Wednesday, February 27, 2013

I'm hooked ...


I'm not much a card player.  Let me correct that.   I'm not a good card player. 

I'm not crazy about board games either.  Oh, I like Monopoly for a while, then after a few hours,  I frantically start trying to find ways to go bankrupt. 

So on my recent visit to Ottawa, when my family suggested I play a new board game, I cringed internally, while externally I enthusiastically responded, "Oh yes, let's".

There is something intimidating about learning a new game: or am I the only one who feels that way ?

The first time playing a new game, involves so much assimilation of rules, that it's hard to know if you like the game or not.  After the second game, you start to have an inkling if it's for you.  And, as they say, the third time's a charm.

And I have been charmed by Carcassonne.


Created in Germany in 2000 and named after a medieval fortified town in southern France, it's a tile-based, board game, for two to five players.  The tiles may represent a piece of castle, river, field, road or monastery.  Tiles are selected blind, and must be laid down in a connected fashion, and if possible, claimed as your own.  

Playing with nephew Keith and his wife, Beth.

There is a nice balance of strategy and luck in the game.  And best of all, it doesn't last more than an hour.

Unless of course you play three games in a row.

Have you ever played Carcassonne ?   

Do you have a favourite board game ?

8 comments:

  1. I've not heard of Carcassonne. I have always played board games, first with my girls, and then with my grandchildren. I'm not a real fan of them, but play when I'm invited. I have a tendency to nod off if the game runs too long.

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  2. The nice thing about Carcassone is that you can easily limit the length of a game by simply playing with fewer tiles. On the other hand, if you like it, you can buy "expansion packs".

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  3. Hmmmm, I read this earlier, but apparently did not comment. Like Bonnie, I have never heard of this game. We often play a board game called Wildlife Adventure. I wanted to throw a bunch of board games away recently but the kids--especially one kid--vetoed the suggestion. I would like to play this game with you. Alas, it probably shall not happen soon.

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    1. I'd love to play it with you too Kathy. It can be played by two people. We'd have so much fun ! Haven't heard of Wildlife Adventure ...

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  4. I've also never heard of this game. Really nice to know there's a new game out there that's good.
    Our favorite game when my children were small was called "The London Game" You rode the London Underground around the city

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    1. That sounds like a fun game ! Is it still around ?

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  5. I share your low tolerance for games. Say, I wonder if there are any carcasses in those castles in Carcassone? I've never even heard of that game. I guess if I have to play a game, I'd vote for Scrabble.

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    1. We actually played Scrabble too. I bought my own Carcassone yesterday -- now I need to find someone to play it with.

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Thanks for stopping by. I really do love to read your comments.