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A few months ago, I tried Can't Stop at Ravenfolks in Mexico City, and it was an instant hit. The thrill of pushing your luck with dice and trying to conquer those elusive number columns made it a game I knew I had to add to my collection. So when I saw that Playte had released a new, more compact version—Can't Stop: Sain Am Peak—I couldn’t resist.  🎲 What is Can’t Stop? 🎲 At its core, Can't Stop is a classic push-your-luck dice game that’s simple, addictive, and now more portable than ever! Designed for 2-4 players and taking around 20 minutes to play, the goal is to roll dice 🎲 and climb numbered columns on the board. You are aiming to be the first to "claim" three columns before your opponents. But there’s a catch—push too far, and you'll lose all progress for that turn! 🙈 It’s the perfect quick, tense game where you keep saying, "Yes! Just one more roll!" only to bust–again. The New Version: Sain Am Peak 🌄 The Sain Am Peak edition is debuting at Essen, and it’s a total game-changer—literally. The box transforms into the game board, and instead of the classic stop sign shape, you’re climbing a mountain! Yep, the box folds into a triangular peak with a stunning backdrop inspired by a traditional Korean painting. As someone who loves camping and the outdoors, the thematic upgrade was a dream come true. It’s like combining my love for games with the thrill of the outdoors (minus the bugs and bad weather). The compact and portable design makes it easy to bring the game wherever you go. Whether you’re camping or at a café, this version travels easily without lugging around a big box. The magnetic components make setup quick and keep everything in place. Climbing the Mountain 🧗‍♂️ The gameplay remains the same—push your luck, roll the dice, and try to ascend those tricky number columns—but the new mountain-climbing theme adds a fresh layer of excitement. You even get to use a little pickaxe between rounds, which makes you feel like you’re really scaling a peak. It’s an awesome touch that keeps the game feeling adventurous and engaging. The components are fantastic quality. The wooden tents and pickaxe are super cute. The magnetic attachment of the game board is a clever addition. While the game board doesn’t lie perfectly flat, it’s a minor issue and doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Pros and Key Features 🔥 - Portable and Compact : The box transforms into the board, making it perfect for gaming on the go - Magnetic Components : Keeps everything secure and easy to manage during play - Theme Integration: The mountain-climbing theme with the pickaxe adds a fun, thematic twist - Good Quality Components : From the dice to the magnetic board, the materials are sturdy and well-made - Language Independent : No text-heavy cards—anyone can play regardless of language Cons ❌ - Luck-Heavy : Some may find the game too luck-based, especially if they prefer more strategic depth - Harder to Acquire : Depending on where you are, this version may be hard to get. However, you can purchase Playte games via eBay - Board Doesn’t Lay Flat : While the magnetic setup helps, the board doesn’t lie perfectly flat, but this is a small issue Conclusion 🌟 I really love quick push-your-luck games, and Can't Stop has that addictive “just one more roll” energy. Playte’s Sain Am Peak edition takes that thrill to new heights—literally. It’s a portable, compact, and beautifully designed game that fits perfectly with my outdoor adventures. I don't know about you, but I am ready to comb some mountains--metaphorically speaking 🏔🎲

Picture this: you’re at a crosswalk, waiting for the light to turn green, and suddenly—bam! You’re inspired to create the longest chain of numbers. Sound familiar? Probably not. But in Express Cross, that’s exactly what you’ll do! In just 15 minutes, this nifty small box game from Playte has you racing to form the longest ascending chains possible. And let me tell you, things get wild once the special die enters the mix! My sweet spot has always been games that take less than half an hour and are easy to play yet hard to master. Express Cross fits all that criteria, plus it fits in my purse. I warn you now—you won’t be able to play it just once! ⚠️ You won't be able to play this game just once!  What’s in the Box? Sheets Pad (because who doesn't love marking things down?) 5 regular dice (numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8—nope, that’s not a typo) 1 special die (with quirky numbers like -3, -5, -7, and 2, 4, 8) Also, the sheets pad has a neat cutout so the dice can fit in the box without needing a bigger one. Super compact, which I love. And while the game doesn’t come with pencils or pens, that’s actually a bonus in my book. Why? Because I’m laminating those sheets, baby! In the meantime, we’re using erasable pens. The Setup It’s super simple! Each player grabs a sheet and a pen (I recommend one that makes you feel powerful). Now, here’s a fun rule: the starting player is whoever most recently crossed a street crosswalk. Talk about random, but in a game about numbers and chains, it feels oddly perfect. Gameplay: The Dice Have Spoken Express Cross is played over 20 fast paced rounds Rolling the Dice In round 1, the starting player rolls one die. Easy peasy. But here’s the kicker: every round, you roll one more die than the last, up to 5 dice. After round 5? Back to rolling 1 die again. The dice are just teasing us at this point. Fill in the Sheet Once the dice have been rolled, you’ll take the sum and write it anywhere on your sheet. Pro tip: Think strategically about placement because the name of the game is creating long, ascending chains. You can connect a chain of up to 14 spaces, which sounds oh so tempting, but I haven’t been able to pull it off just yet! Careful, though—getting too greedy with your numbers might bite you. The numbers 5, 9, and 12 will slightly penalize you, as they only give you a fraction of what the next or previous numbers would score. Variant – The Special Die: Risk It or Play Safe? Now, if you're feeling daring (or just want to mix things up), there's a variant that lets you roll the special die alongside the regular ones. This die has a personality of its own, with both positive and negative values—so you could either score big or end up with a sum that’s, well… less than 0. 