, I could tell a great deal of the movie was filmed 'on location.'<br /><br />As for my game, wow -- the rebs rolled up the Union in a way I've rarely seen done in this game. The Union just wasn't getting the rolls and the Confederates could not be stopped. It's interesting that in my game, Ewell was in the same position he was in real life - with the choice to pursue the Union Army to Cemetery Hill or hold back. During the actual battle, Ewell held back, much to the chagrin of some of the other generals. I didn't and his troops pummeled the resistance.<br /><br />At the end of Turn 7, the last move before the non-combat night move, the board looked like this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWyNrdOtk5DoQCPDwmQ2vtGx9mBwIT8XcJJp6VXjydkALpG8erUG09rPUB3Rp3EEzqTaPBFwZrgrG3gZauYfv8se_lkxww9z7ABCDt8QOj9mKP_NC5x53Z6VciHFGKiSwb4Z9NA_pWg/s1600/Gettysburg_Day+1+Results.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibWyNrdOtk5DoQCPDwmQ2vtGx9mBwIT8XcJJp6VXjydkALpG8erUG09rPUB3Rp3EEzqTaPBFwZrgrG3gZauYfv8se_lkxww9z7ABCDt8QOj9mKP_NC5x53Z6VciHFGKiSwb4Z9NA_pWg/s320/Gettysburg_Day+1+Results.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666738744229206370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Confederates suffered NO losses. That's right, none. The Union, on the other hand, had many losses and gave up valuable ground. According to the rules, the Confederacy wins an automatic victory if they score twice as many VPs (Victory Points) as the Union. I stopped counting at 12 and even that was too much since the Union had 0.<br /><br />What to do now? I'm kind of burned out on the game and the Confederacy did win, but I'm thinking I might replay the day 2/3 scenario to see what happens, or I might take day 2 and 3 and play them separately.<br /><br />Either way, I think I'm going to update my Boardgame Geek lists for now. I am there under bambino64.Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8607800425959469085.post-87093708714375602212011-09-12T13:58:00.000-07:002011-09-12T14:37:23.527-07:00Game and a Movie: GettysburgThis summer I had the pleasure of visiting the Gettysburg National Battlefield Park with my 11-year-old son. I had been there before when I was about his age and remember bits and pieces of that vacation, but I've wanted to go back for quite a while.<br /><br />It just s<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JDxmoHtyRGSQTRNefpURscivh7c4wL8D3oMcZA21PaINERHUt08eIAzrVRZmUVBXn3rjTkx47zRZn9LkjviAZB09oGdT2knOtOUan7dZJhr7UTGijJZYJ2p3x8bDOy_NAVsMsFtPtA/s1600/gettysburg+game.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 130px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JDxmoHtyRGSQTRNefpURscivh7c4wL8D3oMcZA21PaINERHUt08eIAzrVRZmUVBXn3rjTkx47zRZn9LkjviAZB09oGdT2knOtOUan7dZJhr7UTGijJZYJ2p3x8bDOy_NAVsMsFtPtA/s320/gettysburg+game.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651583680941483442" border="0" /></a>o happens that one of my favorite games is Avalon Hill's Gettysburg (1988). It's a simple war game that plays rather well. I've enjoyed it over the years and always played in the tournaments when I was able to attend AvalonCon (93, 94 and 96).<br /><br />I also enjoyed the movie "Gettysburg" and am now <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s_qZLNtJ9MKGjVKv6wWRHhirxpdkf4HuLXgguxOz7v6-kWwCyylOYoaJukbW-B2ZDJRU_yeyslxTSRUGaa7WwJTQOhIxFPCZ_e424DL98yh1JOKywsgnipL83FFZgLRlzHv3N6tbDA/s1600/Gettysburg+Movie.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 126px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s_qZLNtJ9MKGjVKv6wWRHhirxpdkf4HuLXgguxOz7v6-kWwCyylOYoaJukbW-B2ZDJRU_yeyslxTSRUGaa7WwJTQOhIxFPCZ_e424DL98yh1JOKywsgnipL83FFZgLRlzHv3N6tbDA/s320/Gettysburg+Movie.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651585325808290514" border="0" /></a>rewatching it. It's preachy, but it is pretty comprehensive and I like that it was filmed at Gettysburg. I didn't know that until I was watching it again this last time and noticed how familiar the surroundings looked. I figured they either had to film it on site (but how would they film around the modern buildings, monuments, and statues?) or they did a good job making it look like Gettysburg. I looked it up on-line and did confirm that it was filmed at Gettysburg. I also liked how they used re-enactors to play the parts of the soldiers. What a treat for them!<br /><br />Soooo...I am combining the two by watching the movie and playing the game almost simultaneously. I want to pay close attention to the movie so I plan to watch one day or half day of the movie and then play that same time period on the board.<br /><br />I am using cyberboard to replay the game. I haven't used cyberboard in a long time so most of my early game was spent figuring out the interface. It's easy to use, but the help file is lacking. For example, I had trouble figuring out the different between a "compound" move and a "plotted" move. I eventually found it on-line. I like the idea of cyberboard. I have a friend who swears by it and it's a great way to play the game solitaire without getting the pieces out or worrying about the cat launching a devastating surprise attack.<br /><br />So I started the game and only made it through the second Confederate turn. I thought with the Union I would play the delaying strategy so I can give my troops enough time to take the high ground (the "very good" high ground - those familiar with the movie will get that) while I plan to play an aggressive strategy with the Rebels - push, push, push and possibly flank. If the Rebels can take the high ground and control the roads after the first day, they'll be in very good shape.<br /><br />You can see that, for the Union, so far so good...Devin and Gamble held and Wadsworth was able to reach town. It's easy to lose the cavalry early (only 1 combat factor each), but I placed them in woods (Gamble was on a woody hill) and that helped. I lost both battles but only had to take one step loss. Union is up next and has reinforcements coming in. I think I am going to form a line just north of town to hold the confederate army until the union reinforcements can arrive to take the hills. After that, it's just a matter of them fending off confederate attacks. We'll see how it goes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G0ZqG2J6PUPG4e5ttWmwo-4P4hlnfD1_fGU5esnC7cY_UjbIDyosTYagSgpKS1it2m7hUQrdV1_pPN5TUVcqfbDW6oxBzAKfMMbdjAjM9MD4RUljfalJgrrsm5glsCmHDA5-DX-wkg/s1600/Gettysburg+Game_Middle+Turn+2.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 466px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G0ZqG2J6PUPG4e5ttWmwo-4P4hlnfD1_fGU5esnC7cY_UjbIDyosTYagSgpKS1it2m7hUQrdV1_pPN5TUVcqfbDW6oxBzAKfMMbdjAjM9MD4RUljfalJgrrsm5glsCmHDA5-DX-wkg/s320/Gettysburg+Game_Middle+Turn+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651588495211954258" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And since this is a new blog maybe I'll make "game and a movie" a recurring theme.Al Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08367474487337847501noreply@blogger.com0