Episodes

  • In a world full of quests, challenges, and chaos there is an individual who rises to the occasion. Fortunately for us, that person is you the player!! In today's game we will find our origin story, embrace our motivation, and seek the destiny we deserve! This rune-tossing game brings a unique twist to dice chucking, and the Bards have some thoughts! How do they feel about Call to Adventure?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

    You can find Call to Adventure for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/3OKcHxB

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    1:37 What We've Been Playing
    8:37 Call to Adventure
    51:17 Cookie Scale
    57:00 Final Thoughts

  • Cats and Quilts..and iconic combo. In today's game we are going to discuss one of the more mechanically simple games we've played that also might be one of the thinkiest and crunchiest games we've discussed at the same time. In this Tile Laying Masterpiece you'll be assembling a quilt and attracting cats to cozy up on your beautifully masterpiece. How do the bards feel about it?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

    You can find Calico for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/4g78GPo

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    3:55 What We've Been Playing
    19:50 Calico
    55:15 Cookie Scale
    1:01:10 Final Thoughts

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • You’ve heard us mention it for over a year now…and today it finally hits the table. One of our highest rated games according to the Board Game world, today we tackle Wingspan. In Wingspan you are bird enthusiasts—researchers, bird watchers, ornithologists, and collectors—seeking to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves. Do our Bards love it?? Is it back to back Double Double Doozies?? You’ll have to watch to find out!!

    You can find Wingspan for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/4fnkdKH

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    1:08 What We've Been Playing
    24:32 Wingspan
    1:05:49 Cookie Scale
    1:08:30 Final Thoughts

  • In this Mancala world you'll be moving 5 different tribes through the board to gain as many resources as possible! Five Tribes is a classic amongst Board Gamers and for those interested in a Hobby Gaming space, Robbie might argue this is a must play! With one of the more unique mechanics you'll find amongst this desert adventure.. what do the Bards think?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

    You can find Five Tribes for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/3AjPFu5

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    1:38 What We've Been Playing
    13:07 Five Tribes
    56:31 Cookie Scale
    1:01:45 Final Thoughts

  • Welcome to the Table, and we’re back with another fantastic episode!! Every 10th episode we bring a top 10 list, and today is no different. In today's episode we're discussing our top 10 games to bring out when it's just us and one other. Whether it's a date board game night, or hanging out with a coworker, sometimes you need that game that hits just right for two. What games do the Bards bring out in the head to head?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    2:10 What We've Been Playing
    9:12 Top 10 Time
    13:07 Jason's 10
    15:50 Robbie's 10
    20:40 Robbie's 9
    23:17 Jason's 9
    25:48 Jason's 8
    29:20 Robbie's 8
    32:08 Robbie's 7
    33:50 Jason's 7
    36:53 Jason's 6
    39:10 Robbie's 6
    44:08 Robbie's 5
    46:52 Jason's 5
    48:28 Jason's 4
    51:19 Robbie's 4
    58:15 Robbie's 3
    1:02:20 Jason's 3
    1:06:01 Jason's 2
    1:08:18 Robbie's 2
    1:11:32 Robbie's 1
    1:14:30 Jason's 1
    1:19:06 Final Thoughts

  • In 2020 the world found itself amidst a global pandemic, but the creators of this board game have had folks experiencing this for years. Today's game talks about Pandemic, the board game where you and your team will work together to stop the spread of disease worldwide. Through unique roles, a random deck to oversee the spread of the viruses, and more you'll find yourself racing against time and infection! How do the bards feel about it?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

    You can find Pandemic for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/3N99Xcz

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    1:10 What We've Been Playing
    13:09 Pandemic
    52:51 Cookie Scale
    57:35 Final Thoughts

  • Buy a Railroad, Produce Commodities, or Invest in a Town?? In today's game you'll have the potential to start your empire of the woodlands with some incredible gameplay as an introduction into a lighter step of modern hobby gaming. Whether you want to push your luck and wait for the best time to cash in on your resources, or take the sure bet on your turn this episode and game leads to loads of laughs. What do our Bards think?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

    You can find Raccoon Tycoon for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/4eqK03I

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    2:33 What We've Been Playing
    22:53 Raccoon Tycoon
    1:02:00 Cookie Scale
    1:07:08 Final Thoughts

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

    You can find Kingdomino for yourself at:

    https://amzn.to/3ZayG7q

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!

