Board Gamers Anonymous
by Board Gamers Anonymous
Welcome to Board Gamers Anonymous, the podcast where everyone is welcome at the table. Hosted by Chris and joined by a rotating cast of passionate gamers, Board Gamers Anonymous brings you lively conversations about the games we love, the games we don't, and everything that keeps us coming back to the table. Each week, we dig into the biggest questions, debates, trends, and hot takes in tabletop gaming, alongside reviews, previews, recommendations, rankings, and plenty of opinions. From the newest releases and modern classics to the designers, mechanics, and moments that make this hobby great, BGA is about more than what's in the box—it's about the people around the table. After more than 13 years and nearly 600 episodes, we're still playing, arguing, laughing, and asking the most important question of all: **Whose turn is it?!* Pull up a chair. You're always welcome at our table.
Episodes
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Brand Theft Auto: Building Our Board Game Empires - Episode 597
Episode 597: Brand Theft Auto: Building Our Board Game Empires We’re stealing great games to build our own publishing companies. Six games. Six designers. One brand. This week, Chris and Tim turn their favorite designers’ hard work into entirely imaginary business empires. The challenge: assemble...
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SPIEL Essen 2026: Believe the Hype? Episode 596
SPIEL Essen 2026: Believe the Hype? Episode 596 The games! The crowds! The rapidly shrinking shelf space! This week on Board Gamers Anonymous, Chris and Tim discuss SPIEL Essen 2026 and the buzz surrounding the latest board game releases. With 230,000 visitors and more than 2,000 new releases at...
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Top Ten Phil Walker-Harding Games - Episode 595
Episode 595: Top Ten Phil Walker-Harding Games From drafting the cartoon sushi plate to building a bear park, Phil Walker-Harding has designed board games that are easy to bring to the table and full of clever choices. But which ones are his best? This week on Board Gamers Anonymous, Chris and…
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How to Win Friends and Influence Gamers - Episode 594
How to Win Friends and Influence Gamers Which board game do you bring to game night when you have one chance to make everyone say, “We need to play that again”? This week on Board Gamers Anonymous, Chris and Tim share games to win over children, families, non-gamers, experienced gamers, and heavy...
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Tim’s Darkest Timeline: One Game Has to Go! Episode 593
Tim’s Darkest Timeline: One Game Has to Go Three great games. One has to disappear from Tim’s gaming options forever. And Chris has generously volunteered Tim to make every terrible decision. This week on Voice of the Gamers, we put Tim through a gauntlet of impossible board game choices. Beloved...
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Never Play, but Never Purge! Episode 592
Episode 592 – Never Play, but Never Purge! It hasn’t hit the table in years. You can barely remember the rules. But suggest getting rid of it, and suddenly you’re prepared to defend that box like it contains a family heirloom. This week, Chris and Tim tackle Never Play, but Never Purge! in our...
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What if?! Tabletop Twists- Episode 591
Episode 591 – What If?! Tabletop Twists What if one moment in tabletop gaming history had gone differently? This week on Board Gamers Anonymous, Chris and Tim are messing with the timeline. In our Voice of the Gamers feature, we ask the tabletop questions that probably shouldn't be asked: What if…
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Board Game Red Flags! - Episode 590
Board Game Red Flags: When We Know a Game Isn't for Us We all have them: those little warning signs that make us look at a board game and immediately start planning our escape from the table. This week, Chris and Tim break down their biggest board game red flags—the mechanisms, themes, design...
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Episode 589 - Roll for Initiative…With Strangers!
Episode 589 – Roll for Initiative…With Strangers! This week, Chris is joined by our good friend Chris Rodriguez from Board Games for the Better to tackle something almost every gamer has experienced at some point: the anxiety of sitting down at a table with people you don’t know. Whether you’re...
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Episode 588 - BGG Top 100 & BGA 13th Anniversary
Episode 588: 13 Years of BGA — Taking on the BGG Top 100 Board Gamers Anonymous is officially 13 years old! To celebrate, Chris is joined by Tim and Game Master Dave, together on the podcast for the very first time, for a special look at the BoardGameGeek Top 100 games. All three of us are diving...
