Reading Rulebooks

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Reading Rulebooks is a podcast dedicated to reading through rulebooks and teaching board games! In this podcast, I directly read the rulebook as well as discuss the game and try to clear up potential areas of confusion.

Lily Gould


    • Apr 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 42 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Reading Rulebooks

    Modern Art

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 21:06


    This week, we are going to cover the rules for Modern Art. Modern Art is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and illustrated by Carole Carrion, Manuel Carvalho, Chen Cheng-po, Mike Doyle (I), et al. It is published by CMON Games and is part of the Knizia Auction Trilogy (Modern Art, Medici, Ra).About Modern ArtVie for the Modern Art of the Trendiest Artist through various types of auctions to make money buying and selling the art.Chapters:00:00 Introduction, Components, & Goal of the Game01:39 Game Setup02:33 Gameplay03:24 Running Auctions05:12 The Five Types of Auctions10:19 Ending the Auction Round11:08 Selling to the Bank13:13 The Following Auction Rounds16:32 Winning the Game18:23 Thoughts

    High Society

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 13:27


    This week we are going to cover the rules for High Society. High Society is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Mateusz Bielski, Medusa Dollmaker, Wesly Gibs, Dahee Lee, et. al.. Ravensburger publishes the game.About High SocietyEnhance your standing and status in high society by flaunting your wealth with ostentatious expenditure, all while avoiding scandal and shame.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Components01:40 Setup01:57 How to Play05:00 Game End07:02 Thoughts

    Stephenson's Rocket

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 35:14


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Stephenson's Rocket. Stephenson's Rocket is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Doris Matthäus, Ian O'Toole, TANSAN Inc.. The game is published by Grail Games.About Stephenson's RocketIn Stephenson's rocket, invest in the railways of England which are expanding and merging to come out the richest investor.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:17 Game Contents & Setup04:08 Overview05:07 Playing the Game13:55 Scoring Prestige During the Game23:15 Game End & End Game Scoring26:32 Expansions28:40 Thoughts

    Tigris & Euphrates

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 53:55


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Tigris & Euphrates. Tigris & Euphrates is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Bascu, Christine Conrad, Doris Matthäus, Tom Thiel, et.al.. The game is published by Hans im Glück.Tigris & Euphrates is a part of the Knizia Tile-Laying Trilogy (Samurai, Through the Desert, Tigris & Euphrates).About Tigris & EuphratesExpand your empire with the help of your four leaders along the Tigris & Euphrates River and take establish temples to build the most prosperous civilization.Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:26 Game Components04:46 Setup06:49 Object of the Game09:04 Turn Structure35:49 Game End and Winner36:42 Advanced Game Rules41:55 MCG Thoughts

    The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 33:19


    This week we are going to cover the rules for The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temple. The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temple is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Franz Vohwinkel. The game is published by Ravensburger.The Quest for El Dorado can intergrate with The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temple: The Golden TemplesAbout The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden TempleBuild your deck and lead your expedition to gain the riches of El Dorado and get out of the golden temple before it collapses. Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:22 Game Setup 04:14 How the Game Works05:03 Turn Structure 05:46 Phase 1: Player Cards11:39 Phase 2: Discard Cards12:06 Phase 3: Play Cards16:28 End of the Game17:17 Rules for 2 Players18:16 Example of a Complete Turn19:58 Expanding the World of El Dorado23:00 Glossary25:32 MCG Thoughts

