Reading Rulebooks: Recent Episodes
Lily Gould
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.
This week, we will cover the rules for Pollen. Pollen is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Beth Sobel. The game is published by Allplay.
About Pollen
Create a lush garden full of beautiful flowers whose pollen will attract pollinators to make the best garden.
Chapters:
00:00 Components & Preparation
02:21 Gameplay
04:30 Endgame & Scoring
06:15 Thoughts
This week we are going to cover the rules for Classic Art. Classic Art is a game designed by Reiner Knizia and is illustrated by Chris McGloughlin. The game is published by CMON Games.
About Classic Art
Predict how many pieces of classic art will be presented in the exhibition. The risker the bet the higher the reward.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction, Overview, & Components
01:56 Setup
03:33 Gameplay
13:54 Game End
15:23 Art Exhibits
18:41 Rules Summary
22:24 Thoughts
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 Art
Vie 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 Game
01:39 Game Setup
02:33 Gameplay
03:24 Running Auctions
05:12 The Five Types of Auctions
10:19 Ending the Auction Round
11:08 Selling to the Bank
13:13 The Following Auction Rounds
16:32 Winning the Game
18:23 Thoughts
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 Society
Enhance your standing and status in high society by flaunting your wealth with ostentatious expenditure, all while avoiding scandal and shame.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & Components
01:40 Setup
01:57 How to Play
05:00 Game End
07:02 Thoughts
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 Rocket
In Stephenson’s rocket, invest in the railways of England which are expanding and merging to come out the richest investor.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:17 Game Contents & Setup
04:08 Overview
05:07 Playing the Game
13:55 Scoring Prestige During the Game
23:15 Game End & End Game Scoring
26:32 Expansions
28:40 Thoughts
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 & Euphrates
Expand 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 Introduction
02:26 Game Components
04:46 Setup
06:49 Object of the Game
09:04 Turn Structure
35:49 Game End and Winner
36:42 Advanced Game Rules
41:55 MCG Thoughts
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 Temples
About The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temple
Build 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 Introduction
01:22 Game Setup
04:14 How the Game Works
05:03 Turn Structure
05:46 Phase 1: Player Cards
11:39 Phase 2: Discard Cards
12:06 Phase 3: Play Cards
16:28 End of the Game
17:17 Rules for 2 Players
18:16 Example of a Complete Turn
19:58 Expanding the World of El Dorado
23:00 Glossary
25:32 MCG Thoughts
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 Temples
About The Quest for El Dorado
Build 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 Introduction
01:16 Setting Up the Game
03:51 How the Game Works
04:27 Turn Structure
05:02 Phase One: Play Cards
10:33 Phase Two: Discard Played Cards
11:02 Phase Three: Draw Cards
11:26 Blockades
12:09 End of the Game
12:52 Rules for 2 Players / Full Turn Example
16:02 Caves Variant
19:28 Glossary
21:23 Heroes and Hexes Expansion
22:01Heroes and Hexes Expansion: Game SetUp
24:07 Heroes and Hexes Expansion: The New Game Elements
27:00 Heroes and Hexes Expansion: Curses
29:32 Heroes and Hexes Expansion: New Cave Tokens / Action Cards
33:04 MCG Thoughts
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 Line
Create Strong formations in this 2-player lane battle game to counter the enemy along the ever-changing Battle Line
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Preparation (Setup) & Objective
02:03 Play
03:31 Formations
04:50 Flags
06:42 Tactic Cards
10:11 Game End
10:38 Advanced Rule
11:06 Thoughts
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 Cities