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

    Chapters:

    0:00 Intro

    1:16 What We've Been Playing

    23:50 Kingdomino

    54:00 Cookie Scale

    1:01:00 Final Thoughts

  • **Sorry for Robbie's Audio Issues. He tried a new camera for the Youtube version and accidentally selected it for his audio as well!! Will be fixed for next episode!!**

    Today we welcome our next incredible guest to the channel, James Hudson of Druid City Games! He's the owner and one of the game designers as well as a family friend of Jason's! In today's episode the crew sits down to help give you a few games as well as some terms and conditions to consider for hosting or introducing new players to games. Do our Bards find new suggestions beyond ones they've already discussed? What is James's Take on difficulty and introducing new players to games?? You’ll have to watch to find out!

    To Check Out James's Content and Druid City Games Head to the following Links!!
    https://www.youtube.com/@realdruidcitygames
    https://www.druidcitygames.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/jamesmatthewhudson/?hl=en


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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    5:00 What We've Been Playing
    17:40 Our Games to Introduce Others
    56:50 Final Thoughts

  • DND is a game/play experience that for many can serve as the gateway into the hobby gaming world. Today's game takes the themes and characters from DND bringing them to the Lords of Waterdeep Board Game! Here you'll help influence a town as you recruit talent and warriors to help you quest, purchase property, and assert your dominion over the other Lords. Do our Bards love it?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

    You can find Lords of Waterdeep for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/4dxVVMG

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    3:30 What We've Been Playing
    27:00 Lords of Waterdeep
    1:14:08 Cookie Scale
    1:20:00 Final Thoughts

  • Yahtzee is a tried and true classic in the board game world. The joy of seeing those dice roll into the combo you're looking for is extremely satisfying. In today's game we take Yahtzee one step further with Kaiju monsters who look to prove who is the mightiest in their conquest of Tokyo. King of Tokyo by Iello Games is one of the best gateway games into the modern gaming space. How do the Bards feel about it?? Is this Jason's lowest rating yet?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

    You can find King of Tokyo for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/3LCu2ar

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    2:10 What We've Been Playing
    24:00 King of Tokyo
    58:13 Cookie Scale
    1:09:30 Final Thoughts

  • There is just something about Dragons. Whether it's in Game of Thrones, Wyrmspan, or even music dragons seem to be universally loved and appreciated. In today's game we head to a dragon town to visit shops and embrace combos as you gather reputation in this wonderful game. Flamecraft is a game Jason's been playing since it Kickstarted, and today we're hitting it on the podcast! What do our Bards think?? You’ll have to watch to find out!

    You can find Flamecraft for yourself at:
    hhttps://amzn.to/4dfsxeb

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    4:00 What We've Been Playing
    32:30 Flamecraft
    1:04:30 Cookie Scale
    1:17:45 Final Thoughts

  • Two Player Games are a staple of the modern board gaming world. Whether they are games that play well at a two-player count or games specifically designed for two players, these types of games have a very specific place on your shelf. In today's game we discuss polyomino games with our first two-player game as well as our first dive into polyomino games. This is a mechanic that BOTH Jason and Robbie love, so how do they feel about it?? You’ll have to watch to find out!

    You can find Patchwork for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/45HG4s3

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    4:13 What We've Been Playing
    27:28 Patch Work
    1:03:30 Cookie Scale
    1:10:30 Final Thoughts

  • Do you love dogs?? Do you love cute art in a board game? If you answered yes to one or both of those questions than do we have a great game for you!! In today's video we are talking about Dog Park a game where you recruit dogs into your kennel to take them on luxurious walks through the park! Dog Park is a mid-weight, competitive set-collection and point-to-point movement game in which players take on the role of dog walkers who recruit, walk, and care for their dogs over four rounds. What do the bards think??You’ll have to watch to find out!

    You can find Dog Park for yourself at:
    hhttps://amzn.to/3KJXieI

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    2:20 What We've Been Playing
    21:30 Dog Park
    1:03:30 Cookie Scale
    1:12:00 Final Thoughts

  • Welcome to the Table, and we’re back with another fantastic episode!! Yall loved our Top 10 games to start a collection with, well today we’re taking things a little lighter in episode 20! Today’s episode contains Jason and Robbie’s Top 10 Party Games!! Now the definition of Party Game can feel a little loose, and depending on your group certain games are going to hit better than others. What games do the Bards bring out with the crowds?? You'll have to watch to find out!!