    The Quest for El Dorado

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 38:48


    This week we are going to cover the rules for The Quest for El Dorado. The Quest for El Dorado is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Vincent Dutrait, Franz Vohwinkel. The game is published by Ravensburger.The Quest for El Dorado has the expansion of Heroes and Hexes and can integrate with The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden TemplesAbout The Quest for El DoradoBuild your deck and lead your expedition to riches as you attempt to be the first to arrive on the quest for El Dorado. Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:16 Setting Up the Game03:51 How the Game Works04:27 Turn Structure05:02 Phase One: Play Cards10:33 Phase Two: Discard Played Cards11:02 Phase Three: Draw Cards11:26 Blockades12:09 End of the Game 12:52 Rules for 2 Players / Full Turn Example16:02 Caves Variant19:28 Glossary21:23 Heroes and Hexes Expansion22:01Heroes and Hexes Expansion: Game SetUp 24:07 Heroes and Hexes Expansion: The New Game Elements27:00 Heroes and Hexes Expansion: Curses29:32 Heroes and Hexes Expansion: New Cave Tokens / Action Cards33:04 MCG Thoughts

    Battle Line

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 16:06


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Battle Line. Battle Line is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Roland MacDonald, Rodger B. MacGowan, and Mark Simonitch. The game is published by GMT Games.About Battle LineCreate Strong formations in this 2-player lane battle game to counter the enemy along the ever-changing Battle LineChapters:00:00 Introduction01:20 Preparation (Setup) & Objective02:03 Play03:31 Formations04:50 Flags06:42 Tactic Cards10:11 Game End10:38 Advanced Rule11:06 Thoughts

    Lost Cities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024 14:09


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Lost Cities. Lost Cities is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Vincent Dutrait, Michaela Kienle, Anke Pohl, Thilo Rick, et. al.. The game is published by KOSMOS.About Lost CitiesGain points by mounting archeological expeditions to find lost cities and (hopefully) find more than the cost of the journey.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Game Components01:32 Preparation (Setup)02:11 Object of the Game02:42 Sequence of Play04:46 End of the Game and Scoring08:58 Thoughts

    My Island

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2024 26:54


    About My IslandMy Island is a legacy game where you develop a unique island and discover its secrets that could permanently change the island.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:41 Game Materials02:47 Game Setup04:29 General Rules of the Game05:18 The Placement Rules06:55 End of an Episode11:10 The Sealed Envelopes12:52 The First Chapter13:37 The Eternal Game14:20 Game Setup16:00 Course of Play16:28 The Placement Rules18:03 Farm / Village / Fortification19:36 Road from Statue to Sea20:36 End of the Eternal Game22:38 Thoughts

    My City

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 27:23


    About My CityMy City is a legacy game about developing a city through the different episodes of the game. My City has both a legacy and non-legacy format of play.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:36 Game Materials02:46 Game Setup04:30 General Rules of the Game05:31 The Construction Rules08:07 End of an Episode11:48 The Sealed Envelopes13:35 The First Chapter14:20 The Eternal Game15:05 Game Setup16:40 Course of Play17:11 The Construction Rules21:07 End of Episode22:07 Thoughts

    Spectaculum

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 18:10


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Spectaculum. Spectaculum is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Marc Margielsky. The game is published by Pegasus Spiele.About SpectaculumSpectaculum is a game of managing your wealth while managing traveling shows as they journey throughout the color world of fortune-tellers and snake dancers.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:21 Components02:49 Object of the Game03:25 Setup04:46 Playing the Game12:34 End of the Game (and Variant) 14:08 Thoughts

    Babylonia

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 22:07


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Babylonia. Babylonia is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and illustrated by Jonas Hassibi and David Prieto. The game is published by Ludonova. About Babylonia Compete for land and cities in Babylonia around and between the river while commanding mighty ziggurats.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Components 01:26 Setup 03:57 Summary and Objective04:31 Playing 11:53 End of the Game 12:22 Variant 12:40 Zigguart Cards 14:27 Thoughts

    Samurai

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 25:32


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Samurai. Samurai is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Franz Vohwinkel. The game is published by Fantasy Flight Games.Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:35 Game Components03:02 Game Overview03:38 Setup07:15 Playing the Game18:46 MCG Thoughts

    Ghosts of Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2023 9:23


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Ghosts of Christmas. Ghosts of Christmas is a game designed by Taiki Shinzawa and is illustrated by Misaho Sugawara and Maria Surducan. This game is published by BoardGameTables.com.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Components00:58 Game Overview01:34 Setup02:19 Bidding 03:07 Playing a Round03:59 Scoring Tricks05:07 Scoring Hands06:08 Variants07:04 MCG Thoughts