😬 It’s a gamble, but sometimes fortune favors the bold! End of the Game: Who’s the Master of Chains? After 20 rounds, it’s time to tally up the points. You’ll look at your sheet, scanning for your longest ascending sequences. Remember, sequences count even if the same number repeats! Check your score sheet for the points breakdown and add them up. Highest score wins, but no need to gloat... okay, maybe just a little. What I Loved About Express Cross Quick and Crunchy : With each round only taking a few seconds, this game packs plenty of decision making into a short timeframe. Perfect for weeknights or when you’ve got 15 minutes to spare! Strategic Simplicity : It may seem like just rolling dice, but the placement of your sums is everything. Your future self will appreciate the planning The Special Die ! Nothing like adding a dash of chaos to a number game. The special die keeps you on your toes and makes you second guess whether you’re truly ready to take the plunge Compact Design : I absolutely love that this game fits in such a small box! It’s perfect for traveling, and you can bring it anywhere—no bigger box needed. The thoughtfulness in the sheet pad cutout for the dice is a nice touch too Language independent! Any Downsides? Luck of the Dice : If you’re not a fan of relying on dice rolls for strategy, Express Cross might feel a bit too random Potential for Analysis Paralysis : With the potential to roll multiple dice and figure out the best placement for each sum, the more math inclined might find themselves deep in thought Final Thoughts Express Cross is the kind of game that sneaks up on you. At first, it seems simple—roll dice, write down numbers, repeat. With easy to learn rules, fast gameplay, and just enough strategy to keep you coming back, this game is perfect for both families and more competitive gamers. Oh, and did I mention? Express Cross is one of the newest games from Playte, and it’ll be available at Essen! You can even snag your preorder here . Trust me, once you start playing, you won’t be able to stop.

Over the last two years, I’ve had the chance to try out a few Playte Games, and I’ve really come to appreciate their clever design. I love their small box format. I also like the L-shaped box ones even though they don't always lay flat. It's cool that they've been able to use every single component including the box to have a purpose. This GeekList contains the thirteen Playte games I've played ranked. When reviewing games, I feel that I gravitate towards the following ten qualities: 🎯 Strategic Depth – Meaningful choices, whether it’s tactical duels, polyomino puzzles, or dice-driven chaos ⚔️ Player Interaction – From cutthroat battles to chill solitaire-style play 🔄 Replayability – If it doesn't replayability, that's great! Once we figure out it's strategy, it's time for it to be regifted 🎒 Portable & Travel-Friendly – Can I throw it in my bag and play it anywhere? 🌍 Language Independence – I like games with no to minimal text, so I can enjoy it with friends/family that don't speak English 🎲 Skill vs. Luck Balance – Whether it’s pure strategy or a lucky dice fest, different moods call for different games 🃏 Component Quality – Nice bits and art enhance the experience, but not always a dealbreaker ⏳ Setup & Downtime – The faster we get to the fun, the better 📏 Table Space – How much room does it need, and can I play it on the go? ⏱ Time Length – I love a solid 30-minute game, but I’ll dig into a longer one when I have the time I just wish Playte games were easier to get than having to hunt them down on Geek Market or eBay. That said, I love that their games are small-box but feel like big games — super portable without sacrificing gameplay. For example, I used to have the classic version of Can't Stop, but it was way too bulky to bring anywhere. Now I keep Playte’s version in my car so I’m ready for a quick game A lot of the games they print are new, but many of the ones I’ve picked up are reprints of older titles I never would’ve discovered otherwise. Maybe it's me, or maybe just the world we live in. It is much easier to find the newest big shiny release. Playte components top-notch: vibrant, high-quality, and thoughtfully produced. My only gripe? The English translations could use a little polish. Sometimes I find myself piecing together the rules from context or comparing them with previous or different publisher editions. The frustration is usually answered within 24 hours as they are very responsive on instagram 14. Pueblo 2-4 player game that takes about 10 minutes per player In this game, you are an architect trying to build your dwelling by alternating cubes and trying to make sure your color is not visible from any side. The 3D aspect is very neat. The Playte components are super nice and