Board Games For Families - Saboteur Card Game Review

Recently I threw my husband a surprise birthday party and decided to have a game night theme. I chose two card games to play, Bang (a wild west-themed game) and Saboteur (a dwarf/mine building game). I thought the wild west theme seemed more fun to dress up for so I made it a "western" decor party and had everyone dress accordingly. It was a blast. We had all played the game Bang before, but none of us had played Saboteur. To our surprise that game turned out to be the favorite of the night. We've played it a few times since and have discovered some limitations to the game and also some very fun aspects. Here is a little "Saboteur Review" for you.
Saboteur Card Game: Game Play
This game is for 3-10 players which is a big perk in my mind (great for parties). Each player assumes a role of either a regular dwarf or a saboteur. The regular dwarfs are trying to build mines to get to some gold, and the saboteurs are trying to prevent them from getting there. There are ways to block each other and cards you can lay to slow down the progress. Gold is awarded at the end of a round depending on who was successful in achieving their objective. At the end of three rounds whoever has the most gold wins.
Saboteur Card Game: Fun Factor
One of the upsides to this game is that it is VERY easy to explain and learn. It's light-hearted enough that you don't have to be TOO focused to be able to play it. It's got a sneaky aspect to it when you try to conceal your identity. So it's a fun challenge to try to stay hidden and discover what everyone else is trying to do too. One of the frustrations in the game is that if you get an attack card played against you, it is quite possible that you will be unable to draw a "fix" card by the end of the round. This makes it very frustrating when you can't do anything for a while round. We haven't been able to figure out a way to balance out this problem in the game yet.
Saboteur Card Game: Contention Factor
The first few times we played this in large groups and there was very little contention. However we tried a few games with a three player group and it was disastrous. With only one or zero saboteurs in the game, basically it just becomes a race between the dwarfs. Whoever can reach the gold FIRST gets the most points. So instead of really working together with the other dwarf(s) it really is like every other player is your enemy. This makes for hostility and you can even sabotage yourselves so that you can't reach the gold which causes a lot of frustration. I tend to enjoy the cooperation aspect of the game, so this type of aggressive behavior was a real turn off to me. I think the sweet spot would probably be about 5-6 players.
Overall I think Saboteur is a pretty good family board game. In fact, my 4 year old son always wants me to pull it out and play with him (although he doesn't play the exact regular rules). If you have kids around 8 and up you can pull this out and let the whole family engage in a game together. This is the type of interaction we love in my household.
About the Author
Jodi is an avid game-player who loves to write about her euro-gaming adventures on the blog Board Games For Families where she discusses her favorite games along with her husband and game-playing cousins.
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GenCon Indy 2009

Recently, at GenCon Indy 2009, Wizards of the Coast announced the next campaign setting for Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition. WotC announced that Dark Sun would be the next official campaign setting for 4th Edition. This announcement was to the delight of many fans, as Dark Sun was widely considered a fan-pleasing choice that offered new variety and a change of pace from the current fantasy settings offered for D&D 4e.
As stated, the world of Athas is very different from the stereotypical fantasy settings. Unlike Forgotten Realms, Dragonlance, Greyhawk, or the many other 'traditional fantasy' settings, Athas is a bleak desert wasteland set in a post-apocalyptic setting. Many players compare the Dark Sun setting to a 'Dying Earth' setting more than a fantasy setting.
One of the biggest differences in this setting is the lack of magic and the prominence of psionics. The world of Athas has been ravaged by magical backlash and destruction. Magic is primarily wielded only by a select few who typically dominate the land and are looked at negatively, for the most part. In place of magic, psionics has become of big part of society in the world of Athas. Psionics, rather than magic, is more common and accepted among the population.
The majority of the traditional fantasy races are represented in the Dark Sun setting. There are Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Half-Elves, and Halflings. In addition to these races, you also have certain races that are specific to the Dark Sun setting, as well as races available for player character that are not typically available in other fantasy-based games. There are Half-Giants, which are typically only 'monster' creatures and not often available for play as a player character race. There is also Thri-Kreen, which are a race of Mantis men. And there are Muls, which are a half dwarf and half human hybrid.
The classes in Dark Sun vary from other settings as well. There aren't too many true equivalents to Sorcerers, Monks, or Paladins in the game. Most spell casters are divided into two different sides, Defilers or Preservers. The 'Priests' in Athas don't worship deities in the traditional sense. They derive their power from other available sources in the world.
If you are looking to get some reading in about Dark Sun before the campaign guide comes out, there are three different book series that will help you. The first series is the Tribe of One by Simon Hawke. It is a three book series which make a great starter series about the setting. There is also the Chronicles of Athas, which is a five book series by multiple authors. It provides several different writing styles in one series. And finally the Prism Pentad by Troy Denning is a five book series. This series was the first to come out in the early 90's and will most likely be republished prior to the Dark Sun Campaign Guide's release.
The Dark Sun setting is a great choice by Wizards of the Coast for their next campaign setting. It is something that the fans asked for and it makes perfect sense for Wizards of the Coast as a company. The world is unique and a welcomed change from the traditional fantasy settings that are available currently. The Dark Sun Campaign Guide will be released in 2010 for the Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition rule set.
About the author:
Samuel Van Der Wall writes about roleplaying games, miniatures, gaming, and geek culture. Read more of his articles about roleplaying at Roleplaying Pro.