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    2:24 What We've Been Playing
    11:20 What is a Party Game??
    16:20 Robbie’s 10
    18:44 Jason’s 10
    23:50 Jason’s 9
    26:33 Robbie’s 9
    30:00 Robbie’s 8
    35:36 Jason’s 8
    40:00 Jason’s 7
    44:37 Robbie’s 7
    47:15 Robbie’s 6
    50:44 Jason’s 6
    54:50 Jason’s 5
    1:00:57 Robbie’s 5
    1:09:00 Robbie’s 4
    1:10:47 Jason’s 4
    1:14:08 Jason’s 3
    1:16:04 Robbie’s 3
    1:19:10 Robbie’s 2
    1:22:59 Jason’s 2
    1:28:47 Jason’s 1
    1:31:34 Robbie’s 1
    1:38:22 Honorable Mentions
    1:47:39 Final Thoughts

  • What if I told you there was a way to play a deck builder where you ALSO got to experience moving pieces around on a board? For many gamers you have two worlds, card games and board games, well today's game combines those incredible worlds. Here you'll see a world of Dungeon Diving taken to the extreme as you race against your friends building the best decks and stealing treasure. What do the bards think of this game? You’ll have to watch to find out!

    You can find CLANK! for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/4btcVTo

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    1:30 What We've Been Playing
    19:30 CLANK!
    53:30 Cookie Scale
    1:00:15 Final Thoughts

  • For the Anime Fans of the world, hearing the big three brings three fantastic shows to mind that have shaped modern anime. In the Hobby Board Game world, the big three include: Settlers of Catan, Carcassone, and today's classic Ticket To Ride. TTR is a drafting placement game where players are creating train routes across North America to get the most points. An iconic staple of the BG world, what do our bards think of it?? You’ll have to watch to find out!

    You can find Ticket to Ride for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/3UFvBJO

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    4:00 What We've Been Playing
    26:00 Ticket to Ride
    54:30 Cookie Scale
    1:03:30 Final Thoughts

  • Sagrada Familia is one of the modern wonders of the world in its beauty and construction. The immaculate stain glass windows will wow most who see them, and in today's game you get the task of building their next piece. This board game takes translucent die and allows players to follow a strict pattern where you can consctruct works of art. This dice drafting game is almost as beloved as the windows that inspired the game! What do our bards think of it?? You’ll have to watch to find out!

    You can find Sagrada for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/3UhmGy5

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    1:15 What We've Been Playing
    21:34 Sagrada
    50:30 Cookie Scale
    56:30 Final Thoughts

  • Comic Books have taken ahold of many lives since we were children, but in the mid 2000's we saw Marvel Comics go one step further and take over the theatre. Comic Movies have changed cinema (for the positive or negative) and the Heroes we know have become parts of our lives. In today's episode we discuss a new board game mechanic, Co-Op games, where you will play together to defeat the board. The catch...it's you and other super heroes against some famous Villains in Marvel United!! What do our Bards think of this Smashing Adventure Game?? You’ll have to watch to find out!

    You can find Marvel United for yourself at:
    https://amzn.to/4cUTp3I

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!
    https://www.instagram.com/bards_of_the_board/

    Chapters:
    0:00 Intro
    2:21 What We've Been Playing
    29:00 Marvel United
    59:49 Cookie Scale
    1:05:50 Final Thoughts

  • Today we welcome our first guest to the channel, and yall it’s one who we never dreamed would be possible! Jamey Stegmaier is a Board Game Business Owner, Game Designer, Game Publisher, and Disc Golfer!! He’s a perfect guest to have on the show with Jason and Robbie, and today we’re talking Board Game Mechanics. Whether it’s Dice Chucking, Push Your Luck, or a little Deception with Hidden Role there are hundreds of game mechanisms out there. Today’s episode the Bards and Jamey discuss their favorites showcasing that if a game has “THIS” mechanic…they are likely to love it. What mechanics intrigue them the most?? You’ll have to watch to find out!

    To Check Out Jamey’s Content and Stonemaier Games! Head to the following Links!!

    https://www.youtube.com/@JameyStegmaier

    https://stonemaiergames.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/jameystegmaier/

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

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

    Be sure to follow us on Instagram as well!

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

    Chapters:

    0:00 Intro

    2:26 What We've Been Playing

    14:17 Our Favorite Mechanics

    30:55 Beginners Reasons to Enjoy These Mechanics

    1:08:06 Final Thoughts