    Winter Kingdoms

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2023 20:25


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Winter Kingdoms. Winter Kingdoms is a game designed by Donald X. Vaccarino and is illustrated by Markus Erdt and Dennis Lohausen. The game is published by Queen Games.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:18 Object of the Game02:00 Setup05:08 Sequence of Play06:25 A Turn in Detail11:21 Building Rules12:55 Twist Card13:28 End of the Game and Final Scoring14:47 Card Overviews17:38 MCG Thoughts

    Wabash Cannonball

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2023 52:27


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Wabash Cannonball (also known as Chicago Express). Wabash Cannonball is a game designed by John Bohrer and is illustrated by Michael Menzel & Todd Sanders. The game is published by Winsome Games, Queen Games, & Rio Grande.Expansions include Chicago Express: Narrow Guage & Erie Railroad Company (2009), and Chicago Express: Nickle Plate Road Expansion (2011). Both expansions are for Chicago Express and not for Wabash Cannonball which is currently being released.Chapters:00:00 Intro & Components01:16 Setting Up03:10 Initial Auction05:00 Ending / Winning the Game05:28 Sequence of Play06:59 Expansion11:02 Development13:33 Capitalization14:29 Chicago Dividends14:52 Wabash Opens15:43 General Dividends16:33 Thoughts feat. Joe (from Dads on a Map)

    chapters dads map rio grande sequence expansions queen games wabash cannonball todd sanders chicago express michael menzel john bohrer
    Empyreal: Spells & Steam

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 64:19


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Empyreal: Spells & Steam. Empyreal: Spells & Steam is a game designed by Trey Chambers and is illustrated by Laura La Vito and Eunice Abigael Tiu. The game is published by Level 99 Games. Expansions include empyreal: As Above, so Below (2020), and Empyreal: Far Corners (2022).Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:36 Components03:10 Inside Your Company Folio05:28 Setting Up the Game10:04 Gameplay16:38 End of the Line21:04 Game Effects26:12 Game End29:17 Frequently Asked Questions30:26 Team Variant32:11 References and Goods Description34:46 Company Profiles40:08 As Above, So Below41:23 Components (As Above, So Below)41:53 7-8 Player Setup (As Above, So Below)43:25 Metros (As Above, So Below)47:59 Solo Mode (As Above, So Below)54:19 Far Corners58:42 MCG Thoughts

    Mansions of Madness

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2023 47:52


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Mansions of Madness Second Edition. Mansions of Madness is a game designed by Nikki Valens and is illustrated by Cristi Balanescu, Yoann Boissonnet, Anders Finer, Tony Foti, et. al. The game is published by Fantasy Flight Games.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:20 The House on the Hill05:04 Game Overview & Components07:13 Setup10:45 Investigator Phase21:16 Mythos Phase23:21 Winning the Game25:40 Additional Rules46:01 MCG Thoughts

    Mysterium

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 45:55


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Mysterium. Mysterium is a game designed by Oleksandr Nevskiy and Oleg Sidorenko and is illustrated by Igor Burlakov, Xavier Collette, Oleksandr Nevskiy, and Oleg Sidorenko. The game is published by Libellud.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:35 Player Roles05:18 Game Components and Setup11:13 Gameplay28:53 End of the Game29:21 Two-and Three-Player Games30:59 MCG Thoughts (feat. Joey)