sturdy. The game is very abstract and really requires spatial ability to succeed. It feels more and more calculated the more you play it. It is very reminiscent of chess in that sense. I prefer this one at two, and I’m curious how it would play with four really spatially sharp players The game is designed by Wolfgang Kramer . He's the same genius that made 6nimmt, Princess of Florence, Tikal, and Wandering Towers. What I really appreciate about his games is that no game of his I've tried feels like the same game. I'm actively taking more Kramer recommendations, thank you! 13. Moon Leap Moon Leap is another one of the clever L-shape boards in Playte games. The game playls 2-4 players, and I think it plays best at 4. The game takes about 10 minutes per player Moon Leap is all about timing your movements with a gorgeous set of well designed astronaut meeples. Roll the dice, move your meeples and hope to score big. Do you go big? Do you change the next big score? Once you advance, there's no going back. The game is simple and it plays well with kids and adults alike 12. Tasso Banana Tasso Banana is a fun 2–6 player game that takes less than 15 minutes to play It’s another one of those clever Playte L-shaped boxes where the box becomes the game. I love the components; they’re wobbly, chunky, and hilariously tricky to stack. This fits perfectly with the goal to defy gravity and tower your bananas as high as possible while trying to get rid of all yours before your opponents do. The game is silly, quick, and especially fun with a drink or with the kids in the family 11. Ada's Library Quick and clever 2-player game that takes about 20 minutes This one is one of those Playte Games that the box opens and becomes the board game. In Ada's Library, you’re both book lovers—well, one of you is (me), and the other is a master organizer (my wife). This game is all about sorting books on the shelves with a dash of friendly competition. The gameplay is simple but smart: you’re racing to arrange your library just right while trying to outwit your opponent. I’ve been trying to beat my wife at it, but she’s always a step ahead. Is it luck? Strategy? Or just pure organizing genius? If you like light strategy and cozy head-to-head battles with a bookish twist, Ada’s Library is a perfect fit. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee and voila! The start of date night Read the review 10. Mino Dice Mino Dice plays 3-6 players and it takes about 30 minutes to play The game is loud, exciting, and full of dice. It's all about predicting how much you'll win and hoping you bet correctly. Picture trick-taking game but with dice! The unpredictability and wishing you were right, gets me every time The component quality is top notch. The dice is chunky and colorful. I really wish there was a two player mode because I would play it way more! 9. Can't Stop 2-4 push-your-luck player game that takes about 10 minute per player This is one of those addictive dice games that you can take anywhere and think, yes, I have this. And you really don't. Both Playte editions turn into a compact adventure that becomes one of their famous L-shape boxes. Both versions (the blue and brown) one are very portable, but the brown one has a mountain backdrop that is just magnificent. However; if I am going to a bar, or somewhere a bit dark, I prefer to take the blue version. Do you like big risks? And the thrill of just one more? Then Can't Stop is a game you should definitely checked out. For a card version of the same feeling, check out Flip 7 Read the review 8. Orapa Mine Alright, fellow Battleship lovers. Here comes the next upgraded version that plays up to 5 players in about 30 minutes Orapa Mine takes the classic guess and blast game and gives it a colorful twist. You have moved on from the ocean, and are now a miner. You are looking for hidden gems and are trying to identify the right path by following clues one step at a time. The game is relatively quick, interactive and has the right dose of deduction to keep you on your toes 7. Skull King 2-8 player trick-taking game that takes about 40 minutes to play. This is one of those trick-taking games that plays well at any count. The game is all about betrayals, hoping for bonus points, mermaids, and wishing that you made the right bet. You don't only want to win tricks, you want to make sure you win exactly the amount of tricks you predicted. If you get it right, big points! If not, well . . . get ready to walk the plank This game is wild, swingy, and can get loud. My only complaint is that you need someone to help with scoring as this can be a bit tricky during your first few times 6. Penguin Party 2- 6 player adorable card game that plays in 15 minutes or less. Stack penguins into a pyramid and try to play all your cards before you are unable to match the colors and build your way up. The art is super cute, the game has more depth than what it seems. It plays well at any count, with friends, family, children, experience gamers, or new comers. I like how the game looks inviting, but it also has a good dose of sabotage For a game with a similar feel, but 3D, try K3 5. Perudo 2 to 6 players and it plays in about 20 minutes This bluffing classic gets the Playte treatment with gorgeous components in a perfectly compact box. Liar’s Dice is all about rolling secretly, bidding boldly, and calling each other’s bluffs. It's basically, who can lie best without getting caught Each player gets a cup and five dice. On your turn, you raise the bid or call someone out. The rules are simple, and tension builds fast. Every round, someone loses a die, and the last player standing wins 4. Meow Meow Dice Fast, fluffy chunky dice game about your favorite pet that plays 2-4 players in about 15 minutes You play as a butler trying to spoil your cats with toys, food, and accessories; however, the chunky wooden dice don’t always roll in your favor. Match patterns to collect cards, build sets, and earn points while the cats silently judge your every move It’s got that Yahtzee meets cat café vibe, with adorable art, easy rules, and just enough luck to keep things unpredictable. Super cute, quick to teach, and a purr-fect filler for game night or a cozy coffee table showdown! 