Where is the Rulebook: Recent Episodes

Where is the Rulebook

A weekly podcast where we open rulebooks of board games. Recorded and played by Bryan Ruediger and Joe Thompson.

Where is the Rulebook is sponsored by TC Paintball, located in Traverse City, Michigan. TC Paintball is a community focused game store that specializes in everything from tabletop and card games, to airsoft and paintball. Stop by and mention "Where is the Rulebook" at checkout to receive 10% off your next board game purchase.

A special thanks goes out to John Ransom for our musical soundtrack and Megan Ruediger for our logo.

Now, let's open that rulebook!

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Welcome back to our finale of Mini Month. Today we battle against each other in the fast paced, action packed game of Street Fighter the Miniature Game. This final special will round out our thoughts on the miniature aspect in games as well as what makes this one unique.Now, let's open the rulebook!

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Today we dive into our next miniatures game with Marvel Crisis Protocol. Taking a turn from Unmatched, where the minis add to the board game experience, Marvel Crisis Protocol is a true tabletop game. Join us as we explore what makes this game unique and perfect for our next mini month game.Now, let's open the rulebook!

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We're back with an entire month filled with some of our favorite board games featuring miniatures! Today join us as we finally review "Unmatched". You've heard us go on and on about this game, now you too can see what the hype is about.Let's open that rulebook!

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We are back after a short break with Dice Throne....again!?That's right, but this time we are going to explore the vast changes in Dice Throne since last year including Adventures as well as the new Kickstarter.Dice Throne is currently the game of the month at Lantern Games and you will get a discount for any version purchased in store or online.Now, let's open that rulebook again!

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In todays episode we dive into the dungeon that is Clank! Catacombs. Join us as wee discuss the unique mechanics and strategies of this captivating board game and what sets it apart in the Clank! series. Now, let's open that rulebook!

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Today we dive into the unique game styles of various trading card games, including Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Lorcana. We explore how each game's mechanics and strategies differ, shaping the player experience.Now, let's open that rulebook!

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In this episode of "Where is the Rulebook?", we're setting our sights on the serene yet competitive world of Onitama. Join us as we navigate the elegant dance of strategy and foresight in this revered board game. We'll break down the simplicity and complexity of its moves, discuss the profound tactical depth hidden in its minimalist design, and offer insights on how to anticipate your adversary's plan. Whether you're the master of the dojo or just stepping onto the mat, sharpen your skills and your mind—because in Onitama, the next move is not just a play, it's a statement. Now, let's open that rulebook!

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Prepare to embark on a journey with "Where Is The Rulebook?", the podcast that throws the dice deep into the heart of board gaming culture! This episode, we're guiding you through the maze of excitement that is GenCon, the pinnacle of tabletop gaming extravaganzas. Episode 1: "GenCon Revealed - From Booths to Breakouts"Buckle up for an audio adventure that transports you right into the bustling corridors of GenCon, as we recount the highs, the lows, and the hilariously unexpected moments of our latest foray into the world's premier gaming gathering. And there’s more - we've managed to snag some exclusive interviews with the brilliant brains behind the games you love, giving you a glimpse into their imaginations and what's in the pipeline for board gaming enthusiasts. Join us for heartwarming tales of camaraderie forged over cardboard, the sleeper hits that took us by surprise, and the electric atmosphere that pulses through the halls of GenCon."Where Is The Rulebook?" is more than just a podcast; it's a ticket to experience the thrills of GenCon whether you've been a hundred times or are dreaming of your first. So, arrange your deck, plot your next move, and let’s dive into the magical world where every flip of a card and roll of a dice tells a story.Now, let's open that rulebook!

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So, you're new to the gaming hobby and notice the plethora of additional accessories that you can get with your games. Dice, mats, sleeves, etc....where do you start?? Join us today as we go through our experience with various accessories and specific brands to help you flourish on your gaming journey.Now, let's close that rulebook.

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The seasons changing and the leaves are falling. Hikers walk through our woods, enjoying the colorful view. Join us for a relaxing time in todays game, Bosk.Now, let's open that rulebook!

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Quick, cute, and ready to slay! Join us today as we talk about Unstable Games' fast paced competitive monster slaying game, Here to Slay.Now, let's open that rulebook!

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Time to relax. Organize your room with plants, all the plants! Be the best to plan our your rooms, plants and items in today's game of Verdant by Flatout Games.Now, let's open that rulebook!

