Podcasts · Leisure

Board Game Hot Takes

Board Game Hot Takes

300 episodes

We tell you how a board game experience felt - just minutes after we finish playing. Three unique points of view. No non-game nonsense.

Episodes page 1 of 6

  1. Drillers

    · 1 h 15 min · Episode 320

    In Episode 324 we give our hot take review on Drillers covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on Board Game Packaging and then discuss some games on our table…

  2. Top 3 Board Games We Wish We'd Designed

    · 1 h 19 min · Episode 323

    In Episode 323 we're joined by board game designer Connie Vogelmann to discuss our top 3 board games we wish we'd designed. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:56 Connie tells us about Tideward and Weaverbirds 12:16…

  3. Hot Topic - When are Epic Games Worth It?

    · 57 min · Episode 322

    In Episode 322 we discuss epic (big, long) board games. How do you define an epic game? Are they worth the time investment? What games do you consider epic games? How often do you want to be playing them? If you enjoy…

  4. Bus

    · 1 h 09 min · Episode 321

    In Episode 321 we give our hot take review on Bus covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on Duel Games and then discuss some games on our table including…

  5. Hot Topic - Board Game Collecting

    · 54 min · Episode 320

    In Episode 320 we discuss the board game collecting as a part of the hobby. Do we consider ourselves collectors? What makes an interesting collection? Why do board games make good (or bad) collections? If you enjoy…

  6. Gunsen: The Battle for Toshi Ranbo

    · 1 h 19 min · Episode 319

    In Episode 319 we give our hot take review on Gunsen COLON The Battle for Toshi Ranbo covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on whether its okay to concede in…

  7. Our Spirit Games, Grail Games, Most Gifted Games, and More - Mailbag #9

    · 1 h 16 min · Episode 318

    In Episode 318 we answer a bunch of mailbag questions asked by our Patreon supporters. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:39 What's your Spirit Game? 04:39 Have you ever sold or traded a game away but later decided…

  8. Wondrous Creatures

    · 58 min · Episode 317

    In Episode 317 we give our hot take review on Wondrous Creatures covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on discovery vs. mastery and also discuss some games…

  9. Top 5 Party Games

    · 1 h 18 min · Episode 316

    In Episode 316 we play and discuss many of our favorite party games and you can play along with us. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:37 Balderdash 11:04 Wavelength 18:05 Green Team Wins 22:59 Skull 27:18 Poetry…

  10. Top 3 Resource Economies in Board Games

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 315

    In Episode 315 we discuss our top 3 resource economies in board games. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Beat The Expert Contest Winners 04:43 Top 3 Resource Economies in Board Games (Brass: Birmingham, Clans of…

  11. Entropy

    · 1 h 14 min · Episode 314

    In Episode 314 we give our hot take review on Entropy covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on how other people's experience at the game table impacts you and…

  12. Super Mini-Review Party!

    · 1 h 19 min · Episode 313

    In Episode 313 we discuss a bunch of recent games that we've been playing. We also catch listeners up on the BGHT Beat The Expert Contest. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 08:52 Dawn of Madness 24:18 Trio / nana…

  13. Favorite Board Games of All Time 2026 Edition (1-10)

    · 1 h 42 min

    In Episode 312 we conclude the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 1-10. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:40 Tournament of Champions Contest Update 03:25 Ark Nova 06:17 Azul 08:14…

  14. Favorite Board Games of All Time 2026 Edition (11-20)

    · 1 h 34 min · Episode 311

    In Episode 311 we continue the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 11-20. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Contest Announcement 05:10 Underwater Cities 08:33 Tycoon India 1981…

  15. Favorite Board Games of All Time 2026 Edition (21-30)

    · 1 h 26 min · Episode 310

    In Episode 310 we continue the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 21-30. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Le Havre 04:10 Shamans 07:02 Wonderland's War 09:22 Emberleaf 11:54…

  16. Favorite Board Games of All Time 2026 Edition (31-40)

    · 1 h 26 min · Episode 309

    In Episode 309 we continue the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 31-40. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Reforest 03:42 Ada's Dream 05:53 Rats of Wistar 08:57 March of the Ants…