Gain points by mounting archeological expeditions to find lost cities and (hopefully) find more than the cost of the journey.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & Game Components
01:32 Preparation (Setup)
02:11 Object of the Game
02:42 Sequence of Play
04:46 End of the Game and Scoring
08:58 Thoughts
About My Island
My Island is a legacy game where you develop a unique island and discover its secrets that could permanently change the island.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:41 Game Materials
02:47 Game Setup
04:29 General Rules of the Game
05:18 The Placement Rules
06:55 End of an Episode
11:10 The Sealed Envelopes
12:52 The First Chapter
13:37 The Eternal Game
14:20 Game Setup
16:00 Course of Play
16:28 The Placement Rules
18:03 Farm / Village / Fortification
19:36 Road from Statue to Sea
20:36 End of the Eternal Game
22:38 Thoughts
About My City
My 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 Introduction
01:36 Game Materials
02:46 Game Setup
04:30 General Rules of the Game
05:31 The Construction Rules
08:07 End of an Episode
11:48 The Sealed Envelopes
13:35 The First Chapter
14:20 The Eternal Game
15:05 Game Setup
16:40 Course of Play
17:11 The Construction Rules
21:07 End of Episode
22:07 Thoughts
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 Spectaculum
Spectaculum 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 Introduction
01:21 Components
02:49 Object of the Game
03:25 Setup
04:46 Playing the Game
12:34 End of the Game (and Variant)
14:08 Thoughts
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 Objective
04:31 Playing
11:53 End of the Game
12:22 Variant
12:40 Zigguart Cards
14:27 Thoughts
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 Introduction
02:35 Game Components
03:02 Game Overview
03:38 Setup
07:15 Playing the Game
18:46 MCG Thoughts
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 & Components
00:58 Game Overview
01:34 Setup
02:19 Bidding
03:07 Playing a Round
03:59 Scoring Tricks
05:07 Scoring Hands
06:08 Variants
07:04 MCG Thoughts
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 Introduction
01:18 Object of the Game
02:00 Setup
05:08 Sequence of Play
06:25 A Turn in Detail
11:21 Building Rules
12:55 Twist Card
13:28 End of the Game and Final Scoring
14:47 Card Overviews
17:38 MCG Thoughts
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 & Components
01:16 Setting Up
03:10 Initial Auction
05:00 Ending / Winning the Game
05:28 Sequence of Play
06:59 Expansion
11:02 Development
13:33 Capitalization
14:29 Chicago Dividends
14:52 Wabash Opens
15:43 General Dividends
16:33 Thoughts feat. Joe (from Dads on a Map)
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Started
04:03 Components
05:47 General Rules
14:50 Glossary
16:31 The Knight
30:27 The Goblins
41:53 The Dragon
49:32 The Cave
56:49 The Thief
1:07:55 Terrain Variant
1:13:58 Difficulty Variant
1:19:33 Sample Turns
1:26:17 Easily Forgotten Rules
1:29:37 MCG Thoughts
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 & Components
01:15 Setup
02:21 Game Overview
04:15 On Your Turn
05:33 Types of Actions
09:13 Types of Cards
13:51 Reference
15:56 Frequently Asked Questions
18:21 MCG Thoughts
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 & Overview
01:02 Basic Setup and Advanced Setup
03:21 Card Anatomy
04:47 Player Board Anatomy
06:20 How to Play
12:26 Fort Level
13:25 End of Game
15:00 Actions
18:04 Other Action Symbols
21:05 Glossary Made-Up Rules
22:36 Glossary Perks
24:16 Cats and Dogs Expansion
29:40 MCG Thoughts
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 Introduction
01:19 Overview
02:07 Setup
04:56 Play
05:30 Actions
08:50 Play Example
10:38 Draw Cards
13:13 Infections
16:15 Turn End
16:23 Event Cards
17:11 Player Cards
17:46 Game End
18:25 Roles
21:38 MCG Thoughts
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 Introduction
01:46 Contents
03:35 Preparation
05:35 Overview
