Episode 374 – Top 5 Games to Beat the Summer Slide

If you have kids in school, you’ve probably heard of the “summer slide” or summer learning loss. The best way to keep your kids from losing math and reading skills is to use them! So let’s talk about five games that will give some practice.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Mycelia

I’ve never thought a mushroom was *cute*. Then I played Mycelia.
It’s a lovely game with sentient mushroom “heroes”, who will help you remove the dewdrops from your forest.
Lata – Canning if you Can

Although I did have a fraternity brother nicknamed Mackerel, I can’t say I’ve played a board game with mackerel in it before this.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Mind Up!

We recommend Mind Up! for families; but not for kids under 8. You’ll bid cards from your hand to acquire cards on the table… but the cards you bid become the cards you might get next turn!
» Read moreEpisode 373 – Top Convention Tips for Families

It’s June, kicking off “convention season” for a lot of people. So, we’re sharing our best tips for navigating conventions with kids.
» Read moreThe A.R.T. Project

Some board gamers might thrive on the nail-biting tension caused by resource acquisition and challenging fighting in this game. We, however, often found it overly frustrating in many of our plays.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Compile

Compile is a two-player card dueling game with just 18 cards on each side, but a huge variety of possibilities! Why do Andrew and Anitra enjoy it so much?
» Read morePátzcuaro – Build Altars in Memoriam

Pátzcuaro drew me in with its unique theme, colorful art, and set collection mechanics. Its star mechanic, a rondel for action selection, blew me away.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Mind Map

Place your marker on a graph to get other players to guess which word is yours! Mind Map is a party clueing and guessing game that’s best for nerdy families and small friend groups.
» Read moreKing of Monster Island – Cooperative Kaiju Combat!
Episode 372 – Top 5 New Small Box Games

We chose five games from 2023 (and the first half of 2024) that come in small boxes but pack a big punch!
» Read moreSNAP Review – Time’s Up! Family Edition

We’ve played this game before, and others like it. But we’d never tried something quite like this with our kids.
» Read moreDungeon Scrawlers: Heroes of Waterdeep

If you’re looking for an immersive D&D experience, you’re not going to find it here. But if you’re looking for a quick and fun game that can be enjoyed by all ages at home or on the go, Dungeon Scrawlers: Heroes of Waterdeep will do just that.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Ultimatch
Episode 371 – Why Play Games?

It’s been six years since we devoted a podcast to this topic. So let’s revisit: Why do we play games with our kids?
» Read moreMontmartre

Montmartre is an elegant card game that feels familiar and comfortable for avid board gamers but is also simple enough to introduce to new players.
» Read moreSNAP Review – Tapple 10

Ten word games in a small box, with an intuitive card design. Is Tapple 10 right for your family?
» Read moreSurf’s Up! – Collect the Best Waves

Surf’s Up is all about timing – play your high-energy card right to catch the wave you want. Bid on ocean wave cards with energy and reputation, and avoid being stung by jellyfish!
» Read moreSNAP Review – Sherlock Solitaire

Sherlock Holmes doesn’t really work alone – he works best when Dr. Watson is beside him. Sherlock Solitaire is the same way: it can be played solo, but is more fun as a two player cooperative game.
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