Tabletop Bellhop

Your Cardboard Concierge

Advice

Weighing in on Game Complexity – Ask The Bellhop

by 2 Comments

Do you like heavy games or lighter games? What exactly does that mean? Today I'm talking about game weight in response to a "question" we received from Sean Hamilton.

Sean Hamilton writes:
Not exactly a question, but I feel like it's a point that should be addressed. The importance of different 'weights' of games. A discussion how it can be useful to have a light game at the start of the night when you might be waiting for people to show up, and a light game after a heavy game just to recover. I don't know if you could get a full episode out of it, but it might be a valid point to bring up anyways. [ READ MORE ]

The Spirit of Competition – Episode 37 Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast

by Leave a Comment

 This is the 37th episode of the Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast, an edited version of our live show recorded on April 10th 2019. Join us as we stream live every week on Wednesdays at 9:30 Eastern on Twitch. If you like some video with your audio, you can also watch/listen to an unedited version of the show over on YouTube.

Ep 37 - The Spirit Of Competition, an unscripted discussion on competition and competitiveness at the game table. Also, a review of Demon Lord’s Companion and a look at 8 different games played by the hosts this past week. [ READ MORE ]

Wedding Bells – Episode 36 Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast

by Leave a Comment

 This is the 36th episode of the Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast, an edited version of our live show recorded on April 3rd 2019. Join us as we stream live every week on Wednesdays at 9:30 Eastern on Twitch. If you like some video with your audio, you can also watch/listen to an unedited version of the show over on YouTube.

Ep 36 - Wedding Bells. Tabletop gaming at a wedding, why not? Also, Race for the Galaxy, digital Carcassonne, a couple of prototypes and more DC Deck-Building. [ READ MORE ]

Board Games at a Wedding, Why Not? – Ask the Bellhop

by Leave a Comment

Have you ever considered having board games at your wedding? It's not such a bad idea.

Zach Armstrong writes:
We're getting married soon, and for the reception while the wedding party gets photos taken we want to put out some board games for the guests to play to pass the hour or so. What kinds of games and setup would work well to make this a success?
Thanks for the question Zack. I think I have some suggestions that will help you out. [ READ MORE ]

Regrets, I’ve Had a Few – Episode 33 Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast

by Leave a Comment

 This is the 33rd episode of Tabletop Bellhop Live, an edited version of our live show recorded on March 13th, 2019. Join us as we stream live every week on Wednesdays at 9:30 Eastern on Twitch. If you like some video with your audio, you can also watch/listen to an unedited version of the show over on YouTube.

Ep 33 - Regrets, I've had a few. Kickstarter regrets. We also look at the MOO board game, The Ninth World, Hogwarts, Villages of Valeria, Sagrada and more Solo DC Deck Building. [ READ MORE ]

Give me an F – Episode 32 Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast

by Leave a Comment

 This is the 32nd episode of Tabletop Bellhop Live, an edited version of our live show recorded on March 6th, 2019. Join us as we stream live every week on Wednesdays at 9:30 Eastern on Twitch. If you like some video with your audio, you can also watch/listen to an unedited version of the show over on YouTube.

Ep 32 - Putting the F in FLGS. As well as Shadow of the Demon Lord and Labyrinth Reviews. Xia, Dinosaur Island and DC Deck-Building expansions talk. [ READ MORE ]

Gloomhaven FAQ/Errata run through and commentary.

by Leave a Comment

Last week, instead of our usual Gloomhaven actual play we tackled the Gloomhaven errata and FAQ.

Unfortunately last Friday we were not one, not two, but three players short.  Since I didn't want to play another person's character, or start an entirely new party on short notice, none of us actually played Gloomhaven last week.
Instead Sean and I took at look at the extensive Gloomhaven FAQ over on Board Game Geek. [ READ MORE ]

Putting the F in FLGS. What makes for a good game store? – Ask the Bellhop

by Leave a Comment

What are some of the things that make for a good local game store? What is the difference between a FLGS and just a LGS. That's our topic today based on a question asked by one of our Patreon patrons.

Tabletop Bellhop Patron PS Gougeon writes,
I have a topic suggestion for the show, whenever we travel/day trip, we try to visit one of the local game stores in whatever city we're in, 401games in Vaughn was impressive. This past weekend, we were in Detroit and the store we visited was sadly disappointing, I guess we're spoiled here in Windsor with that gem Brimstone Games. A friend has since suggested that we check out Guild of Blades in Detroit on our next visit. Just wondering if you and Sean can discuss game stores and any gems that you've discovered in Southern Ontario and our surroundings? [ READ MORE ]

Finding your Yoda – Episode 30 Tabletop Bellhop Podcast

by Leave a Comment

 This is the 30th episode of Tabletop Bellhop Live, an edited version of our live show recorded on February 20th, 2019. Join us as we stream live every week on Wednesdays at 9:30 Eastern on Twitch. If you like some video with your audio you can also watch/listen to an unedited version of the show over on YouTube.

Ep 30 - Finding your Yoda - Finding an RPG or board game teacher. Finding your game guru, your own personal Yoda. We also talk about the new Xia expansions,  four kids games, plus Azul Stained Glass of Sintra, the Monster Book of Monsters expansion for Harry Potter, DC Deck-Building, getting back to the main Gloomhaven campaign and more even including some Battleship. [ READ MORE ]

Flying the gamer geek flag, wearing the tabletop gamer badge with honour

by 2 Comments

Times have changed. It used to be that being a gamer was anything but cool. Being a gamer meant being an outsider, a geek, a nerd.

Despite that I've always been one to wear my hobby with pride. I didn't hide the fact that I was a gamer. I carried my Warhammer rulebooks with me openly. I had Futhark Runes written on my denim jacket. I paid to import Games Workshop T-Shirts from the UK. I was never ashamed to be a gamer.
Today being into games doesn't mean you have to be a pariah. Now being into gaming isn't even just normal, it's often considered cool. I'm still getting used to that. One of the benefits of this culture change is that it's now easier than ever to fly your gamer geek flag. [ READ MORE ]