Back of the Shelf

This week, as well as wrestling with the gremlins in Gerald's microphone, we have endeavoured to bring you an episode about the games we wish would hit the table more often! Support the show

This week, we once again deviate from SOP to discuss the random stuff that is currently tickling our uncouth fancies. Ben argues who is the most Rogue-like, Gerry gets violent and Dave struggles to describe hardware tools.  Support the show

Dickens, Steinbeck, Faulkner, Hemingway - you lot can do one! Because here on Back of the Shelf the only thing that gets our literary juices flowing is a skilfully constructed rulebook! And the beiger it is, the better! Also, Ben tries to be less angry.Support the show

It's Dave's belated Birthday! And what better way to celebrate than trekking up North to visit the Trafford Centre, eat a shit load of Starbars, hang out with a Canadian and snuggle up with Gerry in a Premier Inn! Also, we went to Tabletop Gaming Live for a bit. Support the show

From smashing 2 tubs of Cookie Vermon-ster on the trot to Dave's rock-hard abs - this week, we discuss the idea of perfection! Or at least, Dave and Gerry do. Ben ends up completely losing the plot and starts talking about collecting sticks for lawn games or some shit. Support the show

Sand, sea, sun and lots of boardgame fun! To kick off Season 5, we catch up with what we got up to over the summer break. Spoiler alert! There was very little sand, sea and sun.Support the show

Go straight for the hardcore Euros! Ensure you mercilessly crush them! Freak them out with your board game weirdness! And give them a swift kick in the balls! This week, we discuss things you should not do to new board gamers. Also, Ben carries on moaning about Kickstarter or BGG or some shit while Dave impresses everyone with his hamster. Support the show

Is it because they're out of print? Maybe it's because they're too damn expensive? Or perhaps it's just because we don't have any friends? This week, we discuss the games we would love to play but for some reason or other, we haven't. Gerry also tests the other guys' knowledge of rules and Ben starts gobbing off about Kick-starter. Again.Support the show

From the horribly irrelevant to the poorly designed - this week, we discuss the board game components that make us super unhappy and grotesquely annoyed! In other news, Gerald pitches some board game titles and Dave gets all sexy talking about punch boards. Support the show

In honour of Father's Day, we discuss our favourite games to play with the sprogs. Ben also takes full advantage of Shelf Space to moan about something. Again. Support the show

Space trains, space cowboys and space politics!? This episode, we let our imaginations run wild as we delve into themes we would like to see more of!Support the show

We hope you like the sweet sounds of twittering and chirping birds because this episode has a bird box full of them! Compliments of amateur hour at Ben's latest dig's. We also discuss board games that we think are so goddamn sexy, we just gotta play them! Plus - Ben and Dave start gobbing off about Kickstarter, again. Chirp.Support the show

Get ready for an absolute downer because this episode is an absolute... downer. From learning about what makes Ben and Dave tick to discussing our greatest board gaming disappointments, this episode is an absolute kick in the balls. Enjoy!   Support the show

This week, we discuss our favorite board game villains as well as the greatest scoundrel of all - not helping to put the game away!Support the show

We're back for Season 4! And to kick things off, let us take you on a trip down memory lane as we discuss the pivotal moments in our lives that made us the beautiful board game geeks that we are today. Ben also shares his thoughts on being an easy target.Support the show

This week's show is blessed by the presence of board game connoisseur and all round brilliant human - Rob! The group discuss the games that turn them green with envy when they see others playing them for the first time as well as what really matters when we visit board game conventions.   Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week, the chaps discuss the laziest, the ugliest and the downright most upsetting box covers they've ever had the misfortune to encounter! Also - when do we stop teaching the game? Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

In this week's episode, we are joined by the indomitable Karl from Purple Moose Plays! After flexing our vocal flaps on a journey through the Mysterious Forest , we eventually take some time to discuss our favorite card games and 'tacked on' player counts.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week, the chaps will be elbow deep in cuteness. Kids games, adult games and just plain odd games - we can find the cuteness in all of them!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

Gerry (3rd cutest & 2nd tidiest host of BotS) undertakes an exhilarating, gripping and rousing quest to AireCon 2022! Will he be able to survive on a single bag of Fruit Pastels? Will he be able to keep his cool when confronted by board game royalty? Will he uphold his family's honour in the Crokinole tournament? Find out in this underwhelming episode of Back of the Shelf! Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

An Ode to Dice! Big ones, small ones, ones with lots of sides - we love them all! But which ones do the chaps love the most? And reckless rating. Who does that?Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This episode, we talk about the clever, funny and crunchy games that managed to capture our heart after the very first turn. Join us as we discuss cowboys, David's favourite carriage and a fu*king mancala. And we have plenty of time to Shelf Space those annoying Gatekeepers.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week, we talk about the very worst events in our gaming lives. From the ridiculous to the heart breaking - we all needed a good lie down after this one!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

In this week's episode, we ruminate on the art we find on the covers of our games; the ones we love and why we love them. Then we have a delightful moan about score tracks. Again.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week, we discuss the most magnificent mechanisms in board games and rant and rave about hostile players who refuse to listen to the rules explanations!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week, the BotS crew have a gander at the best boards in gaming. What do we look for in a board? Stiffness or flexibility? Length or the way it feels? What did the lads decide on this week? Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

