Ivanhoe, Sticheln
July 22nd, 2004It’s been All Quiet on the Board Gaming Front recently. It is partly because I am immersed in Neverwinter Nights, but mainly because I have instituted a new democratic games selection procedure for games nights. This is to stop the boys’ incessant moaning that I was always choosing new games. It’s been good in that the crew are happy, but it’s been bad in terms of wanting to write about games.
Tigris and Euphrates
We played this classic on Saturday and had a superbly vicious battle. Unfortunately, there’s nothing much original I can say about a game with 53 session reports listed at the Geek.
Ivanhoe
Last night, this did not go down as well as usual. I think the boys have finally realised that it is mostly luck. I enjoyed our two games, but I enjoyed finishing off the washing up during the breaks in play more. Having said that, there are subtle aspects of hand management that I still have to master.
Sticheln
After Mikko’s recent recommendation, we tried Sticheln when we were reduced to our usual three at the end of last night. As we had only three, it was easy to play using a slightly reduced Mü deck (45 cards – 5 suits from 0-8). It was definitely more successful than Drahtseilakt. It is quite a skilful game and there are plenty of non-obvious tactics available, especially as you can play any card to a trick. It is very similar to Bugami. I suspect Bugami is the better game, if only because regular cards and conventions are used – which makes it more accessible. I will have to play Sticheln a couple of more times before I pass judgement, but that’s a good sign. It could be that we need something a bit more involved than this to satisfy us. I will probably buy Cosmic Eidex, which looks richer.