    Cthulhu: Death May Die

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 51:51


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Cthulhu: Death May Die. Cthulhu: Death May Die is a game designed by Rob Daviau and Eric Lang and is illustrated by Nicolas Fructus, Karl Kopinski, Thierry Masson, Edgar Skomoroski, etc. The game is published by CMON games.Expansions include Season 2 Expansion (2019), Yog-Sothoth (2019), Unspeakable Box (2019), Scarlett Hayes (2019), Black Goat of the Woods (2019), R'lyeh Rising (2019), CMON Comics: Vol. 1 Promos (2021), R'lyehian Seizures Promo (2022), Iron Maiden Pack #1 (2023), Iron Maiden Pack #2 (2023), Iron Maiden Pack #3 (2023), Season 4 Expansion (2023), Fear of the Unknown: Ithaqua the Win-Walker (2023), Fear of the Unknown: Animal Allies (2023), Fear of the Unknown: Unknowable Box (2023), CMON Comics: Vol. 2 Promos (2023).It looks like a lot but there are 16 expansions (which is less than some of the other ones I have written out in the past).Check out the Character Guide here: https://makecraftgame.com/2022/10/21/dmd-character-guide/Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Components01:59 Overview11:06 Setup13:18 Dice and Checks17:11 Turn Sequence33:11 Death of an Investigator34:04 Disrupting the Ritual34:30 Fighting the Elder One36:47 Ending the Game37:40 Rules Summary40:39 MCG Thoughts

    Caylus

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2023 35:36


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Caylus. Caylus is a game designed by William Attia and is illustrated by Cyril Demaegd, Arnaud Demargd, and Mike Doyle (I). The game is published by Ystari Games.Expansions include Caylus Expansion: The Jeweler (2005). I do not know anything about the expansion.Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction00:25 Contents01:23 Goal of the Game01:59 Set Up03:31 Game Principles06:19 Conventions06:58 Progression of the Game16:57 Scoring18:50 Royal Favors 23:53 End of the Game24:28 Caylus for Two Players25:05 Simplified Favor (Easier Variant) & Hints29:09 MCG Wrap Up

    Broom Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 28:57


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Broom Service. Broom Service is a game designed by Andreas Pelikan, and Alexander Pfister and is illustrated by Vincent Dutrait. The game is published by alea, Ravensburger. Expansions include Broom Service: The 1st Expansion (2106), Brettspeil Adventskalender 2016 (2016), and Broom Service: Christmastime (2016). I do not know anything about the expansions.Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction / Game Summary00:56 Game Contents01:37 Game Set-Up (Basic Game)03:50 Game Play10:56 Game End11:46 The Roles16:08 The Events17:53 Game Variations25:18 MCG Thoughts

    Ra

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 23:11


    This week we are going to cover the rules for RA. RA is a game designed by Reiner Knitzia and is illustrated by Ian O'Toole. The deluxe edition game is published by 25th Century games.There are no expansions for RA.Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction / Overview01:28 Game Components02:51 Set-Up05:19 Playing the Game06:08 Actions08:08 Auctions11:18 Scoring13:33 Beginning a New Epoch14:43 Winning the Game14:54 Auction Tiles Effects & Scoring18:47 MCG Thoughts

    Bites

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2023 12:05


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Bites and the expansion Bites: New Recipe. Bites is a game designed by Brigitte Ditt & Wolfgang Ditt and is illustrated by Filip Gavril & Anca Gavril. The game is published by BoardgameTables.com Chapters: 00:00 MCG Intro01:42 Set-Up03:25 Gameplay04:54 Cards05:47 Scoring06:18 Bites: New Recipes (Expansion)07:20 MCG Thoughts

    Ahoy (Feat. Luke Bridwell)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 69:15


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Ahoy. Ahoy is a game designed by Greg Loring-Albright and is illustrated by Kyle Ferrin. The game is published by Leder Games.Chapters:Overview / Components – 00:00Game Setup – 02:45Faction Setup – 05:15Playing the Game – 07:22Ending the Round – 09:22Taking Actions – 11:56Terrain – 19:33Damage – 21:57Crew – 23:07The Bluefin Squadron – 24:37The Mollusk Union – 28:29The Smugglers – 33:21The Fine Print – 38:03Appendix A: Crew – 39:05Appendix B: Plans – 44:08MCG Thoughts (feat. Luke Bridwell) – 45:57