We're back! And this time, we're in list form. This week, we talk about our top 3 favourite components in board games; from things you can fondle to assortments you can ogle! Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week we are joined once again by Ange to discuss an awesome assortment of amazing games made for travelling across the great windy lands of Australia (according to Ben, at least).We throw in our suggestions, and Ange chooses her favourites!What games would you suggest for a travel bag, or a particularly windy day?Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week we take a... deeper look at a game that we love: Deep Sea Adventure from Oink Games. Deep Sea Adventure is a small box game done right, in our opinion, so come and hear us wax lyrical about it. Especially David - that guy should just marry this game already!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

Jamey Stegmaier of Stonemaier Games returns to discuss his new game Rolling Realms, why some games are better when shorter when in game text becomes too much!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week we're joined by special guest and friend of the show Phil, who quenches our thirst for underrated board games with a tea themed beauty and then really brings things to the boil with his Shelf Space choice: board game bullies! Plus David and Gerald bring some choices or whatever.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to... this week's episode of Back of the Shelf. Ben rages, David rants and Gerald... wears a bow-tie as we pontificate on the games we dislike. Especially David! Boy, does David dislike these games. And we weren't kidding about the bow-tie; Gerald does love a bow-tie.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

It's another chin-wag here at Back of the Shelf and this week we're discussing the Stonemaier epic - Scythe! To aid us in chin-waggery, we're joined by friend of the show and Scythe expert, Mr Tom! We discuss the pros and cons of the mech filled, farming game and Ben tries to confuse us with a game so difficult that it makes David's 'Guess the Game from the First Letter' look easy as pie!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

Hey you! Do you like apples? Well then why not grab yourself an apple and listen to the latest episode of Back of the Shelf? Returning guest Dan, aka 'Chairman of the Board', brings something fruity to the table, Ben gets out his BMX and Gerry hauls his choice in for discussion. Plus, up for discussion this week on Shelf Space - Crappy Tracks!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week we take a break from looking at games on our shelves, and take a look at games we want on our shelves! We discuss the games or expansions we feel we are missing out on and as usual, disagree with each other's choices!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

At the end of July, Gerry and Ben took a trip (as 'press', no less!) to the esteemed UK Games Expo, held annually at the Birmingham NEC. Hear their thoughts, feel their feels and drink in the atmosphere of a UK games convention (just like Gerry drank in the cider, apparently!) as they take you on a tour of the convention through the power of voice, whilst back in the BOTS studio we take a look back at their experiences.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week, we have a chin wag (or shelf reflection if you will) about a game we all love - Ethnos! We discuss what we love and what we don't about this fantasy, area control game from acclaimed designer Paolo Mori.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

Have plans? Cancel them, because we're back! It's all trading beans, historic battles and dark tales this week, followed by a controversial chat about playing card design practices. 3 nerds, 3 games - you're welcome.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

We're back! In this prologue to Season 2, the guys discuss what you can expect from this season of Back of the Shelf as well as sharing some of their gaming highlights from the Summer. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

For our 25th episode, we answer some listener questions. Plus some terrible accents - and that's just our normal voices!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

Dice, dungeons and damn fine-looking games are discussed this week! Plus, we talk about being a board game ambassador and why you shouldn't. Stop it!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week, we're joined by Ange from Auztralia (Australia?) to talk about castles that aren't Burgandy, garden showdowns and bidding for the big bucks. Plus, teaching board games... that's always a breeze, right?Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

Dragons, ravens and... sunny days? It can only be the next episode of Back of the Shelf! And speaking of 'back', Gerry is once again on hosting duties and this time brings the topic of overly competitive gamers to the table! Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

It's time to put the board games back on the shelf and take out some of our other geeky passions. Comics, novels, films and video games are just some of the surprise features. And shock! Even Star Wars comes up!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

From stocks and trades to blocks and evades! This second part of our board game terms explanation has us talking about everything from what makes an economic game to why Halflings are far better at football than Elves. And let's not mention those Beastmen! Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week, the trio takes a look at board game genres. They discuss what they mean and the games they enjoy as good examples of those genres. Also, Dave proves his worth as the mightiest nerd of the bunch and Gerry tells a story about hex games that definitely isn't true. Can you guess who wrote this blurb?Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

Frog royalty, crow kings and seeking unicorns? It can only be another episode of Back of the Shelf! This week, we're joined by the awesome Ashley; officially the first American listener of BotS and (as it turns out) rather adept at channeling Mark Wahlberg. Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

On this week's episode, our guest and game club president, Graham, gets his claws into a tasty wargame, Ben brings out a game suitable for the whole litter and we are all a-mews'd by Gerry's choice. Plus, we talk about the purrfect player count and why games insist on pretending they are suitable for two. Just another episode of cool cats chatting!Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

This week, we're joined by the wonderful Bez of @stuffbybez fame! We talk about clever craftiness from the creator of Catan, less crawling and more sprinting through dungeons and winning WW2 before you can say, 'then Godzilla showed up to help with the invasion effort.' Just another BotS episode, then.Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

Goblins on quests, princes practicing voodoo and aliens eating hamburgers are just three of the things we talk about this week! Plus, the board game community on social media... what's going on with that?Support the show (https://ko-fi.com/backoftheshelfpodcast)

It's all about theme this week. Ben picks his most thematic game experience ever, Gerry finds the peak of themed games and David insists that meeples are just as good as plastic miniatures in his heavily themed battle game. Also, to top it off, the trio talks about... theme in board games. Theme!