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What would you do if you had to start your board game collection all over again? We explore this idea in today's episode across a range of different games and prices.Now, let's close that rulebook for today and talk.

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You are descendants of the legendary Three Little Pigs, competing against one another to build the quickest houses. However all the Fairy Tale characters and creatures are trying to either help or hinder your progress. Who will win in todays game, Grimm Forest.Now, let's open that rulebook!

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Are you and your punks ready to fight to the end against a rival tribe in this post-apocalyptic world where water is king? Find out in today's game, Radlands.Now, let's open the rulebook!

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Today we dive into a more personal conversation about what kinds of games we prefer to play and our thoughts on the variety of styles that exist. Tune in and next week we are back to another exciting review.Now, let's close that rulebook, grab a drink, and have a chat!

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The queen wants to expand her kingdom and wants you to map out the land. However you are competing with other cartographers for the queens favor. Who will be the greatest in all the land in today's game, Cartographers.Now, let's open the rulebook!

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We are pirates sneaking aboard a ship trying to steal artifacts and get out before getting caught. Careful not to make too much noise in todays game, Clank! In! Space!Now, let's open the rulebook!

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Colonizing invaders have entered your sacred land. They are ravaging and growing rapidly. Defend your island home as different spirits with unique powers in todays cooperative game. Spirit Island.Now, let's open that rulebook!

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You've heard us talk about our favorite games, but today join us as we discuss some of the games our friends love and hate to play. What surprises are in store for us?Now, let's open that rulebook!

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Are you ready to nail rad tricks and combos in the sun-drenched half pipes of Pelican Park? Well I hope you're ready in today's game, Skate Summer. Join us for this Tony Hawk made board game and become a pro.Now, let's open that rulebook!

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In today's game you will be managing a group of critters to help gather resources, construct buildings, and meet new friends all under the protection of the Ever Tree. Everdell is a unique game that the whole family can enjoy.Now, let's open the rulebook!

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Welcome to a magical village where you are a Flamekeeper, skilled in the art of conversing with dragons. You and other Flamekeepers will be placing them in their ideal home and using enchantments to entice them to produce wondrous things in today's game, FlamecraftNow, let's open the rulebook!

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It's that time of the year again where family and friends get together to enjoy the holiday season with what else but board games!Join us today as we start off this month with a couple of gift ideas for any level of gamer. Happy Holidays from us!Now, let's close that rulebook for today and have some fun.

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Join us today for a special episode where we do a double feature!We've thought long and hard and came up with some great options for games we'd keep from our collections if we were to be forced to slim down, and games we'd "borrow" (permanently) from the other if given the opportunity.Now, let's close that rulebook for today and just hangout!

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Your grandfather passed away and in his will he's leaving you a farm in the small town of Stardew Valley. However to keep the farm he has some goals you need to meet before it's yours. Can you and your friends/family work together to farm, fish, mine and more to meed the demands? Find out in today's game of Stardew Valley.

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Welcome Mages to the arena! Here you will bet on the monster you think will win in the free-for-all. But do your best to ensure your chosen combatant will win, by any means necessary, even cheating.....just make sure not to get caught by the judge!

Join us in today's game, Cheaty Mages

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Now that Halloween is over and winter is approaching, what better way to settle down from the candy sugar-high then with a board game.

Join us as we journey to the Pacific Northwest and compete to lay wildlife tokens and habitat tiles in today's game, Cascadia.

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Join us today as we settle back with another friendly conversation to discuss what we think are some of the overrated and underrated games around. Do you agree/disagree with us? Let us know!

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Happy Halloween everyone!

Today we celebrate by discussing two of our favorite zombie games, Zombicide and Dead of Winter.

Can you survive the horde?

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As all kids would do let's run into this creepy house explore all the rooms until something bad happens. In this case it's the haunt. Will you be the traitor or is it someone else in the group? You wont know until it happens.

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You awake, surrounded by darkness. The only comfort you have is a small candle slowly melting away. Lost in a maze of ever-changing rooms you find others like yourself. Time is running out and you need to work together if you want to survive in todays game, Nightcage.

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You ever buy a game and later wish you didn't? Or is there a game you've wanted for a long time that you want to buy, but know you shouldn't? Join us as we go down this rabbit hole and discuss some of our games in today's episode.

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Today's episode is about a fast-paced game where each player will select a hero that plays completely distinct from each other and fight to defeat your opponent. Armed with special player boards, dice, a deck and luck; roll your way to victory in Dice Throne.