    game ahoy leder games bridwell greg loring albright
    Calico

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 19:26


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Calico. Calico is a game designed by Kevin Russ and illustrated by Beth Sobel. The game is published by Flatout Games.Chapters:00:00 Introduction + Components01:34 Beginner Setup03:19 Standard Setup05:11 Gameplay Overview05:31 Player Turn06:20 Design Goal Tiles09:07 Cat Scoring Tiles + Cat Tokens11:01 Button Scoring Tile + Button Tokens12:00 Game End + Final Scoring13:13 Variants + Solo Mode14:37 Scoring Tiles17:22 MCG Wrap-Up

    chapters calico kevin russ beth sobel
    Vast: The Crystal Caverns

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2022 91:57


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Vast: The Crystal Caverns. Vast: The Crystal Caverns is a game designed by Patrick Leder and Davide Somerville and is illustrated by Kyle Ferrin. The game is published by Leder Games. Expansions include Vast: The Crystal Caverns – Bonus Cards (2017) and Vast: Fearsome Foes (2018).Chapters:00:00 Getting Started04:03 Components05:47 General Rules14:50 Glossary16:31 The Knight30:27 The Goblins41:53 The Dragon49:32 The Cave56:49 The Thief1:07:55 Terrain Variant1:13:58 Difficulty Variant1:19:33 Sample Turns1:26:17 Easily Forgotten Rules 1:29:37 MCG Thoughts

    Disney Villainous

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2022 19:42


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Disney Villainous. Disney Villainous is a game designed by Prospero Hall. The game is published by Ravensburger and Wonder Forge. There are no expansions for this game, but it does integrate with the following games:· Villainous: Bigger and Badder (2022) – includes Syndrome, Lotso, and Madam Mim· Villainous: Despicable Plots (2021) – includes Lady Tremaine, the Horned King, and Gaston· Villainous: Perfectly Wretched (2020) – includes Cruella de Vil, Mother Gothel, and Pete· Villainous: Evil Comes Prepared (2019) – includes Scar, Yzma, and Ratigan· Villainous: Wicked to the Core (2019) – includes the Evil Queen, Hades, and Dr. Facilier Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Components01:15 Setup02:21 Game Overview04:15 On Your Turn05:33 Types of Actions09:13 Types of Cards13:51 Reference15:56 Frequently Asked Questions18:21 MCG Thoughts

    Fort

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2022 31:54


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Fort. Fort is a game designed by Grant Rodiek and is illustrated by Kyle Ferrin. The game is published by Leader Games. Expansions include Fort: Cats & Dogs Expansion (2021) by Nick Brachmann and Grant Rodiek.Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction & Overview01:02 Basic Setup and Advanced Setup03:21 Card Anatomy04:47 Player Board Anatomy06:20 How to Play12:26 Fort Level13:25 End of Game15:00 Actions18:04 Other Action Symbols21:05 Glossary Made-Up Rules22:36 Glossary Perks24:16 Cats and Dogs Expansion29:40 MCG Thoughts

    Pandemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2022 23:34


    Reading Rulebooks is a podcast dedicated to reading through rulebooks and teaching games! In this podcast I directly read the rulebook as well as discuss the game and try to clear up potential areas of confusion.This week we are going to cover the rules for Pandemic. Pandemic is a game designed by Matt Leacock and is illustrated by Josh Cappel, Christian Hanisch, Regis Moulun, Chris Quilliams, and Tom Theil. The game is published by Z-Man Games.Expansions include Pandemic: On the Brin (2009), Pandemic: In the Lab (2013), and Pandemic: State of Emergency (2015).Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction01:19 Overview02:07 Setup 04:56 Play 05:30 Actions08:50 Play Example10:38 Draw Cards13:13 Infections16:15 Turn End16:23 Event Cards17:11 Player Cards17:46 Game End18:25 Roles21:38 MCG Thoughts