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Episode 587: 10 Games That Keep You Guessing
Episode 587: The Clue Is…10 Games That Keep You Guessing The clue is…a great game night! Chris and Tim count down 10 games built around giving clues, deciphering hints, and guessing the right words or numbers. Some clues will lead straight to the answer, while others may leave everyone wondering...
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Episode 586: Solitaire Game Commander Dave
Chris is joined by Game Master Dave for an episode packed with previews, reviews, and a dive into the world of solitaire gaming. Roll for Preview: Chris checks out Reiner Knizia’s Medici Traders, a tile auction game that brings a new spin to the classic Medici system, while Dave digs into…
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Episode 585 - Gen Con Post-Game Report 2026
Gen Con 2026 Postgame Report! Gen Con is in the books, and Chris and Tim are breaking down the biggest news, announcements, and games coming out of another record-breaking year in Indianapolis. More than 74,000 gamers showed up and brought rain, leaking roofs, tornado warnings, and plenty of...
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Episode 584 - If You Like The Odyssey, Try...
In anticipation of Christopher Nolan's epic take on The Odyssey, Chris and Tim set sail in search of board games that capture the timeless themes of Homer's legendary journey. From perilous voyages and impossible choices to cunning strategy, loyalty, monsters, and the long road home, discover...
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Episode 583: World Cup of Game Designers (Sweet 16)
The World Cup has come to the tabletop! In this special tournament episode of Board Gamers Anonymous, Chris and Tim continue their World Cup of Board Game Designers, where the greatest designers from around the globe represent their countries of origin in a head-to-head bracket to determine who...
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Episode 582 – If you like Cascadia, try...
Love Cascadia but looking for your next favorite game? Chris and Tim explore a collection of board games that share a satisfying blend of thoughtful decision-making, relaxing gameplay, and rewarding puzzle-solving. From tile-laying and spatial planning to completing patterns and balancing…
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Episode 581 - Board Game Convention Report
This week on Board Gamers Anonymous, Game Master Dave returns from the convention circuit with tales from the gaming tables, standout discoveries, and memorable moments in our feature segment, Game Master Dave's Convention Report. In Roll for Preview, Dave looks ahead to the geopolitical strategy...
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Episode 580 - Top 10 Games That Build Skyward!
Building Up! This week on Board Gamers Anonymous, we're reaching new heights with our feature review of the Top 10 Games That Build Skyward! From towering structures to layered landscapes, we're celebrating games that feature vertical building mechanics—without venturing into dexterity-game...
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Episode 579 - The Sweet Spot: Six Players
The Sweet Spot: Six Players What's the ideal player count for a board game? This week on Board Gamers Anonymous, Chris and Tim dive into one of gaming's most debated topics: games that are at their absolute best with six players. From epic table experiences to hidden gems that shine with a full...
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Episode 578: If You Like Point Salad, Try...
If You Like Point Salad, Try… takes a look at some of our favorite games that scratch that same satisfying combo-building, engine-crafting, and point-chasing itch! We dive into a variety of games that offer players meaningful choices, clever synergies, and that ever-important feeling of turning a...
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Episode 577 - Our Friend’s Favorite Games: Tim!
Welcome to the table! This week on Board Gamers Anonymous, Tim joins us for a deep dive into his gaming history and experiences. for the Voice of our Gamers! Roll for Preview: The Lord of the Rings: Ascension and Reavers of Midgard Roll for Review: Eternal Decks, Magical Athlete, and Planet…
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Episode 576: Quick Takes From The Table
Welcome to the table! Game Master Dave joins us at the table this week! This week, Dave takes us through a bunch of game reviews: The Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship, LOTR Duel for Middle Earth, British Tank Ace, Gettysburg: Badges of Courage, Cradle of Civilization, and RA! And Chris...
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Episode 575: The Games That Changed Us Forever
Welcome to the table! And join us for a final time with Anthony at the table. This week, we are talking about the Games that change us forever! We preview: The Official Cyberpunk Trading Card Game, Arcs: Beyond the Reach, Barrage: Earned Authority, Clinic Deluxe: the Big box by Alban Viard We...
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Episode 574: AC Final Top 100
This week, we preview The Lord of the Rings: The King's Gambit and review Fantasy Realms: Greek Legends, Trismegistus (2026)! Our feature is Anthony's Final Top 100 update, all-time! If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at www.boardgamersanonymous.com...