Corn Toss Game - An Overview

The corn toss game is a very popular outdoors game and is played with friends and family during picnics and parties. This is a perfect thriller game and keeps the participants and the audiences on their toes. When the game is played among friends and family there is a lot or cheering and noise. The atmosphere becomes very electrifying and all the people enjoy it. Whatever may be the result of the game, all people who are participating the game enjoy the exciting moments.Picnic and parties are main occasions when corn toss game is played by family members. It is most popular outdoor game today. The thrill associated with this game is attractive part of it which keeps suspense alive until end. Participants and audiences enjoy that suspense. As it is played by family and friends too much of pleasantry atmosphere is available and lots of cheering and noise is there. Enchanting atmosphere makes it excellent partying game which everybody likes to explore, it doesn't matter who win and looses in this game.Considered most popular outdoor game corn toss game has importance in picnics and parties where families and friends enjoy it. An important part of this game is that it has perfect thrill which is maintained until end so that participants and audiences enjoy that till game ends. As it is played by family members and friends creating cheering and noisy atmosphere while playing corn toss is common scene. Everybody enjoys these momentous moment as none bother about winning or loosing. Main concentration of participants and spectators is enjoying exciting moments.
Most people fear of getting hurt during a game, but with this game, there is no chance of getting hurt as you are not aiming any object on any person. The corn hole bags are aimed at a hole on the board. The whole idea of this game is to keep all the participants and the audiences excited all the time. During the parties, you can have two or more teams competing against each other and the team with the highest points wins the game.Usually people avoid games because they have an apprehension of getting hurt in them. But in the corn toss game there is no scope of getting hurt as no object is involved in the aiming process. The simple concept is that corn hole bags are to be aimed at certain hole on the board. Main purpose of this game is to keep every participant in cheering mood. Usually the partiers divide in two to three groups and play this game. The team which secures highest point is declared winner.Many people don't play games because of apprehension that they might get hurt. Added advantage of corn toss game is that you don't get hurt in it as no material or object is involved in aiming. It is meant for fun lovers who collect corn hole bags and aim at particular hole on board. Sole motive behind this game is to keep the participants happy and excited. Often attendees divide into two or more parties to play it. The team which secures highest point is declared winner.
To play this game you will need the game items such as the cornhole bags and corn hole boards or platforms. When you go to the nearest sports shop, you will have to buy the entire set of the corn toss game. If you buy the game items individually, you may have to pay a bit more than the regular price. When buying the items make sure that you have a general idea of the sizes and dimensions. Most corn toss game items are consistent when it comes to the size and dimensions.Accessories are the most important parts . Cornhole bags and corn hole boards or platforms are the commonest of such items. Usually complete set of corn toss game is available in the sports shops in every place. Go for buying the complete set of items in one attempt because separate items maybe costlier for you than its normal price. Check the sizes and dimension of game items while buying some for the corn toss game. These items must be suitable to your requirement. The sizing and dimensions of most corn toss game items are designed uniquely.Make corn toss game successful by arranging required game items. The accessories are cornhole bags and corn hole boards or platforms. These items are mandatory for any such game. Prefer purchasing complete set of accessories from your nearest sports shop rather than collecting individual items which ensures genuine pricing. Purchasing these items individually may cost you more than the actual rate. Have better idea about the size and dimension of different corn toss game accessories before purchasing any item. Usually the size and dimension of corn toss game items remain the generalized items.
If you are playing with corn toss game during the rains, then you need to ensure that you have weather resistant corn hole bags. Weather resistant corn hole bags are bags that can resist most harsh weathers such as the rains and snow. These weather resistant corn hole bags can be purchased from regular sports dealers. They may be a bit more expensive than the regular corn hole bags, but the weather resistant corn hole bags last for a longer term.Arrange weather resistant corn hole bags for your game in case you are playing corn toss game during rainy seasons. Such bags are prepared specially. They are powerful enough to resist harshest of weather conditions including rainy and snowy seasons. Several regular sports dealers sell these weather resistant corn hole bags. You can have your items from them. Such bags are a bit costly than the normal category of bags. Most important benefit of weather resistant corn hole bags is that they are long lasting.Do you wish playing corn toss game in rainy seasons. Make special arrangement for this purpose and have best quality weather resistant corn hole bags which are available everywhere. They can be bought from nearby regular sports shops. Weather resistant corn hole bags are capable to resist harshest of weather conditions including extreme rain and snow. Such bags are costlier than regular items hence be prepared to pay more. Excellent quality of these bags is that they resist all weather conditions and are durable enough to last long.
Weather resistant corn hole bags are often made of weather resistant materials such as plastics. In fact, the corn of corn hole bags is replaced with plastic pellets to make it weather resistant. If plastic pellets are used to fill the bags, you may want to check the weight of the bags so that they are not too heavy than the regular corn filled bags. Weather resistant bags need to be cleaned and washed like the regular corn hole bags as they have a tendency to catch a lot of dirt and mud.Weather resistant materials like plastic is used in manufacturing weather resistance corn hole bags. Simple concept is applied and corn of corn hole bags is changed by plastic pellets. These bags then turn weather resistant. Make sure that such bags remain lighter in weight after the use of plastic pellets to fill bags. These bags shouldn't be heavier than corn filled bags meant for regular usage. Keep washing and clean them on regular basis like you do for regular corn hole bags. These bags must be kept safe from dirt and mud which catch them easily.Best quality weather resistant materials like plastics are used in manufacturing weather resistant bags. Replacement of corn with plastic pallets make regular corn hole bags into weather resistant corn hole bags. While using plastic pellets to fill corn hole bags make sure that these bags don't become heavy. Such bags shouldn't be heavier than regular corn filled bags. Both the categories of bags must be cleaned by proper washing. Either they are weather resistant or normal bags they should be cleaned regularly as they catch dirt and mud which is too much harmful.
The weather resistant corn hole boards are often made of PVC and are very durable. The major advantages of weather resistant corn hole bags are as follows:
o They do not get affected by rain water.
o They don't get eaten up by insects and other pests.
o They have a very low maintenance cost.
o They can be easily washed
Dave Threadcraft recommends playing washer toss games as a means of getting together with the family for a day of fun and activities and yet not strenuous at the same time. For more information on his recommended washers game, visit his site today.