3. Layer Puzzle 1-4 player flip-and-write game that takes about 20 minutes to play Layer Puzzle was a surprise to me. It doesn't quite fit the usual Playte style. Well, maybe it's closer to Orapa Mine, but regardless. I'm here for it. This game is like Tetris meets memory. It's all testing your memory and stacking, forgetting, and then regretting it. You stack transparent layers by marking X shapes. The goal is to leave no blank spaces, but good luck. You'll hide your first four rounds and then try to connect them all after the fifth round. The game is easy to learn, but it is hard to master. Any tips on how to make my memory better? 2. High Society 3-5 player game that takes about 20 minutes to play High Society is a fast and clever auction game where you bid on fancy items to boost your status—without going broke [hopefully]! Spend too much, and you’re out. Timing and bluffing make every bid tense and fun Just like Penguin Party, this one is designed by Reiner Knizia , a master of elegant and sharp game design. I love Knizia. From Lost Cities to Medici and Ra. His games are elegant and tight. If you like auctions and smart choices, High Society is a big game in a small box. I really wish there was a two player variant for this one! 1. Express Cross 2 to as many players as you want and it plays in about 15 minutes This clever, quick dice game is my favorite from Playte Games. It’s small enough to fit in your purse, with the box holding the dice, sheets, and four tiny pencils. (I recommend laminating the sheets because you definitely won’t want to play it just once) On your turn, you roll 1 die, then 2, then 3, up to 5 dice. You can choose to add a special die that can give positive or negative points, adding a fun risk element. After rolling, you add up the dice and write the total somewhere on your sheet, trying to build the longest ascending chain of numbers. The twist? There are sum chains that can give you less points, so think strategically. This game is quick, fun, simple to learn, and perfect for family night, or a quick night cap Read the review

Let's Talk Farkle! 🎲Farkle is a game that's pretty easy to learn, but boy, it can be a real challenge to master. In this dice game, you take turns rolling six dice and rack up points with the combos you get. How do you win? Well, it's all about being the first one to hit 10,000 points. Things really heat up in the last round because just being the first to score 10,000 points doesn't automatically make you the winner. If someone gets luckier than you, they can totally snatch that victory away Rolling the Dice: Thrills and Strategy 🎲Farkle isn't a walk in the park. Roll non-scoring combinations, and you lose your points for that turn. Roll a scoring combo, and you get to write your score in the Farkle sheet. This dynamic keeps the game exciting Designed for two or more players, Farkle shines with 4 to 8 participants. The main objective is hitting 10,000 points. Each player's turn starts with rolling six dice. They can keep dice that score points. Scoring includes: - 1s: 100 points each - 5s: 50 points each - Three of a kind: 100 points for a set - Four of a kind: 1,000 points for a set - Straight (1-2-3-4-5-6), Three pairs, or a four of a kind: 1,500 points If all six dice score, players can reroll from scratch No scoring dice? You Farkle, ending your turn and losing prior points Players can roll as many times as they like per turn, risking losing all points if they Farkle 🎲Farkle offers various rule sets, so check before playing. A consistent rule is needing 500 points to get on the board Farkle Makes Things Dicey Farkle's rapid pace suits parties. Easy rules make it accessible, and the thrill persists even if you're behind. The game is language independent, so it’s great for international gatherings or when you have family visiting from abroad. It's our go-to nightcap with friends. We have even bought large outdoor dice to play outside in the summer. Have you ever screamed “FARKLE” 📣 at the top of your lungs? It’s cathartic! Not Everyone's Cup of Dice 🎲Farkle isn't for strategy fans. If you prefer skill to push your luck games, this may not be a game for you. Looking for an enjoyable and thrilling gameplay that caters to all, Farkle fits the bill Exploring Beyond Farkle If you like Farkle and Yahtzee, try Spots. It's got more rules and language barriers, but it's a blast. For those ready for a challenge, Qwixx, Splitter, Encore and Qwinto offer similar exhilaration and language-independent play. For more complex games, the Clever series is fantastic! The Final Roll For an exciting game with friends, Farkle gets my vote. Whether you're partying or having a laid-back night, Farkle is a solid choice. Since we started recording games at the beginning of the pandemic, we've logged Farkle over 500 times. We've even made matching sweaters. If you haven't tried this one, you should! Let's roll those dice!