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Episode 573 – March Gamer Madness: “Best Mechanics” Bracket: Final Round!
It all comes down to this! 64 of the greatest board game mechanics, down to our Sweet 16, Final Four, and then, our Number 1 Board Game Mechanic! Which mechanic is top?! Find out now, with Chris & Anthony. If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at...
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Episode 572 - March Gamer Madness: “Best Mechanics” Bracket
This week on the podcast, we go a bit mad with our yearly Board Game Bracket. This year, it is the best board game mechanics! And we also get a bit sad with Anthony's announcement. If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at www.boardgamersanonymous.com!...
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Episode 571 - Top 10 Nature-Based Tableau Engine Builders
(Sorry for the late upload from last week! Stay tuned for this week's regularly scheduled episode in a couple of days). Anthony and Chris take a look at some of their favorite types of games: tableau builders set in nature. Find out which ten games make the list and why they're the best of the...
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Episode 570 - Origins Game Fair Award Nominations
Anthony and Chris dig into the full list of nominees (all 120 of them!!) for the Origins Awards, recently announced of June's Origins Game Fair. Plus more discussion of AI's impact on the industry, and Hasbro's recent comments on the future use of AI in MTG and D&D. If you haven’t yet, check out...
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Episode 569 - From Meeple to Megacon
Game Master Dave joins Chris this week to talk about the nuts and bolts of running a board game convention in the lead up to Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo. If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at www.boardgamersanonymous.com! Join us over at...
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Episode 568 - Top 10 Designers at Their Peak
This week, Anthony and Chris take a deep dive into 10 of their favorite designers, and identify the game that represents them at the peak of their designer game. Plus discussions on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the board gaming hobby right now, and previews of Labyrinth Chronicles and...
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Episode 567 - My First Heavy Game
This week, Anthony and Chris look at 11 games that act as the magical bridge between medium and big, crunchy Euro games. Which heavy games come first? We have you covered. If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at www.boardgamersanonymous.com! Join us over at...
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Episode 566 - Top 10 Games Saved by One Brilliant Mechanic
This week, Anthony and Chris delve into ten games that are not just defined by one central mechanic, but that are as good as they are almost solely because of that mechanic. If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at www.boardgamersanonymous.com! Join us over at...
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Episode 565 - Critiquing BGG's 2026 Hall of Fame Class
This week, Anthony and Chris delve into the five games added to the BGG Hall of Fame this year, with plenty of controversy and concern on display. If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at www.boardgamersanonymous.com! Join us over at...
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Episode 564 - Rolling a Nat 1 on Corporate Strategy
This week, Anthony and Chris are joined by Will and Megan to talk about a whole bunch of games we've all been playing lately, plus some corrections and additions to our board game cinematic universe last week, and a breakdown of how and why so many board games companies are failing all of a…
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Episode 563 - Would You Rather: BGA Edition
This week, Anthony and Chris dig into a big list of questions, asking each other some truly impossible ones about what they would rather do, plus discussions of recent games hitting the table and more. If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at...
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Episode 562 - Our Predictions for 2026
The year is just getting started and we have a dozen spicy predictions about how it will go in the next eleven and a half months. Check out Anthony and Chris's thoughts for the year ahead, plus new reviews and discussions. If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at...
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Episode 561 - Most Anticipated Games of 2026
It's that time of year again - we're looking at the most anticipated games on the upcoming year's release calendar. Check out more than 50 games, expansions, and rereleases we're excited to see, play, or purchase in the year ahead. If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at...
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Episode 560 - BGA Awards: Best Games of 2025
It's time for the 2025 BGA Awards, in which we choose our top picks in 10 different categories for the year. Find out which game takes home our game of the year award, plus so much more in this year's Awards! If you haven’t yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at...
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Episode 559 - 2025 Year in Review
We take a look back at all the games we thought would be in the hotness in 2025, discuss the ones we played, the ones we didn't, and the surprises along the way. A great way to recap and prepare for next week's BGA Awards episode! If you haven't yet, check out the recently updated BGA website at...
