Claim OwnershipBards of the Board
Subscribed: 3Played: 225
Subscribe
© 2026 Bards of the Board
Description
We are the Bards of the Board and we welcome you to our podcast!! Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming experience, we strive to open newer gamers to a variety of games that may be fun and exciting for them. Whether it’s the theme, mechanics, or length of game, we hope to demystify the negative stigma that often accompanies tabletop gaming and help players realize the tabletop gaming world is for everyone!
53 Episodes
Reverse
This week on Bards of the Board, we journey to Arrakis. Jason brings one of his all-time favorites to the table: Dune: Imperium — the deck-building, worker-placement epic that blends political intrigue, resource management, and all-out conflict in the battle for spice. While it may lean heavier than some games we typically cover, Robbie found himself thoroughly hooked… and maybe a little obsessed. We break down what makes Dune: Imperium such a standout modern strategy game — from its tense ...
In Episode 52 of Bards of the Board, we set our sights on the stars with Stella, the strategic, word-association game set in the beloved Dixit universe. Using the familiar dreamlike art Dixit fans love, Stella asks players to read the table, take risks, and see how closely their thinking aligns with everyone else’s. We break down how Stella plays, what makes it different from classic Dixit, and whether its push-your-luck scoring and shared word prompts create memorable moments—or frustrating...
In this episode of Bards of the Board, we fire up the kiln and dive into the shimmering world of River Valley Glassworks—a board game all about crafting, colors, clever combos, and keeping your glassblowing workshop running like a work of art. We break down:✨ How the game actually feels to play—smooth engine-builder or fragile puzzle?🧩 Mechanics that shine (and a couple that cracked under pressure)🎨 Theme immersion: does the glassblowing aesthetic truly elevate the experience?👥 Player count +...
Not every game night starts with seasoned gamers—and sometimes the best challenge is finding the perfect gateway for a hesitant player. In this episode of Bards of the Board, we count down our Top 10 board games you can teach your mom (or any reluctant gamer!) to help them fall in love with the modern hobby. From light, approachable titles to sneaky strategy games that keep things fun without overwhelming, we break down why each game makes the list and share stories of how they’ve worked at o...
Welcome back to Bards of the Board! 🎲✨ This week we’re diving into the world of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn with a full review of Mistborn: The Deckbuilding Game. We’ll break down how the game captures the spirit of the books, what works (and what doesn’t) in its deckbuilding mechanics, and whether it deserves a spot at your table. If you’re a fan of the Mistborn series or just love exploring new deck builders, this episode is for you! 🔎 What you’ll hear in this episode: How Mistborn’s un...
Welcome back to Bards of the Board! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the magical world of Disney Lorcana, the trading card game from Ravensburger that’s taken the hobby by storm. We’ll explore what makes Lorcana unique, how it stacks up against other TCGs, and whether it’s worth adding to your game shelf (or collection binder). From gameplay mechanics to theme integration, we’ll share our thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and how Disney’s storytelling shines through the design. Whe...
Bards of the Board is back with a deep dive into one of the most beloved eurogames of all time — Castles of Burgundy! In this episode, we explore what makes Stefan Feld’s classic stand the test of time, from its dice-driven strategy to the endless ways to score points. We’ll share our favorite strategies, talk about how it plays across different player counts, and debate whether the latest editions improve on the original. Whether you’re new to Castles of Burgundy or have played it hundreds ...
In this episode of Bards of the Board, we dive deep into the magical world of Res Arcana — a game of mages, artifacts, and alchemical dominance. Designed by Tom Lehmann, Res Arcana challenges players to build efficient engine combos with a tight card pool and even tighter resource management. We break down: * What makes Res Arcana stand out from other engine builders * Our favorite (and least favorite) aspects of the game * How it holds up at different player counts * Whether it earns a perma...
In this episode of the podcast, we dive into the world of family-friendly board games that are perfect for introducing your kids and loved ones to the hobby game space! Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking to share your passion or a parent curious about games beyond Monopoly and Uno, we've got you covered. We're joined by special guest Chris Yi from The Dice Tower, who shares his insights, favorite picks, and tips for making that first step into modern board gaming smooth, fun, and memorab...
