Today we emphasize not what games can teach, but what games can invoke and inspire. Often times our fascination with a subject begins with such a spark and a relative base of interest. Interpretation, a word often used by naturalists, is a perfect fit for the idea we present today. Our love of history, mythology, and the natural work often began with some kind of introduction outside of the classroom.

We first explored under the sea with Nautilus. You have to split your efforts between excavating treasures from the ocean floor and building an underwater research center with the rest of the players. Winning the game means paying attention to both efforts. Our next adventure takes us way back in time with Settlers of the Stone Age. The best at exploring and settling the world will win the game. Like most Catan games, interaction with the rest of the players at the table is a very important part of the game. We also had some fun with a word game called Bananagrams. Everyone races to build a crossword out of a pool of letters. Its a good way to learn vocabulary from others at the table. Make sure to have a dictionary handy, you'll probably challenge someone sooner or later.

We normally visit briefly about the social and mental qualities of games, but today we took a more practical approach and discussed value. When compared to other entertainment activities, buying a board game is one of the best ways to stretch your dollar. Every game that you buy can be played over and over again. You will be amazed at how much use you will get out of today's games.

Pillars of the Earth is one of our favorites because it can be played over and over again. It is a strategy game, requires some thought, and will keep you engaged and always thinking about a variety of choices. Everyone is working to build a cathedral, but you want to show the most progress. Also look for the expansion set for more players and more choices. Catan Dice Game is the next one that has drawn our attention. It is an extremely economical choice and is small enough to take anywhere. With really simple rules, it is playable to those as young as seven years old. With its small size, it is easy to take anywhere you go. Your resources come from the dice; how you spend those resources is up to you.

There are more and more groups meeting all over the Southern Arizona area to try out new games. If you know anyone in the area, be sure to refer them to our meetup group or the Southern Arizona Gamers Association. Todays topic is about reading and comprehending informational text. This is an important skill to learn. It is convenient that every game comes packaged with a lesson called the rule book.

We dive into a fun party game that works really well in mixed company with mixed levels of experience. Good Question is by Asmodee Editions. Your challenge is to ask questions that are easy enough to get the answer you want, but not so easy that it is guessed on the first try. In the Mayfair Game, Megastar, you are managing a radio station. Your goal in this one is the influence the top pics with a little bit of play and keep your bands on the top of the charts. But if you play them too much, you will not have anything left to show for it. We learned this one and were having fun in no time. A favorite of ours has always been Domaine by Mayfair Games. This one is a little bit more strategically intense, but still easy to learn and play. You will be moving your boarders back and forth between your domains while trying to encompass the most valuable resources.

The show goes on. There are hundreds more games to play and billions more people to meet. Our main topic today is about building community. We are delighted to announce in today's show that our community in Sierra Vista has found a new home. We have also started a meetup group to help us organize and find new players. Our meeting times and locations are listed there. Its free, so come and by and play.

The first game we talk about today is Kragmortha. This one has a physical component. The goal is on the other side of the room; the fun is bumping your competitors into the evil dark lord and forcing them to take on vile curses. These curses may need to be held between your elbows for the remainder of the game. The rules are easy for kids 8 and up to learn and play with each other. We had an absolute blast with Entdecker. The age recommendation for this one is 10 and up. You take turns flipping tiles and exploring the world. Your score will reflect how well you navigate the seas and your wise allocation to land expeditions. This one will be a coming part of Catan Online for premium account holders. You can also play a super simplified solitaire version online called Oceannia or step through the online tutorial.

The best games have important decisions that need to be made. This is what makes the games fun and challenging for us, but its also an opportunity to exercise an incredibly important skill. You often have to operate under at least a little bit of pressure and mange risk with the unknown elements of the game.

We have been playing Coloretto by Rio Grande Games quite frequently with a wide range of people. With recommended ages of 8 and up, it is incredibly easy to learn, plays quickly, and fun to play. You choose on every turn to take and place a colored card, or add a row of cards to your collection. Those choices sound simple, but how well you make those choices will determine your success.

Our latest favorite is called Lascaux by Mayfair Games. It is playable for anyone ages 8 and up and has been played continuously since we got it. You are collecting like sets of cave paintings. On each turn you either invest your stone or take stones from the pot. If you invest enough and stick around, you get first pick of the cards. It is easy to learn, plays fast, and is a lot of fun.

If you are in the local area, be sure to stop by and play with us. Family Night is still looking for a new home, but we can also be found at several of Southern Arizona events, such as the Ides of Gaming.

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