I heard about Rainbow Bunny Bop  on a podcast and I had to get it. A rainbow game where you race? Sign me up. Adorable bunnies, fast flipping, and a lot of shouting colors at your family? That’s my kind of game! I was so excited, I actually contacted the designer, Becky Young, and she was nice enough to sign my copy! (I may or may not have also paid for FedEx expedited shipping just so I could play it with my family who was visiting... no regrets 🙈) This game is fast and it play sup to four players. You can combine two decks to play up to 8. Players race to build rainbows in the right ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) order. Whoever manages to get rid off all their cards first, wins! The game is frantic, adorable, and sneaky educational 📦 What's In the Box Please note that my copy is from before the rebranding. The game now comes in a very sturdy box that's more vibrant and the game has been renamed from Rainbow Rabbits to Rainbow Bunny Bop. Nonetheless, the game comes with: 4 decks of rainbow cards (one deck per player) Adorable art featuring unique designed per bunny and their unique patterns in the back Easy to follow rulebook Optional wild cards for added chaos 🐇 Setup After your nieces (at least mine) are done awing, each player picks a deck Every player shuffles their deck Start flipping! How It Plays When someone yells "Go!", it’s every bunny for themselves. You’re flipping one card at a time, racing to build rainbows in the center of the table — one color at a time, in the classic ROYGBIV order. Red starts the stack, but only three rainbows can be in progress at once. And here’s the kicker: you can only play the top card you just flipped. No digging, no peeking — just hope the rainbow gods are on your side. I cannot tell you how infuriating it is to flip the colors you needed a second ago, or green when someone just  beat you to yellow. But when you get to slap down a few cards in a row? Chef’s kiss! When you burn through your deck, you pick up your discard, shuffle and start flipping again. Rainbows get cleared from the center of the table once someone places violet. The game is fast and loud. My nieces love this game and I've even played it with some of my family that doesn't speak English. I like that the game is sneakily educational. You can teach little ones the rainbow order, color recognition, and from time to time a little English too. First to play all their cards wins. Rainbow Bunny Bop plays fast enough, you can do two rounds in less than thirty minutes 🌟 Pros 🌈 Beautiful art 🎓 Simple rules 🔄 Highly replayable 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for families or mixed-skill groups 🧐 Considerations The game is for up to 4 players, but you can get a second copy and play with up to 8 Very light game — If you want strategy or long-term planning, this isn’t it Adults will most likely lose to the children in the house 🎯 Bottom Line Rainbow Bunny Bop  is pure, chaotic, rainbow-colored joy. If you’re looking for a high-energy filler game that gets everyone laughing (and shouting colors at the top of their lungs), this little box of bunnies is worth hopping into your collection

"You Can't Say Umm" is a game for 4 to 10 players published by Big Potato Games, where you have fun while practicing your public speaking, vocabulary, teamwork, and communication skills Game Overview 📖 The game splits players into two teams. The primary objective is to describe peculiar objects drawn from random A (adjective) and B (noun) cards without resorting to filler words such as "umm," “err”, "ah," or other brain-fart moments, as stipulated in the instruction manual 😬 Scoring 📊 Scoring is simple yet thrilling. Your team earns one point for each correct guess when you're the describer. On the other hand, when you're in the judge's seat during a turn, your team scores for every accurate "ding." A “ding” occurs every time the describer uses a filler word. The first team to move their piece to the end of the board (first to 20 points) emerges victorious! 🏆 Challenge and Hilarity 😂 The game is a delightful mix of challenge and humor, with cards featuring a myriad of bizarre and nonsensical objects. Personal favorites so far include "hungry diaper," "chubby toaster," and "dancing mullet.” Players must unleash their creative sides and quick thinking to describe these objects sans the dreaded "umm" and before the timer runs out ⌛! Rule Twist 🔄 But wait, there's a twist! Before starting the game, each team draws six rules, selecting three for each side. Each of the three rules get added every fifth scored point and add an extra layer of complexity. They can forbid you from saying "no" or "yes," require specific letter constraints, mandate seat changes upon scoring, or even demand foot-clapping after correct guesses 😆! Versatility and Fun for All Occasions 🥳 I've been playing this party game with my family and friends, and it's so much fun! It's a great way to get everyone laughing and engaged, and it's also a great way to practice public speaking. The game is quick and easy to learn, and it's only about 20 minutes long, so it's perfect to add during your game nights. I wish it existed while I did Toastmasters 👍Pros - ⏩ Fast-paced and fun - 🧠 Challenging - 😆 Hilarious - 👪 Suitable for everyone - 🎯 Includes a variety of challenges - 📚 Easy to learn - ⏱️ Quick to play - 🤝 Includes everyone, both players and spectators - 🙅 No downtime! Cons - 🤔 Some cards may be difficult to describe without using filler words - 📣 The game gets loud and chaotic – not ideal for quiet gamers - 🇪🇸 Not language-independent – eagerly awaiting a Spanish version! Tips for Playing 🤹 - 🎨 Be creative! Imaginative descriptions increase the chances of your teammates guessing correctly. - 🙌 Don't hesitate to use gestures and facial expressions to assist your teammates in guessing the object. - 😅 If you accidentally say "umm," don't fret! Take a deep breath and continue; the opposing team may not even notice, sparing them from gaining a point. - 🥳 Most importantly, have fun! The ultimate goal is to enjoy yourself. Conclusion 🎉 "You Can't Say Umm" is an exceptional party game with loads of replayability. If the rule cards initially seem too challenging, feel free to start with one or ignore them. Every play through is guaranteed to induce belly laughs. It's an easy-to-teach, quick-to-play game that keeps everyone engaged during every turn. Don't miss out on the fun – grab your copy and let the “ummm” laughter begin! 😄