06:30 Action Phase
08:02 Buy Phase
10:09 Clean-Up Phase
10:44 Game End
11:22 Card Types
13:06 Terminology
17:24 Shuffling
18:04 Additional Rules / 5-6 Player Rules
20:14 Sample Turn
22:29 Random Card Notes
29:21 Recommended Sets of 10
30:50 MCG Thoughts
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 Introduction
03:55 Important Concepts
06:19 Types of Units
07:45 Setup
13:24 Gameplay
37:37 Faction Abilities
40:18 Combat
47:04 Encounters
50:07 The Factory
53:05 Objectives
54:27 Alliances and Bribes
55:08 Placing Stars
56:20 Game End and Scoring
1:01:05 Characters
1:04:15 Highlighted Rules
1:09:47 MCG Thoughts
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 Introduction
01:11 Setting Up the Game
03:49 End / Winning the Game
04:10 Sequence of Play
21:17 Victory Point Computation
27:56 Additional Map Rules
37:23 MCG Thoughts
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 Introduction
02:00 Game Overview | Global Parameters
06:22 Game Board
09:03 Tiles
11:29 Markers
12:11 Player Boards
14:00 Cards
16:10 Setup
20:41 Generations
25:31 Actions
37:54 Game End
41:03 Game Variants
44:45 About the Author
45:23 Symbols
55:05 MCG Thoughts
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 Overview
03:14 Heroines
05:14 Key Concepts (Bullets | Patterns | Powerups | Intensity | Center and Current Bags)
06:56 Setup
08:30 Gameplay | Option Phase
16:15 Gameplay | End Phase
17:20 Gameplay | Cleanup Phase
17:53 Game End
19:16 Additional Modes
21:41 Additional Mode | Boss Battle
28:41 Frequently Asked Questions
30:07 Heroine Lore
46:20 MCG Thoughts
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 & Components
02:39 Introducing the Game
05:07 Setting Up
08:42 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: Cleanup
36:39 Milestones
45:04 Introductory Game
45:57 Strategy Guide
47:36 MCG Thoughts
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 / Components
01:33 Setup
04:42 So, you want to be a Thief?
05:49 Step 1: The Target
06:50 Step 2: The Plan
13:11 Step 3: The Mark
15:12 Step 4: The Getaway
16:59 Step 5: The End of the Line
19:00 Advanced Maneuvers
22:45 Field Reference Guide
24:46 MCG Thoughts
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 Introduction
00:39 Game Overview
02:09 First Time Players
03:15 Components
04:01 Game Setup
06:53 Sequence of Play
17:15 Invader Action Examples
19:40 Game Concepts
43:24 Tips and Tricks
48:18 Gameplay Options
54:27 Lore
1:03:33 Design Notes
1:05:31 Glossary/Index
1:15:22 MCG Thoughts
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 Introduction
02:43 Components
03:58 Player Area Set Up
08:11 Central Play Area Set Up
13:26 Goal of the Game
15:41 Flow of the Game
21:15 Builders Market Reserve & Round Track
23:32 Playing the Game
50:21 Special Actions
52:26 Passing
53:28 Courtship
58:21 End Game Scoring
1:01:43 Thematic Background of Favors
1:06:39 FAQ Index
1:07:16 MCG Thoughts
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 Overview
00:56 Card Anatomy
02:20 Objective and Setup
04:35 Gameplay: Step 1 – Supply
05:33 Gameplay: Step 2 – Display
06:25 Gameplay: Step 3 – Shopping
08:53 Gameplay: Step 4 – Adventure
11:20 Gameplay: Step 5 – Upgrade
13:07 Gameplay: Step 6 – Storage
13:43 Running out of cards
13:58 Ending the Game
14:14 Scoring
14:39 Player Variants (5-6 players, 2 players)
15:53 Reliable Heroes Variant
16:27 Board Game Credits
16:47 Round Overview
17:58 MCG Take
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 Introduction
01:42 Setup
03:28 Swift-Start Guides
04:30 Overview
07:02 The Four Actions: Option 1. Play a Bird from Your Hand
09:39 The Four Actions: Option 2. Gain Food and Activate Forest Bird Powers
12:09 The Four Actions: Option 3. Lag Eggs and Activate Grassland Bird Powers
14:38 The Four Actions: Option 4. Draw Cards and Activate Wetland Bird Powers
16:21 Bird Powers
18:11 End of the Round
20:51 Bonus Cards
21:14 Final Thoughts
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