Bridge books

Bridge books are available on every possible topic of the game of bridge. If you play the game you will understand immediately that you likely are an addict, or at the very least on your way to being one. The fabulous fact about playing bridge is that it can be thoroughly enjoyed at any and all levels of ability.

So I will address the addict in the first instance. The addict will certainly have to play the game regularly in order to avoid serious bridge withdrawal. The addict will also have a bridge partner with whom the joy of the game is explored, discussed and disputed. One of the partnership pleasures is working together to develop a successful bridge partnership.

If you find yourself getting more and more serious about the game of bridge you will quite naturally gravitate towards some of the books that exist which will suit your desires and needs.

If you need help in fine tuning your card play you will find many volumes of expert advice and opinion. You will obviously try some of it out at the next game and just hope that your game will improve so dramatically that your partner will be most impressed with your card playing prowess.

If instead you feel that your comprehension of your agreed bidding system is lacking the expertize you would desire, you will find a host of bridge books devoted to the system you have chosen. The number and variety of systems is far too great to try to produce a comprehensive list here. However, there are certain systems which have fairly universal appeal and likely you and your most recent partner have explored one or more of them. Just to mention a few of the more popular ones about which volumes have been written, I would list 'standard American yellow card (SAYC)', Acol, Goren, Two over One (2/1), Precision and variations which are often referred to as 'short club', 'better minor', '5 card majors', 'weak no trump' and on and on.

If any of these systems vaguely refer to what you and your partner are presently using, you will find many books which are devoted to exploring the finer points of each of these systems.

This, of course, does not mean you have to follow any of the suggestions which will jump off the page at you. But, you will be able to see how the experts use the system you prefer. This will give you the chance to fine tune what you are presently playing with your present partner.

There really is no better way for the bridge player, at any level, to proceed to being a better player and consequently enjoy the game more than to regularly read bridge books and discover exciting things to try out with your partner at your next game. Some will fail and some will succeed, but all will be a great challenge and joy for you as you progress toward being the champion that you dream of becoming.