  17. Favorite Board Games of All Time 2026 Edition (41-50)

    · 1 h 23 min · Episode 308

    In Episode 308 we start the 2026 countdown of our top 50 Board Games of all time with choices 41-50. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:50 Anachrony 06:31 Spirit Island 09:44 Let's Go To Japan 13:56 Harmonies…

  18. 2026 Mid-year Board Game Roundup

    · 51 min · Episode 307

    In Episode 307 we reflect on the year of 2026 in board gaming at this mid point to talk about some of our favorite (and most disappointing) board games and experiences so far. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 1:30…

  19. Amalfi: Renaissance

    · 48 min

    In Episode 306 we give our hot take review on Amalfi: Renaissance covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on kingmaking and also discuss some games that have…

  20. A Barrage of Board Game Topics - Mailbag #8

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 304

    In Episode 305 we answer a bunch of mailbag questions asked by our Patreon supporters. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 2:28 For what game do you prefer the digital implementation? What game do you refuse to play…

  21. Emberleaf

    · 1 h 13 min

    In Episode 304 we give our hot take review on Emberleaf covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We discuss a poll on anthropomorphic animals in board games and also discuss some…

  22. BGGCon Spring 2026 Recap

    · 1 h 10 min · Episode 303

    In Episode 303 Tim discusses all of the games played during his recent weekend at BGGCon in Dallas. We also discuss a poll related to making friends at board game conventions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30…

  23. Tabled! Loads of Recent Games Played

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 302

    In Episode 302 we discuss a bunch of recent games that we've been playing. We also discuss a poll on how many games you get played in an average session. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:37 Poll Time: How many…

  24. Lacerdafiable - Speakeasy vs. Kanban EV

    · 1 h 11 min · Episode 301

    In Episode 301 we feature two games by Vital Lacerda: Speakeasy and Kanban EV. We also discuss a poll on heavy games and include our final thoughts on heavy games in general and whether Vital Lacerda is a designer we…

  25. Episode 300 - The Best of BGHT

    · 59 min · Episode 300

    In Episode 300 we reflect on doing the show for so long and share tons of our favorite clips from the history of the show. If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at…

  26. BGHT SandyCon Recap Part 2 (9 Games Discussed)

    · 1 h 33 min · Episode 299

    In Episode 299 we discuss all of the games played during the second half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering in San Diego, California. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Stroganov 12:14 Manhattan…

  27. BGHT SandyCon Recap Part 1 (7 Games Discussed)

    · 56 min · Episode 298

    In Episode 298 we discuss all of the games played during the first half of our semi-annual in-person games gathering, this time in San Diego, California. If you enjoy the show, please vote for Board Game Hot Takes for…

  28. Top 5 Dopamine Loaded Board Games

    · 56 min · Episode 297

    In Episode 297 we discuss how board games trigger dopamine and name our top 5 games loaded with dopamine hits. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction Top 5 Dopamine Loaded Board Games 05:57 Endeavor: Deep Sea 9:02 No…

  29. Our 2025 BGG Golden Geek Nominations

    · 1 h 04 min · Episode 296

    In Episode 296 we talk through our real-time nominations for the 2025 boardgamegeek.com Golden Geek Awards. If you enjoy our show and would like to support us by nominating us for Best Board Game Podcast you can do…

  30. Endeavor: Deep Sea

    · 1 h 03 min · Episode 295

    In Episode 295 we give our hot take review on Endeavor: Deep Sea covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We talk about the games we'll be playing at our bi-annual (or…

  31. The Economics of Self-Publishing a Board Game

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 394

    In Episode 294 we invite board game designer, Andy Schwarz, on to discuss his experience with self-publishing a game and he shares lessons learns, tips and tricks, and some real financial numbers. You can read Andy's…

  32. BGHT in Africa - 15 Great Animal Themed Games

    · 1 h 05 min · Episode 293

    In Episode 293 we each cover 5 board games that integrate animals themes. We also discuss a poll on packing board games when travelling on a plane. 00:00 Introduction 03:50 Poll Time: How do you pack board games…

  33. Viticulture: Bordeaux and Revive: Call of the Abyss

    · 48 min · Episode 292

    In Episode 292 we give our hot take review on two board game expansions - Viticulture: Bordeaux and Revive: Call of the Abyss Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 0:35 Viticulture: Bordeaux 0:51 Gameplay and Mechanisms…

