The History of ‘Ticket to Ride’ FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN What defines a great board game?… It is its theme, the accessibility and elegance of the rules, the design and production of the components, the depth of strategy, or the level of enjoyment one experiences when playing it? I believe it is a combination of all of these factors, and very few games are able to fulfill all of these points satisfactorily.  But there are exceptions. These are the games that have staying power and that are loved not only by thousands, but by millions of people ar ..read more

Analysis Paralysis – The Option Overload FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN Recently my wife and I decided to get some new blinds for some of the windows in our house… This week we went ahead and met with a salesperson for a consultation. After carefully discussing our different options for the kind of blinds we might want, we eventually ended up having to choose a colour and style of fabric for our upcoming purchase. The ever-patient sales person presented us with two large books of fabric samples and the three of us worked our way through them, discussing our ..read more

Games as bring-along Gifts FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN With the recent lifting of a lot of COVID restrictions, life is slowly returning to normal for most Manitobans… In my personal life that is especially felt when it comes to my social calendar. For the last two weeks my wife and I had more get-togethers with friends and/or family then we had for most of the last 18 months…and it felt good. Although, if I am being completely honest, it was also tiring at times. I was just not used to interact with people for longer conversations anymore. Maybe I am un ..read more

‘Spiel Des Jahres’ Winners 2021 FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN Arguably the most important event with regards to the world of board gaming is ‘Das Spiel,’… a fair that is held each October in the German city of Essen. Exhibitors and guests from all around the world gather for 4 days to present and try all of the new and exciting titles that were released that year. In 2019 almost 200,000 people gathered to celebrate what the board gaming world had to offer. After not holding the event in public last year, Essen was once again open for in-person business in ..read more

The History of CLUE FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN The philosopher Carl Young once said that ‘In all chaos there is a cosmos…’ For Anthony and Elva Pratt, who lived in Birmingham, England during the 1940’s, chaos was simply an everyday occurrence. Birmingham was one of Britain’s most industrial areas and a prime target of the German air force during the second world war. The Luftwaffe was continuously bombing the city in an attempt to destroy the many factories who made tanks and military equipment for the allied forces. Over time, the ‘Blitz’ turned Birmi ..read more

Word Guessing Games FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once said:… “All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down.”  Even though I am almost certain that he did not say this with regards to board games, part of me wonders and wishes that he did. We all agree that words can be powerful things. Obviously they are a way for us humans to express ourselves, but they are also so much more. They can be a source of comfort, hurt or hope. They are able start wars and at the ..read more

Fun Halloween Games FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN Fall sure was beautiful this year in Manitoba… But now that most of the leaves have fallen to the ground, the temperature is suddenly dropping and nightfall comes earlier. We can all sense the time that is upon us: Halloween!  And what a fun time it will be. A brief indulgence into the dark side of our minds that include costumes, horror movies and scary decorations. But in the end, Halloween is a season of getting together. Be it for horror themed parties, trick and treating with family, or showing o ..read more

Would I lie to you? Games of deception FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN This is the era of information – and mis-information… Over the last months we have all experienced how difficult and confusing it can be to find reliable sources of facts and truth. Doesn’t matter what your political, social or medical opinion and interpretation of current events might be, you will find someone to back up your position with what they claim to be ‘the truth.’ Social media is overflowing with claims and perspectives that are contradicting and, more often than not, confusin ..read more

Introduction to ‘Heavy Strategy’ Games FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN Last weekend I spent a couple of days with friends at their cabin… As usual I packed a bag filled with games to bring along, knowing full well that people were hoping for some board gaming entertainment. And, as usual, I gathered a variety of games that might be fitting for the occasion. In situations like this, I tend to bring games that are light, easy to learn, and that can accommodate any number of players. There were some card games, some party games and lighter family style titles ..read more

Games for a cabin getaway FollowFollow FollowFollow More Topics from IT'S YOUR TURN Cabins are a wonderful break from the every-day stresses of our lives… and we certainly had plenty of those this year. Now that summer is in full bloom again, many Manitobans are enjoying a few days away from home in their cabin or in that of a friend or family member. A time to relax and to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us, whilst spending quality time with the people that are close to us. The perfect backdrop for some board gaming fun! If you are the lucky owner of a cabin, you might want to cons ..read more