    Dominion

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2022 33:09


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Dominion. Dominion is a game designed by Donald X. Vaccarino and is illustrated by Matthias Catrein, Julien Delval, Tomasz Jedruszek, Ryan Laukat, et. al. The game is published by Rio Grande Games. Dominion is a deck building game for 2 to 4 players.Expansions include Dominion: Seaside (2009), Dominion: Prosperity (2010), Dominion: Alchemy (2010), Dominion: Hinterlands (2011), Dominion: Cornucopia (2011), Dominion: Dark Ages (2012), Dominion: Guilds (2013), Dominion: Adventures (2015), Dominion: Intrigue (2016), Dominion: Empires (2016), Dominion: Nocturne (2017), Dominion: Menagerie (2020), Dominion: Allies (2022).Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:46 Contents03:35 Preparation05:35 Overview06:30 Action Phase08:02 Buy Phase10:09 Clean-Up Phase10:44 Game End 11:22 Card Types13:06 Terminology17:24 Shuffling18:04 Additional Rules / 5-6 Player Rules20:14 Sample Turn22:29 Random Card Notes29:21 Recommended Sets of 1030:50 MCG Thoughts

    Scythe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2022 71:24


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Scythe. Scythe is a game designed by Jamey Stegmaier and is illustrated by Jakub Rozalski. The game is published by Stonemaier Games. Expansions include Scythe: Encounters (2018), Scythe: Rise of Fenris (2018), Scythe: The Wind Gambit (2017), and Scythe: Invaders from Afar (2016).Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction03:55 Important Concepts06:19 Types of Units07:45 Setup13:24 Gameplay37:37 Faction Abilities40:18 Combat47:04 Encounters50:07 The Factory53:05 Objectives54:27 Alliances and Bribes55:08 Placing Stars56:20 Game End and Scoring1:01:05 Characters1:04:15 Highlighted Rules1:09:47 MCG Thoughts

    Age of Steam

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2022 39:29


    Reading Rulebooks is a podcast dedicated to reading through rulebooks and teaching games! In this podcast I directly read the rulebook as well as discuss the game and try to clear up potential areas of confusion.This week we are going to cover the rules for Age of Steam. Age of Steam is a game designed by Martin Wallace and is illustrated by Ian O'Toole, Sean Brown, Peter Dennis, and Paul Niemeyer. The game is published by Warfrog Games. There are over 125 Expansions. All expansions are maps which can be integrated into the Base game.Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:11 Setting Up the Game03:49 End / Winning the Game04:10 Sequence of Play21:17 Victory Point Computation27:56 Additional Map Rules37:23 MCG Thoughts

    Terraforming Mars

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2022 56:56


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Terraforming Mars. Terraforming Mars is a game designed by Jacob Fryxelius and is illustrated by Isaac Fryxelius. The game is published by FryxGames. Expansions include Terraforming Mars: Turmoil (2019), Terraforming Mars: Colonies (2018), Terraforming Mars: Prelude (2018), Terraforming Mars: Hellas & Elysium (2017), and Terraforming Mars: Venus Next (2017).Chapters:00:00 MCG Introduction02:00 Game Overview | Global Parameters06:22 Game Board09:03 Tiles11:29 Markers12:11 Player Boards14:00 Cards16:10 Setup20:41 Generations25:31 Actions37:54 Game End41:03 Game Variants44:45 About the Author45:23 Symbols55:05 MCG Thoughts

    chapters elysium expansions terraforming mars terraforming mars prelude fryxgames terraforming mars turmoil terraforming mars colonies terraforming mars venus next jacob fryxelius
    Bullet (heart)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 49:55


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Bullet ♡. Bullet ♡ is a game designed by Joshua Van Laningham and is illustrated by Collateral Damage Studios, Sebastian Koziner, Usanekorin, and Davy Wagnarok. The game is published by Level 99 Games.Chapters:00:00 MCG Intro | Game Overview03:14 Heroines05:14 Key Concepts (Bullets | Patterns | Powerups | Intensity | Center and Current Bags)06:56 Setup08:30 Gameplay | Option Phase16:15 Gameplay | End Phase17:20 Gameplay | Cleanup Phase17:53 Game End19:16 Additional Modes21:41 Additional Mode | Boss Battle28:41 Frequently Asked Questions30:07 Heroine Lore46:20 MCG Thoughts