  34. Top 5 Overlooked Board Games (2020-2024)

    · 1 h 17 min · Episode 291

    In Episode 291 we look back at some hidden gems from 2020-2024. We each name at least one game that doesn't get discussed much anymore from each of these years and talk about why they deserve more attention.…

  35. Hot Topic: Board Game Strategy

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 290

    In Episode 290 we discuss board game strategy, how we approach it, and why we care about strategy when we're playing board games. We also discuss a poll about discussing strategy after a play. Timestamps: 00:00…

  36. Dewan

    · 1 h 00 min · Episode 289

    In Episode 289 we give our hot take review on Dewan covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We also discuss some games that have been on our tables including Speakeasy,…

  37. Missing Themes, Promising Designers, and More! - Mailbag #7

    · 1 h 13 min · Episode 288

    In Episode 288 we dive into the mailbag in search of our listener's best board game related questions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 2:14 Theme that doesn't exist that you'd like to see in a game? 12:28 What are…

  38. Tree Huggers: Forest Shuffle vs. Reforest

    · 1 h 10 min · Episode 288

    In Episode 287 we give our hot take review on Forest Shuffle and Reforest and cover the gameplay and production of both and then discuss which we preferred. We also discuss a poll on separating resource components…

  39. Top 5 Expansions We Won't Play Without

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 286

    In Episode 286 we cover 5 board game expansions each that are (almost) mandatory. 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Board game expansions we won't play without 03:31 Look back at Top 5 Board Game Expansions from Episode 47…

  40. The Old King's Crown

    · 1 h 06 min · Episode 285

    In Episode 285 we give our hot take review on The Old King's Crown covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We talk about the BGG Hall of Fame inductee, For Sale, and then discuss…

  41. Echoes of Time

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 284

    In Episode 284 we give our hot take review on Echoes of Time covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We cover a poll on motivations to engage with the board game hobby and then…

  42. 2025 Lookback and Board Game Awards

    · 58 min · Episode 284

    In Episode 284 we take a look back at 2025 and discuss some of the great (and no so great) games we played last year. Most of them were even published last year. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 2:27 Biggest Surprises…

  43. Hot Topic: Are We In Peak Board Gaming?

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 282

    In Episode 282 we discuss the current state of the hobby and if it's the best it's ever been. Are we in peak board gaming? Where do we go from here? If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us at…

  44. Top 5 Games We Only Played Once in 2025

    · 52 min · Episode 281

    In Episode 281 we look back at the games we played once for the first time in 2025. Great games and we want to play them more. We briefly look at last year's list and see how we did. 00:00 Introduction 04:24 Last…

  45. Top 5 Board Games We Want To Play in 2026

    · 1 h 16 min · Episode 280

    In Episode 280 we look back at last year's list of games we wanted to get played and then we discuss the games that are top of mind we hope to get to try over the next year. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:12 Last…

  46. Ada's Dream

    · 1 h 16 min · Episode 279

    In Episode 279 we give our hot take review on Ada's Dream covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We cover a poll on Multi-player Solitaire board games and then discuss some…

  47. Top 5 Family Games

    · 1 h 16 min · Episode 278

    In Episode 278 we discuss the top 5 games that each of us thinks will be a big hit for families of all types (family gatherings, gaming with kids, etc.) Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:12 Top 5 Family Board Games…

  48. Hot Topic: Our BGG Ratings

    · 1 h 02 min · Episode 277

    In Episode 277 we discuss why and how we rate board games on BGG and run through each of the rating levels, how they're described on BGG, and provide samples of our ratings at each level. We also discuss a poll about…

  49. Joyride: Survival of the Fastest

    · 1 h 14 min · Episode 276

    In Episode 276 we give our hot take review on Joy Ride: Survival of the Fastest covering the mechanisms, the production, and our overall feelings of the game. We cover a poll on board game convention attendance and…

  50. Annoyances, Omissions, and More - Mailbag Episode #6

    · 1 h 07 min · Episode 275

    In Episode 275 we return to the mailbag and answer a bunch of our listener's board game related questions. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 1:31 What are some of your go-to games for groups that have varying levels of…

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