2/2/06

A big night for us with 6 players and a 7^th showing up later in the evening. Tony, Kris, James, Charlie, Ted, Brent, and Emily (James’ wife)

Time is Money

This was a warm up speed game while we were waiting for the group to gather. People arrived in a clump so we did not go far with this one.....that was a good thing. It is a speed game of roll the die and grab bills that match only single rolled amounts while you try to guess at the time your are allotted to complete the task. I don’t think anyone in the group really liked it. Looks like a trade pile item.

Charlie proved to be the best money monger by quitting time.

Pizarro & Company

James had been inquiring about his bidding game. So, off we sailed to the new world. The first round was pretty even with almost everyone getting 3 boats. Of course, mine turned out to be much more expensive than needed. Actually, I think they all short changed me cash at the beginning of the game!!!8). Competition started to get stiff in the second round and then Kris managed to take a pretty handy victory. This one has some unique ideas that are fun even though the bidding is a little repetitive. And, some people are a little upset by the random card draw that ranges from 1 to 9 in value....a couple of bad draws could kill you. But, it is a quick bidding game if that is what you are looking for.

Transamerica

We were expecting Emily quickly and decided we would play this game which we could end after any round. And, we actually finished the game right as she was arriving. Charlie managed to eke out the win after about the third round. I still enjoy this game even though I put it in the light filler category.

Master Thieves

James really wanted to show this game to Emily and Brent was also interested. This game has a really neat mechanism of a box that twists and flips with two sided drawers. After one or two flips, I am lost...and just go along for the ride. I can follow one or two drawers if things happen quickly....but alas.....Anyway, Brent, the box manager, took a very early lead that appeared to be insurmountable. Ted was slowly was catching up. Charlie hit the jackpot when several thieves spilled jewels everywhere and ended up with a real win with two rubies to boot.

If this game is played quickly it is a nice little diversion. However, it can overstay its welcome if it drags on. We have added a house rule to let one of the characters (the jeweler I think) add a jewel even if something falls out....this speeds the game slightly as all players can get rid of at least two gems per round.

Midnight Party

Another game that played 7 that James and Emily had not played. And, this last year, this one did not make it out for Halloween...so Hugo sprinted up the stairs and played tag with everyone. With 7 players, Hugo can move pretty quick and there was lots of big minus scores. Cute fun. Emily proved to be Hugo’s best buddy at hide and seek and she took the victory.

The Great Dalmutti

My only complaint for this game was that I could not locate my selection of Dalmutti hats and we had to play without. It has been years since this game came to the table. We laughed and hooted a lot as we watched the fortunes of players rise and fall. I managed the move from lesser peon to great dalmutti but not in enough time to hold of Tony who claimed the victory after 5 rounds never leaving the 1^st or second seat.

Under Cover

It was time for one more quick 7 player game before the end of the night. In preference to time, we did not play the variant to guess everyone’s color. It started to become obvious as the game neared the end. It became a game of chicken as whoever could get the right roll would win....and if not, they had to make it so the person next to them couldn’t win if they got the right roll. Kris decided to end all of the foolishness on his turn to make a tie with Kris and Emily for the win.