    Food Chain Magnate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2022 49:51


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Food Chain Magnate. Food Chain Magnate is a game designed by Joroen Doumen and Joris Wiersinga. It is illustrated by Iris de Haan and Ynze Moedt. The game is published by Splotter Spellen. Expansions include Food Chain Magnate: The Ketchup Mechanism & Other Ideas (2019).Chapters:00:00 MCG Intro & Components02:39 Introducing the Game05:07 Setting Up08:42 Phase by Phase 08:42 Phase 1: Restructuring 11:01 Phase 2: Order of Business 12:01 Phase 3: Working 9:00-5:00 24:18 Phase 4: Dinnertime 31:18 Phase 5: Payday 33:01 Phase 6: Marketing Campaigns 35:50 Phase 7: Cleanup36:39 Milestones45:04 Introductory Game45:57 Strategy Guide47:36 MCG Thoughts

    Clank! A Deck-Building Adventure

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2022 28:00


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure. Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure is a game designed by Paul Dennen and is illustrated by Rayph Beisner, Raul Ramos, and Nate Storm. The game is published by Renegade Game Studios.Expansions include Clank!: The Mummy's Curse (2018), Clank!: Expeditions: Gold and Silk (2018), Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated – Upper Management Pack (2019), Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated – The “C” Team Pack (2019), Clank! Expeditions: Temp of the Ape Lords (2019),!: Adventuring Part (2020).Special Promo Cards include Clank!: Friendly Watcher (2017), Clank!: Enchanted Dice (2017), Clank!: Brawn vs Book (2017), Brettspiel Adventskalender 2017, Clank!: Wand of Time (2018), Clank!: The Mummy's Curse – Mummy Hunters (2018), Clank!: Expedition Leader (2018), Level Up Loot: One (2019), Clank!: Trailblazer (2019), Clank!: Opal Apestone (2019), Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated – Shadow Chancellor (2019), Clank!: Door to Before (2020), Clank! Adventuring Party: Lightning Reflexes Promo Card (2020), Clank!: Tower of Babble (2022).Chapters:00:00 Introduction / Components01:33 Setup04:42 So, you want to be a Thief?05:49 Step 1: The Target06:50 Step 2: The Plan13:11 Step 3: The Mark15:12 Step 4: The Getaway16:59 Step 5: The End of the Line19:00 Advanced Maneuvers22:45 Field Reference Guide24:46 MCG Thoughts

    Spirit Island

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2022 79:48


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Spirit Island. Spirit Island is a game designed by R. Eric Ruess and is illustrated by Jason Behnke, Loïc Berger, Loïc Billiau, Kat G Birmelin. The game is published by Better than Game.Expansions include Spirit Island: Branch & Claw (2017), Spirit Island Promo Pack 1 (2017), Spirit Island: Expansion Playmat (2017), Spirit Island: Champions of the Dahan Token Pack (2017),Spirit Island Promo Pack 2 (2020), Spirit Island: Jagged Earth (2020).Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:39 Game Overview02:09 First Time Players03:15 Components04:01 Game Setup06:53 Sequence of Play17:15 Invader Action Examples19:40 Game Concepts43:24 Tips and Tricks48:18 Gameplay Options54:27 Lore 1:03:33 Design Notes1:05:31 Glossary/Index1:15:22 MCG Thoughts