In this video, we dive into the thrilling cooperative board game Horrified, where you and your team must work together to defeat legendary Universal Monsters like Dracula, The Mummy, Frankenstein's Monster, and more! Whether you're a horror fan, a co-op game enthusiast, or just looking for your next game night hit, we’ll break down what makes Horrified such a standout title. 🎲 What’s inside the box? 👻 How does it play? 🧠 Is it good for beginners or more experienced gamers? 💬 Is this a must-h...
Welcome to our latest podcast episode, where we dive deep into the world of Disney villainy! This time, we're reviewing Disney Villainous – the hit board game from Ravensburger that lets you step into the shoes of iconic Disney villains like Maleficent, Ursula, Jafar, and more. We break down the game mechanics, the strategy behind each villain, the stunning artwork, and whether this game is a must-have for your game night collection. Is Disney Villainous just for fans of Disney, or does it h...
In this video, we dive into Smartphone Inc., the sleek economic strategy game about dominating the global tech market! We break down how it plays, what makes it unique, and whether it's a good fit for players who are newer to modern board gaming. We’ll cover: ✅ How the game works ✅ What we liked and didn’t like ✅ Complexity level & learning curve ✅ Final thoughts: Is it beginner-friendly? Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting to explore the hobby, this review will help you de...
Welcome to the table as we dive into one of the most fast-paced, chaotic, and fun social deduction games out there. Watch as alliances form, accusations fly, and secrets are revealed—all in just one night. Will the village survive, or will the werewolves go undetected? You can find One Night Ultimate Werewolf for yourself at: https://amzn.to/42RSSuX Jason and Robbie have the goal of introducing non-gamers to the amazing world of tabletop gaming. With over 35 years of modern board gaming exp...
Welcome to the Table, specifically...our table!! Every 10th episode we bring a top 10 list, and today is no different. In today's episode we're discussing our top 10 games that we have actually played together. This episode was a blast to record, and might be Robbie's favorite so far, as we walked down memory lane discussing games we've played. We welcome you into some of our inside jokes and hope you find some great ideas for fun games you can take to your table! What was our top choice?? Yo...
In this episode of Bards of the Board, we break down one of the most beautifully crafted board games out there – Azul! Join us as we explore the mechanics, strategy, and artistry behind this fan-favorite tile-laying game. Whether you're a seasoned Azul player or new to the game, our discussion will give you valuable insights into how to master your moves and outplay your opponents. We’ll cover everything from the rules and setup to advanced tactics and our personal experiences with the game....
In this episode, we dive into the strategic world of 7 Wonders, the classic card drafting board game where players build their own civilizations over three ages. Join us as we discuss the mechanics, strategies, and what makes this game a fan favorite. From the intense decisions on which cards to draft to the thrill of completing your Wonder, we cover it all! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of 7 Wonders, as well as give our person...
In this video, we dive into the enchanting world of Dixit, the popular storytelling board game! 🎨✨ Join us as we explore: Gameplay Mechanics: Learn how the game works, from setting up to scoring, and how the unique blend of storytelling and creativity sets Dixit apart. Strategy Tips: Discover effective strategies to outwit your opponents, whether you're crafting subtle clues or interpreting abstract card art. The Stunning Art: We take a closer look at the beautiful, dreamlike illustrations ...
Welcome to our latest video where we dive into the exciting world of New York Zoo! In this video, we explore everything this captivating board game has to offer, from its unique mechanics to the animal-filled gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned board gamer or new to the hobby, we’ll break down how to play, offer strategies, and share our thoughts on what makes New York Zoo such a fun experience. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of building your own zoo and managing its animals in the he...
You can find and support Alex over at: https://www.youtube.com/ @BoardGameCo Looking to host the perfect game night with newer or less experienced board gamers? In this video, we dive into the best games to introduce to those just starting out or still getting comfortable in the hobby. Whether you're looking for easy-to-learn mechanics, engaging themes, or quick playtime, we’ve got you covered with a selection of accessible games that will help ease your group into the world of modern...
In a world full of quests, challenges, and chaos there is an individual who rises to the occasion. Fortunately for us, that person is you the player!! In today's game we will find our origin story, embrace our motivation, and seek the destiny we deserve! This rune-tossing game brings a unique twist to dice chucking, and the Bards have some thoughts! How do they feel about Call to Adventure?? You'll have to watch to find out!! You can find Call to Adventure for yourself at: https://amzn.to/3O...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States