One of my 2025 resolutions was to review all my two-player games and decide which ones are keepers and which ones need to be gifted or rehomed. This doesn’t mean the games are bad—some may just not spark the joy they once did. My wife and I also have a goal to reduce our collection to keep things fresh, and reviewing our games will help us assess which ones are just collecting dust and could be enjoyed elsewhere. As I started this process, I realized that certain qualities make a two-player game stand out for me. These aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re the things I instinctively look for when deciding if a game is worth keeping. As we’ve gone through our collection, it’s been interesting to see how our tastes sometimes overlap and sometimes they couldn't be more opposite. There are games I absolutely love that my wife isn’t as into, and vice versa. But hey—compromise! Some games are sticking around purely because one of us adores them. Codenames Duet  drives me up a wall (I’m terrible at it, and it frustrates me to no end. I blame it on English being my second language), but my wife loves it, so it stays. On the other hand, The Game: Face to Face  is one I love, but she’d rather just play the original The Game . Both are staying because, at the end of the day, this collection is for the both of us 🤮 What I Look for in a Two-Player Game I’ve played a ton of two-player games, but over time, I’ve realized that certain qualities keep me coming back. These aren’t just things I like—they’re the pros and cons I start with when reviewing any game: 🎯 Strategic Depth I love games that offer meaningful choices without being overwhelming. Whether it's a tight duel or a clever tactical puzzle (oo or maybe a polyomino game. I'm a sucker for tile-placing), I want to feel like my decisions matter even if it's rolling a dice ⚔️ Player Interaction Some games are all about reading your opponent, while others let you build your own little engine in peace. I appreciate both styles and it really depends if I am in the mood for a solitaire game like Next Station London or a cut throat one like Kemet 🔄 Replayability A great game keeps me coming back. Whether it’s different strategies to explore, variable setups, or just the itch to play again, replayability is a must 🎒 Portable & Travel-Friendly I love taking games with me anywhere I go, whether it's on trips, to a cafe or pub, and of course to a friend’s house. Most two-player game should be easy to carry, quick to set up, and playable in different environments 🌍 Language Independence While my favorite gaming partner is my wife, I also play with people who don’t necessarily speak English. A game with minimal text makes it more accessible and helps keep the focus on the fun. Plus, some of my friends get overwhelmed when there’s too much reading involved! 🎲 Skill vs. Luck Balance I appreciate games that strike a good balance between strategy and luck, but I also love when a game goes all-in on one side—whether it’s a pure test of skill or a chaotic dice-rolling adventure. Different moods call for different games! 🃏 Component Quality If I’m going to spend time with a game, I want it to feel  good to play. Nice card stock, solid tokens, and great art all add to the experience, but it's not always a deterrent! ⏳ Setup & Downtime A game that gets to the action quickly and keeps both players engaged is a big win. I don’t mind a bit of setup if the payoff is worth it, but I love games that don’t take forever to get going or take longer to set up than actually play the game 📏 Table Space This one kind of serves two purposes. One to determine if games can be taken on the go as I need to consider how much room a game would need and if it has components I could lose or get ruined. I have to be cognizant on how much room a game needs to assess where we can play it ⏱ Time Length I love games that I can play in 30 minutes or less because they fit between other activities, but I also appreciate a longer, chunkier game when I have the time to really dig in 🥂 Cheers to keeping New Year's promises! How many games will we keep? We shall see. Follow my geeklist to find out! 🎲

🚀 This year is flying by! 2025 goals update: 🎲 21% of collection played 👑 19/100 Dominion kingdoms 📦 Collection <500 games = ✅ It's funny how we chase new releases, but the hype fades fast. Instead of a Top 2024, I looked at what’s still hitting the table and created a top 2 player and top multiplayer now that we are officially finished with the first quarter of 2025 🎒 Portable favorites: Desperate Oasis & Mindbug fit anywhere! Flip 7, Express Cross, Odin, and Bang Out of Order slip into pockets & purses. Jump Drive? Travels with us in a deck box 🏕️ Oh and not so portable, but our obsession Dominion which fits in a travel 1,000 card holder sleeved 🧩 Bigger games we love: Andromeda's Edge. It takes the whole table and brain 🧠 Sunrise at the Studio makes us want to learn pottery 🏺 Monkey Palace? Destigmatized buying legos as an adult. My wallet is probably crying at this very moment! What games are hitting your table? Any recent releases that you are still obsessed about?