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We are tile-laying artists and have been ordered by the king of Portugal to decorate his palace in beautiful Moorish decorative tiles similar to the ones he saw from Spain. All in today's game, Azul. We will be competing to draft and build the best tile walls to hopefully score the most points by the end of the game.

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You are tasked with building an amazing, extravagant castle for King Ludwig II of Bavaria...one room at a time. Come join us in our first review of season 2 where we compete to build the best castle in todays game, Castles of Mad King Ludwig.

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Welcome back to another exciting season of Where is the Rulebook!? with Bryan and Joe.

This season we decided to mix up the formula a bit and include more than just our standard board game reviews. Upon popular request we will be doing special episodes throughout the season where we talk about a variety of topics from our thoughts on the current gaming scene, what are we playing or recommend, and how to get into the hobby.

So for now, let's close that rulebook while we discuss what are our top 5 favorite board games right now!

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Can you and your team find the enemy submarine and defeat them before they find you? Join us in the season one finale as we play today's game, Captain Sonar.

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Come push your luck with us, create the dungeon and be the last hero standing. Don't wait too long as you are daring each other player to go into the dungeon with less equipment and more monsters. Today we cover Welcome to the Dungeon!

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Today you are acting as a leader of one of the greatest cities of the Ancient World. You must collect resources, develop commercial routes, and flex your military muscles. As you design your city don't forget to show off those wonders. Come play the 2 player little brother game 7 Wonders Duel. Will Joes military focus game plan work or will I outbuild and research circles around joe?

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Normally we play as heroes trying to save the day or some sort of a common city folk building empires. Not today we are grabbing the most known villains from our favorite Disney movies and trying to be the best villain on the table. Today we talk about Disney Villainous!

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We are storytellers giving clues so that others can try and guess our illustrations. Can you do your best to give clues that aren't too hard or easy to guess? Join us in todays game of Dixit.

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Luck and Destiny, join us as we move down the intertwining paths of life in todays game, Tsuro.

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Come join us today for an unscripted, casual chat about our favorite board games for this special Holiday episode. And don't worry, we'll be back next week in our standard format.

Happy Holidays and let's close that rulebook for now!

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We are a team of adventurers working together to find 4 sacred treasures. Can we buy enough time before the entire area sinks below the seas? Find out in today’s game, Forbidden Island.

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Somewhere in the middle of deep space, you have outgrown your tiny galaxy. You will need to grow your fleet, expand your influence, and colonize planets. However, you are not the only one looking to expand in today's game, Tiny Epic Galaxies.

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Come lie, bribe, or mislead to get the most goods into the city without being caught in todays game of Sheriff of Nottingham.

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Come join us as we attract the best birds to our wildlife preserves in todays game, Wingspan.

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Your village has been destroyed. As you find the perfect place for your new home but you find a vast cave system below the town from above.

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With only a trusty die and a dream, come join us fellow mayors as we grow Machi Koro into the largest city in the region.

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Join us as we defend a village from not one, not two, but seven terrifying monsters in Horrified. Based on the Universal Monsters, this spooky game is perfect for the upcoming holiday.

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Enjoy our first bonus episode. Where we play a full game of this weeks episode. Enjoy us playing as the psychics as we try to lay to rest our ghost that is haunting our manner! Thank you to our guest Megan for playing as the ghost.

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Join us as fellow mediums while we investigate a haunted mansion. Together with the help of a ghost we will figure out who really done it in this clue-like murder mystery.

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In this game we play as monarchs trying to build our dominion over the land. Come join us as we take turns gaining gold, buying land, and competing with other monarchs to get as much unclaimed land as possible.

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In this episode we play the tile placing adventure Carcassone. Join us as we build our land in this game that everyone can enjoy.

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In this episode we play the cross-country train adventure of building train routes across North America. Join us with this perfect gateway game that the whole family will enjoy.

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In this episode we are playing as a fantasy race with a special power in a far off land. Can our empire grow with the hope of conquering the world? Join us as we discuss the rules and our personal experiences with this newer classic.

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In this episode we are playing as a skilled disease fighting team working to cure four deadly diseases before they spread across the world. Join us as we discuss the rules and our personal experiences with this universally loved game.

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In this episode we are playing as gem merchants, in the game of Splendor. Join us as we discuss the rules and our personal experiences with the beloved classic.

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In this episode we begin the journey with the universally known, Catan. Join us as we discuss the rules and our personal experiences with the beloved classic.

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