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Episode 558 - AI in Tabletop Gaming: The Wall-E Paradox
This week, Chris and Anthony dig into the paradox that is AI and how it is impacting and influencing tabletop gaming. We have pros, cons, and a few extra thoughts on the future of AI in our hobby. Roll for Preview: Chess Joker Roll for Review: A Place for All My Books Feature Review: AI in…
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Episode 557 - Your Ideal Tabletop Convention: Past Highlights & Future Wishes
This week on BGA, Chris and Anthony are joined by Will to talk about conventions and what makes for a killer experience. We bring our favorite experiences, the things that stood out to us over the years, and what we wish conventions could bring in going forward. Roll for Preview: Scales of Fate...
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Episode 556 - Top Convention Library Games: Pax Unplugged & BGG
This week, Chris and Anthony are joined by special guests and BGA cohorts Will and Meghan, who attended PAX Unplugged and have a bunch of games to talk about. Roll for Review: Side Effects, Kite, Pillars of Fate Feature: PAX Unplugged vs. BGGCon top library games (lists reviewed from of Hilary...
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Episode 555 - PAX Unplugged Hotness 2025
Anthony and Chris are back from PAX Unplugged this year and have a whole bunch of games to talk about, plus some previews and reviews of even more games from before the con. Roll for Preview: The Great Library, Employee Disposal Program Roll for Review: CakoZaurus, Star Trek Lower Decks: Buffer...
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Episode 554 - 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
Anthony and Chris are back with another annual holiday gift guide, featuring our top picks in nearly a dozen categories for games, apps, and accessories that fit the gamer in your life. If you're going to PAX Unplugged this weekend, be sure to reach out so we can connect! Roll for Review: Clans…
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Episode 553 - Dice, Defiance, and the Tabletop Revolution!
This week, Chris is joined by Will Nation to discuss all things dice and defiance, including a preview of next week's Pax Unplugged and some game reviews from recent plays. Roll for Preview: Riftbound: The League of Legends Trading Card Game Roll for Review: Betrayal at House on the Hill: 3rd...
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Episode 552 - Calling Our Shots: 2025 in Board Games
This week, Anthony and Chris dig into the games that we think have a shot at game of the year for 2025, plus which games from this year we think will eventually make the Top 100 on Board Game Geek and which games we'll still be playing in 10 years. Roll for Preview: The Lord of the Rings: Duel…
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Episode 551 - SPIEL Essen 25 Hotness
This week, we take a dive into the hottest games out of Essen SPIEL 2025, looking at the games that drove the hotness on BoardGameGeek and that we're most excited to play when they come stateside. Plus, a review of Ayar: Children of the Sun, and preview of Disney Afternoon Rewind. Roll for…
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Episode 550: Our Legacy in 5 Games, 5 Designers, and 0 Regrets (Mostly)
This week, we hit a big round number (550) and talk about the five games that have had a lasting impact on us both on and off the podcast, the five designers and publishers we most resonate with, and our zero regrets over the last 12 years. If you haven’t yet, be sure to connect with us on…
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Episode 549 - Versus: All the Battles, None of the Rules!
This week, Anthony and Chris are looking back at all of the Versus episodes they've done to reflect on which games won, which ones would win today, and all the good gaming that's happened since. Collecting and value in our collections Roll for Preview: Terra Mystica Special Edition, Berserk: The...
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Episode 548 - 10 Most Influential Games of the 20th Century
This week, we take a look at the 10 most influential games of the 20th century, fresh off our visit to the Strong National Museum of Play for Board Game Academics' annual conference, plus a whole bunch of fun previews of upcoming games. Magic The Gathering Universes Beyond reveals Roll for…
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About this show
Welcome to Board Gamers Anonymous, the podcast where everyone is welcome at the table.
Hosted by Chris and joined by a rotating cast of passionate gamers, Board Gamers Anonymous brings you lively conversations about the games we love, the games we don't, and everything that keeps us coming back to the table.
Each week, we dig into the biggest questions, debates, trends, and hot takes in tabletop gaming, alongside reviews, previews, recommendations, rankings, and plenty of opinions. From the newest releases and modern classics to the designers, mechanics, and moments that make this hobby great, BGA is about more than what's in the box—it's about the people around the table.
After more than 13 years and nearly 600 episodes, we're still playing, arguing, laughing, and asking the most important question of all: **Whose turn is it?!*
Pull up a chair. You're always welcome at our table.
Hosted by
Board Gamers Anonymous
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