🎬 Enter Middle-earth Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle Earth is a strategic two-player card game. The game is designed by Antoine Bauza and Bruno Cathala, beautifully illustrated by: Vincent Dutrait, and published by Asmodee and Repos Production. When I started dating my wife over a decade ago, I quickly learned that she’s a massive Lord of the Rings  fan. Since then, she’s tried every trick to get me to watch the movies or join her for anything Lord of the Rings related. But I held my ground, figuring it just wasn’t my thing. That was until we ordered Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth . Given our shared love for 7 Wonders  and 7 Wonders Duel , this game had us curious, so we decided to give it a shot. I was hesitant, armed with zero background knowledge of LOTR  and thinking I’d miss out. Joke’s on me—I’m now invested. This game is so good that I am going to watch the movies, and I'm contemplating reading the books. Will I let her persuade me into watching the extended edition films? Maybe not. But I’ll admit, this game might have turned me. You don’t need to be fluent in Middle-earth lore to play, but don’t be surprised if, like me, you end up hooked on Lord of the Rings 🫣 🗺️ Overview: The Ring, the Races, and Conquest In Lord of the Rings: Duel , you’ll either lead the Fellowship or command Sauron’s forces to battle for dominance across three epic chapters. The chapters intensify as you go, giving each side chances to strategize, adapt, and come out on top. If you play with the Fellowship, you can win the game by either: Completing the Quest of the Ring : lead Frodo and Sam to the end of the Quest track to destroy the One Ring Rallying Allies : recruit six different races to your side to forge a united Middle-earth Dominating the Board : have the Fellowship control all seven regions on the central board The Sauron has the same three winning conditions: Capture the Fellowship : reach Frodo and Sam on the Quest track and stop the One Ring’s destruction. Overpower the Regions : spread Sauron’s influence by controlling all seven regions Amass Allies and Power : acquire all six races to overwhelm the Fellowship 📦 Components Inside the box, you’ll find: A succinct and well written book One player aid--I wish there were two! A Quest of the Ring track in four pieces that comes together in a beautiful manner 69 Chapter cards, 23 for each of the three chapters with color blind friendly symbols 15 Units and 7 Fortresses for each side, yellow for the Fellowship and grey for the Sauron 18 Alliance tokens, three per race 7 Landmark tiles 1 central board 30 Coins The game comes with almost zero plastic! And it comes with an insert that allows for easy storage of the game. 🛠️ Setup Place the central board in the middle of the table Shuffle and stack alliance (race) tokens on top of the central board Shuffle first chapter cards and assemble them according to the diagram to see which cards go face up and which go face down Shuffle the seven landmark tiles and place three face up Determine Roles Sauron: receives two coins gets all grey units and towers places two grey units on Mordor The Fellowship: receives three coins gets all yellow units and towers places two yellow units on Arnor 🔄 Turn Overview Sauron goes first at the start of the game. Then, the Fellowship and Sauron take turns. During each turn you may either: Take a Chapter Card : by picking a face up card from the play area. You can pay any costs to place it in front of you, or discard it for one coin during the first chapter, two during the second chapter, and three during the final chapter Take a Landmark Tile : by selecting one of the three face-up tiles, paying its cost, and placing a fortress in the corresponding region. Each landmark tile provides one time unique bonuses and you can substitute coins for each skill you do not have 💡 Cards, Skills, Chaining and End of Chapter The Chapter cards come in six colors, each with unique symbols for colorblind accessibility. The card types are: Skills : depicted in grey and with a diamond shape. These cards provide abilities to help play other cards and tiles Races : depicted in green and with a triangle shape. These cards allows you to form alliances with the Races of Middle-Earth. Whenever you get two matching symbols or three different race symbols, you get bonuses. Additionally, if you ever secure one of each of the race cards, you immediately win the game Units : depicted in red and with a x shape. These cards allow you to place units in a region Quest : depicted in blue and with a rectangle shape. These cards allow you to move your character along the Quest of the Ring. As your character moves, you may get bonuses The Fellowship’s ultimate goal is to reach Mount Doom to destroy the ring and win the game Sauron closes in and tries to reach Frodo and Sam to prevent them from destroying the ring and immediately win the game Maneuvers : depicted in purple and with a star shape. These powerful cards are only available during the final chapter, and they allow you to either move your units, make your opponent lose coins, or remove enemy units. Coins : depicted in yellow and with a circle shape. The cards supply you with currency The game progresses through the three chapters. Each chapter with more powerful cards that can allow you to chain symbols, so you can play cards for free. Chapters conclude once all cards have been claimed. Then shuffle the next chapter cards and set them up according to the diagram found in both the box and rulebook 👍 Pros Diverse Paths to Victory : Three win conditions keep both players on their toes High Replay Value : Each game takes new direction depending on chosen strategies Language Independent : The game has icons which allow for this game to be played with anyone! I really like this feature as I play games in both English and Spanish and some of my friends do not speak both languages Colorblind Friendliness : The game has symbols to accommodate colorblind needs 👎 Cons Only one player aid! That does not include all the symbols, so this can be confusing during your first games Conflict Resolution : Battle outcomes are straightforward but might feel too repetitive for some How does LotR Duel fit my two-player game criteria ? 🏆 Final Thoughts Even though I’m not versed in Lord of the Rings (yet), I found the theme in Duel for Middle-earth  quite captivating. The artwork is stunning. The game is both strategic and straightforward, offering three distinct winning conditions—conquering regions, advancing on the Quest of the Ring, or forming alliances. This variety keeps the gameplay interesting and ensures that every choice feels significant. I warn you, if you are not a Lord of the Rings fan, you may become one after trying this game!

