Episode 4 – Puerto Rico the Beginning

Posted on November 29, 2011 by RichMShay

In this episode, I start a series on playing Puerto Rico and I interview Andy Latto, an incredibly good player and a nice guy to play with.
I’ll present what I think every Puerto Rico player should understand right after they learn the rules. This episode is a strategic overview. I’m sure plenty of folks will have dissenting views and I hope they will present them in future episodes.

I apologize for the long interval between episodes. They will come out quicker, at least over the winter. I was having too much fun this summer. Some of it wasn’t even gaming, but a lot was.

Puerto Rico Part 1 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Episode 3 – Just Enough Math & Meet the Other Sheas!

Posted on April 11, 2011 by RichMShay

In this episode I attempt to cover enough probability to help you make better decisions in games, without giving you so much that you fall asleep behind the wheel and drive into a ditch.
I interview the gamingest family that I have met, and they are Sheas (no relation, spelled differently, really). I met them at TotalCon in 2007 and have gamed with them at conventions since. Aside from being fun to game with, they are all excellent competitive gamers. I interviewed most of them at Euroquest in November, 2010 and I’ve added that to this episode.

Play Board Games Better Episode 3 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Total Confusion 25 Results & Comments

Posted on March 31, 2011 by RichMShay

Not only did I attend Total Confusion 25 in Mansfield, I also worked as the #2 Minion for boardgaming. Thanks to Rob Kircher’s experience and discipline, the events were organized and on time. Participation was up from previous years and many folks have commented on how well the convention runs.

The convention website has the winners’ name in each tournament listed, but I thought I would add a longer list of the boardgame finalists. I’m hoping more photos of the event will show up soon. Please add your comments on the tournaments.
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Recon #2 7 Wonders

Posted on March 11, 2011 by RichMShay

This is the second Recon. It is not a review, unboxing or session report. Instead, I assume that you are familiar with the game and own or have played it. This session goes over the resources and structures of the game in detail so that you may work on better play and strategy.

7 Wonders is a game designed by Antoine Bauza. It was published in 2010 Repos Productions. I like it a lot and I think due to game play, length and support for up to 7 players it will become popular in competitive play.
Detailed charts and other information that support the Recon are on the continuation of the page.

7 Wonders Recon [ 21:01 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Episode 2 – Be Ready to Play Better

Posted on February 12, 2011 by RichMShay

In this episode, I concentrate on what you can do to play better that has nothing to do with the games or their rules.

There is an interview with Rob Kircher. Rob is the Board Game Room Director at Total Confusion. He is also a very competitive player and a great game teacher.

Play Board Games Better Episode 2 [ 28:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Recon #1 Egizia

Posted on November 30, 2010 by RichMShay

This is the first Recon. It is not a review, unboxing or session report. Instead, I assume that you are familiar with the game and own or have played it. This session goes over the resources and structures of the game in detail so that you may work on better play and strategy.

Egizia is a game by the design team called Acchittocca. It was published in 2009. My gaming group enjoys it quite a bit and I believe it will become popular in competitive play.
Detailed charts and other information are on the continuation of the page.

Egizia Recon Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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Episode 1 – Introduction

Posted on November 11, 2010 by RichMShay

Finally the 1st episode is complete.

Aside from an introduction, there are the first rules of learning to play competitively, and an interview with Richard J. Shay plus information on Total Confusion, my favorite small convention with tournaments, from its Board Game Room Director, Rob Kircher, and my pal Joel Feldman.

I have to improve my sound editing skills and apologize for the rough edges, especially the volume changes (and obvious environment changes).
Sites referenced in the podcast include:
www.boardgamegeek.com for rules, summaries and FAQs on games.
Boardgame Players Association’s World Boardgaming Championship
EuroQuest gaming conference outside Baltimore.

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Episode 1 [ 27:54 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
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Welcome to the Pregame Show!

Posted on October 1, 2010 by RichMShay

This is the home of the Play Boardgames Better podcast.

Soon, the first podcast will be launched. Each month a new podcast will be added.

The first few months will be devoted to an overview of playing boardgames better. That means, making better preparation, making better decisions and being able to play in competitive settings. Each podcast will also include an interview with an excellent gamer with experience and success in competitive settings.

After that, each podcast will be devoted to a game that is popular in competitive settings or a competitive boardgame event.

I will also add videos about using specific games as training aids and videos that break down games from the viewpoint of a player, rather than the typical review or demo intended to help you decide if you want to buy the game.

As a warning, I will be changing the format and appearance of the site as I learn more about WordPress and until I establish a look and feel that I like.

Thanks for reading this far. I hope this will be the beginning of a rewarding relationship for you.

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