105: Spiel des Schpiel 2010 - Part 2 Release Date: June 21, 2010 Running Time: 136 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

There can be only one. We review A la Carte and Fresco, the final two nominees for the Spiel des Jahres (German Game of the Year) and predict the winner before the official selection.

News & Notes: Top 10 Selling Hobby Games Q1, Automobile, Merchants & Marauders
Nominee #4: A la Carte
Nominee #5:  Fresco
Predictions:  We select our favorites and guess the jury's selection
Mail Bag: Sliders, Gravity Blocks, Game Day at Indy Senior Center

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

104: Spiel des Schpiel 2010 Release Date: June 7, 2010 Running Time: 135 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

The Prize.  Movies have the Oscars. Games have the Spiel des Jahres (German Game of the Year). We play and review Dixit, Identik, and Roll Through the Ages - three of five nominees - in an effort to predict the winner later this month.

News & Notes: Spiel des Jahres & Kinderspiel des Jahres recommendation lists
Nominee #1: Dixit
Nominee #2:  Identik
Nominee #3:  Roll Through the Ages
Mail Bag: Irondie, Spiel dinner: Origins

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

103: Earth, Wind & Fire Release Date: May 24, 2010 Running Time:  129 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Smoke monsters need not apply. We assemble a team to hunt mystical treasures in Forbidden Island and flip medieval coins to construct castles and cathedrals in Builder's Duel.

News & Notes: boardgames.com sells for 450K, Tien Zi Que, Marrakech makeover
The List: Forbidden Island, Pillars of the Earth: Builders Duel
Kid's Table:  Sleeping Queens
Truckloads of Goober:  Hookum
Game Sommelier:  5 games you can improvise from natural materials

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

102: Y Not? Release Date: May 10, 2010 Running Time:  135 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

All in favor, say Y. From the temples of Assyria to the pachyderms of Bombay, we review two titles from publisher Ystari Games.

News & Notes: Dungeonquest, Thru the Portal, Iron Die, Geekway to the West
The List: Assyria
Table Talk:  Bombay
Truckloads of Goober:  Cyclades
Game Sommelier:  5 area control games for players new to the genre
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Yacht

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

101: How You Like Them Apples? Release Date: Apr. 26, 2010 Running Time:  118 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Like peas and carrots. We serve up your recommended daily allowance of games featuring fruits and veggies including: Fruit Fair, a la Carte, and a Hoosier classic.

News & Notes: Yahtzee Scratch-off, iPad board games, Invaders from Outer Space
The List: Fruit Fair
Table Talk:  Bacchus' Banquet
A History of Games in 100 Objects:  A kernel of corn
Truckloads of Goober:  a la Carte
Game Sommelier:  5 games we have covered in the past with staying power
Kid's Table:  Ringo Flamingo

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

100: Roll, Turn, Flip Release Date: Apr. 12, 2010 Running Time:  139 min. Listen Now: Download: Enhanced Version - MP3 Version Subscribe via iTunes: Enhanced - MP3 See sidebar for other subscription options

Dice. Tiles. Cards. We celebrate hitting triple digits with 3 reviews that fit our slogan, including an in-depth look at Macao.

News & Notes: New show segments, video series
The List: Macao
Table Talk:  Chaos
Back Shelf Spotlight:  Carcassonne: Catapult
Game Sommelier:  5 great Spiel moments over the past 4 years
Notes from the OCD:  Building a game closet

Scribbler #6:  Download (pdf) Spiel Super-Trivia!

Prize Deadline Extended: May 5th

Complete Show Notes continue after the break.

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.