I love Trio by Happy Camper! This game is designed by 宮野 華也 (Kaya Miyano) and illustrated by Laura Michaud and 別府さい (Sai Beppu) . This clever little card game checks all the boxes for me—it's easy to learn, engaging, and perfect for both gamers and non-gamers alike. Whether you're playing with family, friends, or fellow board gamers, this one is one to try! The game plays in about 15 minutes, and it scales well at any count. This is the kind of game that offers fun, quick decisions with just the right mix of memory, deduction, and luck 🎨 The art? Gorgeous 🃏 The gameplay? Simple and engaging 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The audience? Literally everyone 📦 What's in the box? A deck of 36 cards —3 of each number, ranging from 1 to 12 A well written rulebook that includes Happy Camper mission which is to bring joy and connect people. I like it when proceeds go to a good cause and a portion of their profits helps fund camp scholarships 🎮 How It Plays On your turn you are looking to make a three of a kind! Whoever ate something with avocado goes first. I have an avocado tattoo, so I always go first! 1️⃣ Reveal a card—either from the center, your own hand, or by asking a friend for their lowest or highest card. Then, reveal one more! 2️⃣ If they match, keep going! 3️⃣ Found a trio? Then it’s yours! Missed? Cards go back, and that’s your turn 🏆 First to collect three trios wins! The game has three modes: 🔹 Simple : Collect any three trios—or win instantly with the lucky 7 trio! 🔹 Spicy : Collect two connected trios. Each number (except 7) has two linked numbers shown in the lower corners of the card. Match both to win! For example, 2 is connected to 5 and 9 🔹 Team : when playing with four or six players. Teams swap a card with their partner and cannot communicate. When a team wins a Trio, the other team can swap cards again 🏔️🕺 Where I've Played Trio This game has gone everywhere with me—ski trips, bars, and now, it’s made its way to the top of our St. Patrick’s weekend game list! 🍀 Whether you're sipping a drink or taking a break from the slopes, it’s the perfect grab-and-go game Pros 🎓 Simple rules 👥 Great at all player counts 🔄 Highly replayable 🌍 Language independent 🧠 Easy to learn 🎨 Beautiful cantina style artwork 🎒 Portable—take it anywhere! Considerations ⚠️ WARNING: This game makes me crave Mexican food & margaritas 🌮🍹 ⚠️ No official 2-player mode, but maybe there's one in the making? A girl can dream! ⚠️ This palette cleanser relies on luck and memory, which may not appeal to those seeking deeper strategy 🔥 The Bottom Line Trio is pure fun, fast, and packed into a tiny box. If you like light, clever card games with high replayability, you should try this one!

Jumping Dice designed by Taewon Moon and published by Boardboom Inc is a quick, loud, and chaotic party game for up to four players. Need a fun way to kick off game night? Deciding who gets to pick the next game? Or just looking for something fast and different? That’s where Jumping Dice comes in! Jumping Dice Components 12 Dice Cases : 3 red, 3 yellow, and 3 blue, each with 1 die inside 12 Dice : Matching the cases, each set includes dice in red, yellow, and blue 1 Game Bell : Get ready to ring it! 50 Game Cards : Featuring a variety of dice combinations to match Rulebook Gameplay: How to Play The game is straightforward, but don’t let that fool you—there’s enough tension to keep you on your toes Flip a Card : The top card reveals a dice combination you’ll need to match Shake the Dice Case : Match the three dice to the combination as fast as possible Ring the Bell : The first person to match their dice and ring the bell wins the round Out for the Round : If you ring the bell but your dice don’t match, you’re out for that round Repeat : The winner of each round reveals the next card, and you keep playing until all the cards are claimed (at home, we play to the first person has 3 Jumping Dice cards) ⚔️ The Battle Report: Pros & Cons Pros 🔥 Fast-paced 🧠 Easy to learn 🌎 Language independent 👪 Family friendly with a Junior expansion to make it easier for the little ones to participate 🛎️ Having to ring the bell is so much fun! Considerations ⚡ Speed: This game is all about quick reflexes and racing to ring the bell 🎲 It can feel random and very luck based Hard to acquire Bottom Line: Shake Your Way to Victory! Jumping Dice  is a blast if you’re looking for a light, fast-paced game where speed and reflexes are key. Whether you're playing with friends or family, it’s bound to get y'all competitive and it has a kids version which has two instead of three dice requirements per card

Are you tired of hearing "Happy New Year"? I am! But I'm not tired of gaming, and I'm already excited to see what 2025 has in store. This year, I'm setting some ambitious gaming goals, and I'm eager to get started. Though not in my resolutions, these are goals I try to aim for every day H-Index Hustle : continue to strive for a higher H-index (for those unfamiliar, it's a measure of a player's gaming "prestige", but in all seriousness it's how many games have been played that many times) Theme Nights : I love pairing games that thematically go well together. Sometimes, we go extra and create or use an existing playlist or even get drinks/food that goes with it. For instance, tonight we are doing pirate theme. Captain Flip  as an appetizers, followed by Perudo , for the main course the option of Dead Man's Cabal  or Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest  and for dessert, Beacon Patrol . We are making a rum pineapple smoothie (kind of like piña colada, but our own flair) and ordering Cuban. Is this really a Pirate night? Nah, but it's close enough Playtime Milestones : I'm setting personal goals for the number of games I play with my wife and with each of my different gaming groups Play Every Game : determined to give every game in my collection some love. It's time to either play them or let them go! Two-Player Powerhouse : I plan to review all our two-player games and keep only the absolute favorites. Expect some tough decisions and perhaps a few tears along the way My City : We loved My City with two players, so we're ready to tackle the four-player campaign! Sagrada Artisans : Sagrada is a beloved classic in our house, so I'm eager to see how the Artisans expansion adds to the fun. Dominion Domination : aiming for 100 unique Dominion kingdoms this year. This game is incredibly addictive, and I love sharing it with friends Collection Control : I'm aiming to keep my collection under 500 games. This means saying goodbye to games that no longer spark joy. I'm incredibly excited for another year of gaming adventures, filled with friends, laughter, and unforgettable memories 🎉 Cheers to 2025!