The Board Game Family

Game Design – Newest Boy Scout Merit Badge!

Just a few days ago, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) released a new merit badge that I think will be a big hit – Game Design!
Sign me up as a counselor!

I’ve written a number of times about being a scoutmaster for a local boy scout troop and how much I enjoy working with the young men in our area. I also take games with us on camps which work out great when sitting around camp. Having a few 2-player games on hand are great for challenging showdowns.

March 10, 2013March 28, 2013 Trent 0 Comments

Back to Family Board Game Playing

It was great last night to get back to some good family board game playing!
All 6 of us sitting around the table, eating caramel brownies, playing a board game, relaxing, and laughing.

Not feeling stressed or anxious about looming decisions like we’ve had the last few weeks was nice. Even though I’ve had a game or two with the boys here and there, we haven’t all sat down together for a board game in a while. And it was super nice to take the time to play together again.

March 5, 2013March 28, 2013 Trent 1 Comment

Articles

International Tabletop Day – March 30!

Get your tables cleared off for lots of gaming on International Tabletop Day, March 30!
We’re planning to play a ton of board games that day and hope that wherever you are in the world you’ll join in the fun.

March 2, 2013March 28, 2013 Trent 1 Comment

Articles Game Reviews

Pause for station identification

We know it’s been a while since we last posted a review or article. But we want to let you know that we’re still in the game review/discussion mode. It’s just that the last few weeks have presented some major life decisions for our family.

February 27, 2013 Trent 0 Comments

Card Games Family Games Game Reviews Kid Games

iota Card Game Review

Many years ago Michelle and I played a card game at a friend’s house that required quick visual recognition to spot sets of 3 cards that were either all the same or all different in each of 4 characteristics. The card game was Set and I loved it while Michelle didn’t care for it.

February 19, 2013July 4, 2015 Trent 5 Comments

Articles Board Games Family Games Kid Games

Teach kids how to work

As much as we like to promote family board games, we also realize that life isn’t all fun and games. Spending your time just playing games all day won’t amount to a very fulfilling life. And as parents, our job is to help our kids lead a productive and fulfilling life.

That’s why one of our most important roles as parents is to teach our kids to value work.

February 10, 2013February 19, 2013 Trent 1 Comment

Card Games Family Games Game Reviews

Set Sail with Dominion Seaside

As you can see from many of our Top Game lists, we think Dominion is a fantastic card game. The Dominion card game that has taken the world by storm since it was published 5 years ago (2008), starting a whole new card game genre – Deck Building – and spawning many copy-cat games. Publishers everywhere have been trying to mimic the success of Dominion.

If you’re not yet familiar with Dominion, there’s no time like the present. Go check out our original Dominion video and written review to discover the basics of this super addicting game.

February 6, 2013April 18, 2020 Trent 4 Comments

Descent: Journeys in the Dark 2nd edition board game

Board Games Cooperative Games Dice Games Family Games Game Reviews

Descent: Journeys in the Dark 2nd Edition – a board game the boys can’t get enough of!

I don’t think we’ve had a board game that our boys have begged me to play as much as Descent: Journeys in the Dark (2nd edition). It has been such a hit at our house that I have many praises for the game!

But the biggest praise is that my boys are eager to spend time with me playing the game. They’re chomping at the bit to play as soon as I get home from work or the instant we finish dinner.

January 30, 2013March 30, 2017 Trent 11 Comments

Articles

I love being a father

I saw a video online yesterday about fathers that I’m so eager to share.
I know in the U.S. we don’t celebrate Father’s Day until June, but I love sharing thoughts about fathers all the time.

January 28, 2013February 10, 2013 Trent 2 Comments

Articles

Painting Board Game playing pieces adds fun

Most family board games come with fantastic playing pieces and items that enhance the game experience. After all, one of the things that makes board games fun to play over digital games are the physical components in the game. Players get to move cool playing pieces and markers around to accomplish their objectives.

January 24, 2013January 30, 2013 Trent 2 Comments