Frank Hamrick

This is the “grand-daddy” of euro games (at least for the American market). It is the one that was most effective in introducing the American contingent to the Euro gaming scene. Many today want to knock it – but I see that as an “elitist” attitude. It was great in 1996 (when I discovered it, and the Euro scene), and it’s still just as great. I have tons of friends that know nothing about Euros, but they know Settlers! I’ve used it to get lots of people into our hobby. Some luck, yes. But the better players usually show up at the end. Has to be one of the best games I’ve ever played.

Pronounced Trrrr-WAH. Plays Trrrrr-IFIC. The downside to this one: tough to learn how the cars work. There are TONS of choices to make each turn. Forget that this is a game that uses dice. It is NOT a typical dice game. It is a game of myriad choices, lots of decisions. I love it – but find only hard-core gamers are willing to dig in their heels and learn it. But it’s a keeper. One of the best for 2011.

This is the perfect “gateway” game to introduce new gamers to the world of Euro games. And with all of the expansion maps and add-ons, this one has enough variety for everyone. I own practically every expansion of the TtR family: Europe, Marklin, Nordic Countries, Switzerland, 1910. Plays simple and relatively quickly. Little down-time.

Not for the first time gamer, nor the casual gamer. This one takes a while to play, but it is worth it. It has meat. win this, and you feel like you’ve accomplished something. On my all-time top 10 list for sure.

7 Wonders is like a game of potato chips. You can’t eat just one. It’s short, but with wonderful decisions each turn. The game has almost NO down-time. 30 minutes. Re-set. Play again! 7 Wonders is Wonder-ful.