    Obsession

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2022 70:23


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Obsession. Obsession is a game by Dan Hallagan, with the art done by Dan Hallagan and published by Kayenta Games. Expansions include The Wessex Expansion, Promotion Cards, Upstairs/Downstairs, Promotional tiles, and the Useful box.This is one of my longer episodes but that is not because the game is difficult. The rulebook is extremely thorough in exploring every detail and potential scenario. Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:43 Components03:58 Player Area Set Up08:11 Central Play Area Set Up13:26 Goal of the Game15:41 Flow of the Game21:15 Builders Market Reserve & Round Track23:32 Playing the Game50:21 Special Actions52:26 Passing53:28 Courtship58:21 End Game Scoring1:01:43 Thematic Background of Favors1:06:39 FAQ Index1:07:16 MCG Thoughts

    Bargain Quest

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2022 19:57


    This week we are going to cover the rules for Bargain Quest. Bargain Quest is a game designed by Jonathan Ying and is illustrated by Victoria Ying. The game is published by Renegade Game Studios. Expansions include Bargain Quest: Chaotic Goods (2017), Bargain Quest: The Black-Market Expansion (2019), Bargain Quest: Table Titans (2019), Bargain Quest: Solo Mode (2019), Bargain Quest: Golem Promo Hero (2019), Bargain Quest: Acquisitions Incorporated (2019), Bargain Quest: 8-Bit Theater (2019), Bargain Quest: Sunk Costs (2020). Chapters:00:00 Overview00:56 Card Anatomy02:20 Objective and Setup04:35 Gameplay: Step 1 – Supply05:33 Gameplay: Step 2 – Display06:25 Gameplay: Step 3 – Shopping08:53 Gameplay: Step 4 – Adventure11:20 Gameplay: Step 5 – Upgrade13:07 Gameplay: Step 6 – Storage13:43 Running out of cards13:58 Ending the Game14:14 Scoring14:39 Player Variants (5-6 players, 2 players)15:53 Reliable Heroes Variant16:27 Board Game Credits16:47 Round Overview17:58 MCG Take

    Wingspan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2022 22:43


    Reading Rulebooks is a podcast dedicated to reading through rulebooks and teaching games! In this podcast I directly read the rulebook as well as discuss the game and try to clear up potential areas of confusion.This week we are going to cover the rules for Wingspan. Wingspan is a game designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and is illustrated by Natalia Rajas, Maria Martinez Jaramillo, and Beth Sabel. The game is published by Stonemaier Games. Expansions include The European Expansion and the Oceania Expansion. Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:42 Setup03:28 Swift-Start Guides04:30 Overview07:02 The Four Actions: Option 1. Play a Bird from Your Hand09:39 The Four Actions: Option 2. Gain Food and Activate Forest Bird Powers12:09 The Four Actions: Option 3. Lag Eggs and Activate Grassland Bird Powers14:38 The Four Actions: Option 4. Draw Cards and Activate Wetland Bird Powers16:21 Bird Powers18:11 End of the Round20:51 Bonus Cards21:14 Final Thoughts

    Vast - The Mysterious Manor

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 53:37


    Reading Rulebooks is a podcast dedicated to reading through rulebooks and teaching games! In this podcast I directly read the rulebook as well as discuss the game and try to clear up potential areas of confusion.This week we are going to cover the rules for Vast: Mysterious Manor. The Vast series is published by Leder games with designer Patrick Leder and artist Kyle Ferrin. Other games in this series is Vast: Crystal Caverns, Vast: The Haunted Hallways (Expansion), and Vast: The Crystal Caverns (Expansion).(00:18) Golden Rules(06:29) SetUp(07:30) How to Play (08:00) The Map(09:37) Attacking Enemies(10:25) A Few More Concepts (11:30) The Paladin(15:38) The Paladin Example Turn 1(17:35) The Skeletons(21:30) The Skeletons Example Turn 1(22:46) The Spider(27:27) The Spider Example Turn 1(28:58) The Manor(32:32) The Manor Example Turn 1 (34:41) The Warlock(37:34) The Warlock Example Turns(39:38) The Paladin Example Turn 2(41:35) The Skeletons Example Turn 2(43:10) The Spider example Turn 2(43:55) The Manor Example Turn 2(44:44) Difficulty Variants(46:48) Player Counts and Role Mixes(49:33) Key Action Reference

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