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Gateway Games – The Next Generation – Episode 54 Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast

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 This is the 54th episode of the Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast, an edited version of our live show recorded on August 14th, 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 54 - Gateway Games - The Next Generation. The top gateway games of the last three years. Zenteeko review and giveaway. Dead Man’s Cabal and Sorcerer at new player counts. A return to DC Deck-Building for Sean and more! [ READ MORE ]

The Top Gateway Board Games of the Last Three Years – Ask The Bellhop

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When people mention gateway games everyone thinks of Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, and maybe Ticket To Ride. The thing is, these games are all over 15 years old! Surely there must be some gateway games that are more modern, games that have come out recently that make for great introductions to the world of hobby board games.

This post is inspired by a question by MrUncleAwesome, who contacted me on Twitch, to write:
What is your favorite newish game to play with people just getting into the hobby, after games like catan, and ticket to ride? [ READ MORE ]

Resistance is Fu-Tile. Tile Laying Game Suggestions – Episode 40 Tabletop Bellhop Gaming Podcast

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 This is the 40th episode of Tabletop Bellhop Live, an edited version of our live show recorded on May 1st, 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 40 - Resistance is Fu-Tile - Tile Laying Game Suggestions. Also, a look at Strasbourg, Terraforming Mars, Gugong and Railroad Ink. [ READ MORE ]

Building something with Tiles. Tile Laying Game Suggestions – Ask The Bellhop

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It's been a while since I've done a game recommendation article and I figured it was about time to publish another one. Today, I'm going to be looking at tile laying games based on a question we received here on the Tabletop Bellhop homepage.

Steve writes:
I'm looking for tile placement games that help build something large like a city to either explore or use as part of the game. I enjoy Alhambra but the building aspect of it is usually on the smaller side. I tried Suburbia but it was a bit slow due to my groups analysis paralysis to max out the math/points for each placed tile. I'm guessing Castles of Mad King Ludwig would be the same...any other suggestions for me to check out? [ READ MORE ]

The Hook – Games For Catching New Gamers – Episode 28 – Tabletop Bellhop Podcast

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 This is the 28th episode of Tabletop Bellhop Live, an edited version of our live show recorded on February 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 28 - The Hook - Games for catching new gamers. Shafausa, Scoville Labs, Hogwarts Battle, Shadowrun and something new in Gloomhaven. Followed by a talk about games to hook new gamers on hobby board games. [ READ MORE ]

Great games for introducing a new player to hobby board games – Ask The Bellhop

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I love getting new people into the tabletop gaming hobby. I make it a point to try to be a board gaming ambassador, to try to spread my love of games to the world. Today's question deals with one aspect of advocating for our hobby, picking which games to introduce to new gamers.

Kat asked,
What game would you introduce to people who aren't used to playing games? What's the one game that you have introduced to hook people? [ READ MORE ]

Two to Tango – Ep 19 Tabletop Bellhop Podcast

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 This is the 19th episode of Tabletop Bellhop Live, an edited version of our live show recorded on December 12th, 2018. Join us as we stream live every week on Wednesday’s 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 #19 - Two To Tango. We talk Games Workshop kids games, revisit Dominion and then give suggestions for two player games perfect for date night. [ READ MORE ]

What are some of the best two player board games for date night? – Ask The Bellhop

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One of the first questions I answered here on the Tabletop Bellhop blog was "What are some good two player games?" This is, by far, the most popular post I've written. It's also one that I still get a lot of comments on. Many of those comments are asking me for more specific two player game recommendations. People want to know what are the best board games for couples, or games to play on date night.

Playing games is something my wife and I do together often. When we do have a night out without the kids it often involves a nice meal, some craft beer, and some gaming. Over the years we've found quite a few games that work great for when it's just the two of us. [ READ MORE ]

Extra Life 2018 Charity Gaming Marathon Wrap-Up – Tabletop Bellhop Podcast

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 This is the 15th episode of Tabletop Bellhop Live, an edited version of our live show recorded on November 7th, 2018. Join us as we stream live every week on Wednesday’s 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 #15 - 1up Wrap Up.  We start with some Halloween game suggestions from our fans. I talk about my shiny new copy of Brass. We look back at my classic Power Grid review. Then we dive into Extra Life 2018 and how the Windsor event went. [ READ MORE ]

Extra Life Gaming Marathon and a bit more – Tabletop Gaming Weekly

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My week started off with a game of Brass Lancashire, but the big news was that Extra Life, a worldwide charity gaming event, was this past weekend.

While I did spend most of Extra Life organizing events, teaching games, running auctions and trying to get people to part with their money I did get in quite a bit of gaming. A total of 11 game plays spread over 8 different games.
We also discussed Extra Life on episode 15 of our tabletop gaming podcast. [ READ MORE ]