99: Trumped Up Release Date: Mar. 29, 2010 Running Time:  123 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Tricks are treats. We explore the history and evolution of trick and trump games from Pinochle to modern titles like Triumvirate, Sticheln and Die Sieben Siegel.

News & Notes: Haggis, Sticht Oder Nicht, Spielbox Update
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Pinochle
The List: Sticheln, Triumvirate, Die Sieben Siegel
Game Sommelier:  5 essential trick-taking games for a new player
Mail Bag:  New players in Sweden, new curlers in PA, kickstarter.com

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

98: Lighter Fare Release Date: Mar. 15, 2010 Running Time:  128 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Bite size. Nine full reviews of games you can play in 5-40 minutes.

News & Notes: Right Ascension, Penguin Angel, Nuns on the Run
The List: Bezzerwizzer, Gracias, Triviathon, Sushi Roll, Word of the Street, Nanuk, 7 Ate 9, Super Circles
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Chaos Marauders
Game Sommelier:  5 games for St Patrick's Day
Mail Bag:  Game Journals, Errata, Indy Boardgamers gathering, Amazon.de

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

97: Longshanked Release Date: Mar. 1, 2010 Running Time:  132 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

To arms! Wargames with legs. We review three simple, but very strategic titles enjoyable by non-wargamers, including an in-depth look at Hammer of the Scots.

News & Notes: New England Rails, Dixit 2, Uncle Skunkle Games
The List: Hammer of the Scots
Table Talk:  Manoeuvre
Back Shelf Spotlight:  The Battle for Hill 218
Game Sommelier:  5 electric games that are more than gimmicks
Mail Bag:  Lucio's angst, BGDF

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

96: Going Once... Release Date: Feb. 15, 2010 Running Time:  116 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Going twice, Sold! We push up the bid to play two unusual auction games from the pioneer prairies in Homesteaders to the blistering kitchens of Restaurant Row.

News & Notes: Spielbox redux, Mystery Express, Dominion Alchemy/Prosperity
The List: Homesteaders
Table Talk:  Restaurant Row
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Auf Achse
Truckloads of Goober:  high tech and board games collide!
Game Sommelier:  5 games for fans of the Saints
Mail Bag:  Haggis!

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

95: The Unusual Suspects Release Date: Feb. 1, 2010 Running Time:  99 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Elementary! We don our deerstalkers and our treasure hunting boots to play Tobago and Epäillyt, two deductive reasoning games.

News & Notes: Gary Gygax Auction, Spielbox Magazine, Forbidden Island, Asteroyds
The List: Tobago
Table Talk:  Epäillyt
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Attacke/Ivanhoe/Gem Dealer
Game Sommelier:  5 games that can be made of food and still be playable
Mail Bag:  Food game suggestions, Games with Hayden

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

94: A Real Page Turner Release Date: Jan. 18, 2010 Running Time:  115 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Tome sweet tome. We travel the lands of Valdora, a board game where the roads are filled with gems and patrons and the cities guard giant wooden books.

News & Notes: Pillars of the Earth: Builder's Duel, The Game Makers
The List: Valdora
Table Talk:  NHL Ice Breaker
Truckloads of Goober:  El Dorado
Scribbler:  Winner of the Essen Goody Bag announced
Mail Bag:  Holiday haul, game-related tattoos

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

Scribbler #5 - Say What? Release Date: Jan. 4, 2010 Quote Fall Puzzle Print, Play Along, Win a Prize! Download: Scribbler #5 | Solution Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Can you decipher these words of wisdom? The letters in each vertical column go into the squares directly below them, but not necessarily in the order they appear. A black square indicates the end of a word. When you have placed all the letters in their correct squares, you will be able to read a quotation across the diagram from left to right.

Email us the solution to each quote for your chance to win an Essen Goody Bag donated by listener Joe Cochran (thanks, Joe!).

Send your solution to stephen@thespiel.net.  PRIZE DEADLINE: Jan. 13, 2010

Download the puzzle and the solution using the links above.

93: Relic Wranglers Release Date: Dec. 21, 2009 Running Time:  151 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Holy hand grenades. We play Colonia, a game about collecting dusty old bones and shiny baubles to push medieval merchants to fame and fortune.

News & Notes: New 10 Days in Beautiful Africa, Sonic, Cardcassone, Haunted House
The List: Colonia
Back Shelf Spotlight:  The Gambler
Truckloads of Goober:  Relic Raiders: Haunted Ruins
Game Sommelier:  5 games from the past decade that will stand the test of time
Mail Bag:  Scopa addictions, Epäillyt, Railroad Dice, Fudge Dice, 2010 Resolutions

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

92: Going Geek Release Date: Dec. 7, 2009 Running Time:  162 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Geeks in the heart of Texas. We report back from BGG Con in Dallas with an in-depth look at The Adventurers, full details on the Spiel-a-thon, and mini-reviews of 10 different titles.

News & Notes: Andre the Giant, Nanuk, Spiel-a-thon results
The List: The Adventurers
Table Talk: mini-reviews of 10 titles
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Thunder Road, A Good Lie
Truckloads of Goober:  Spinball, Wey Kick, A la Carte, Colonia
Game Sommelier:  5 desert island games for our significant others

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

91: Present & Accounted For 2009 Holiday Gift Guide Release Date: Nov. 23, 2008 Running Time: 164 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

A package deal. We kick start this holiday season with over 50 game suggestions in dozens of categories and for budgets of all sizes. 

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.