OCBG
Game Night
July
9, 2002
Game Night is growing in size as of late, and tonight was the first night we actually had to split into two tables for gaming sessions. The night started off auspiciously, as there was some miscommunication between DaveO and Sarah regarding the actual entrance to Coronado at Newport. Downtown showed up and joined Sarah outside the apartment gates, and Sarah’s beauty and charm got the gate opened by a reluctant neighbor.
Soon enough, DaveO and Mattius arrived, followed shortly by Lisa who had been at the gym, and finally The Ricker. The Rickmeister took the lead and immediately began setting up Euphrates and Tigris, and grabbing Sarah and Downtown to join him. The nerve! My dislike for this game is near legendary, but some claim it to be the best of the best. One day I promise to give it another shot, I swear.
Rick 6
Dave B 5
Sarah 4
It all worked out though, as Dave had brought Traumfabrik, one I have really wanted to play. It’s a great auction game by Reiner Knizia, themed on 1940s Hollywood. Players are studio moguls, trying to hire the best actors, directors, camera men, and so on to complete their movies. The theme matches perfectly, and features real movies, actors and directors - a real who's who of Hollywood. This game blew me away. Not just because of my love for all that is Hollywood, but the game plays great! It was pretty easy to pick up, but was filled with strategy and tough decisions. This is by far the best Auction game I’ve ever played, and I highly recommend it. Most of all, it’s FUN. I especially like the Hollywood Party spaces, where you can have an A-list party, or a party of nobodies and wannabes. Very Hollywood, indeed. The game was pretty even throughout, although Lisa picked up some hangers-on she didn’t need, and was in the running for worst picture (actually worth +10 at the end of the game). DaveO managed to capture that honor, as he took home several awards and won.
DaveO 84
Matt 74
Lisa 72
Chris 70
We weren’t done with Traumfabrik as of yet, so Table 1 started up a game of Samurai, making it an Triple Crown for Knizia early in the evening. Rick ruled medieval Japan…
Rick Rice Patties, Buddhas
Sarah High Hats
Dave B
After both games wrapped up, we decided on pizzas from Al’s and learned valuable lesson we all shan’t soon forget. First off, Citadels is played best with 5 players, period!! We played with 7 players and although there were some highlights (Rick getting assassinated or stolen from almost every round was one) the game pretty much dragged and wiped out any gaming momentum we might have had going in. I love Citadels, but I’ll never play with more than 5 ever again. That is one of the new OCBG golden rules. Rick made a courageous comeback at the end, but to no avail. DaveOs town was too tough. Oh, the second lesson was to never order from Al’s if there is a major sporting event on TV.
DaveO 29
Rick 28
Dave B 26
Lisa 24
Matt 22
Sarah 22
Chris 22
Citadels proved too much for many to bear, and sparked a burnout. DaveO, Sarah, and Matty left, so the rest of us picked up the pieces and finished the evening with another Knizia and Lisa’s favorite, Trendy. We needed something light and quick so it fit the bill. We played a full year of fashion, and going into Spring DaveB and Rick were the two warring factions of the fashion world. But Rick’s Fall line proved too much for Downtown, and he took the modeling runways by storm.
Summer Winter Spring Fall Total
Rick 34 50 84 38 169
Downtown 32 50 82 18 148
Lisa 32 38 35 28 133
Chris 25 28 53 18 124
The night ended with me still not getting my gaming fill, but Games Day 8 is just around the corner, so I’ll get what I wish for soon enough. Thanks all for coming out! It was fun as always.