Ron takes us to early 20th Century Arkham with the cooperative board game, Witch of Salem. Join characters from the works of Lovecraft inspired Wolfgang Hohlbein to stop the elder evil forces from taking over the city. We found this game to be elegant, challenging, replayable, and a real hit. It is an easy game to learn, but you will need some thought and cooperation to overcome the obstacles this one throws at you. Witch of Salem Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Michael Rieneck Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $49.00

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Dave takes us to space with the board game, Martian Rails. From the Empire Builder series known to may as the crayon rail games, this journey allows us to explore a new world and some new twists. Build your railroad empire across the Martian terrain and make tomorrow's big bucks. Martian Rails Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: M. Robert Stribula & the Empire Builder Design Team Players: 2-6 Play Time: 120-240+ minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $42.00

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Dave introduces us to the board game, A House Divided. Its a strategic war game that allowed us to reenact and even modify the events of the American Civil War. We were able to start with a basic rule set to dive into the game quickly and allow it to grow with us as expanded rules add all the complexities and details to give the game some reach crunch and realism. A House Divided Publisher: Phalanx Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Frank Chadwick Players: 2 Play Time: 60+ minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $45.00

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Derek takes us back in time with the board game, Mesopotamia. Appease the ancient Mesopotamian god, Marduk, by brining your offerings to the ziggurat. To reach that goal, however, you will need to also collect other resources and build a thriving culture. This one also gives us the opportunity to beat up our neighbors up a little bit and take their stuff. Mesopotamia Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Klaus-Jurgen Wrede Players: 2-4 Play Time: 45 minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $45.00

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Derek welcomes us to Elasund, a city from which you set sail to Catan, and a board game of urban development. Your score depends on your contribution to the growing community and how well you can out-wit your opponents with your influence. This Catan Adventure stands apart from the rest of the Catan games with some aggressive overlapping of city buildings and has all the fun you would expect from a Klaus Teuber game. Elasund: The First City Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 2-4 Play Time: 45-60 minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $49.00

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Ron enlists us in the FBI. This card game is all about the arrests, and you have a quota to meet. You are probably going to pick up some innocent folks, but that is their tough luck. Capture the worst criminals for the best score and stay on top of the game by clever play. FBI Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Card Game Designed by: Wolfgang Kramer & Horst-Rainer Rösner Players: 2-5 Play Time: 30 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $13.00

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Derek introduces us to the latest rail board game by Martin Wallace called Steam: Rails to Riches. Lay track across the country and respond to the economy of the game to build up the most victory points. Steam is the next step in the evolution of the games Martin is most known for. We'll be digging this one out again for our own delight. Steam: Rails to Riches Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Martin Wallace Players: 3-6 Play Time: 90+ minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $55.00

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Ron takes us to Candamir: The First Settlers. Adventure through the wilds of Catan and be the hero of your town. This board game is a streamlined, low-conflict adventure game as compared to other adventure games and plays in less time. Provide what the town needs and more than anyone else to be the one to claim victory. Candamir: The First Settlers Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60-120 minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $49.00

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Barbarossa is a sculpture, riddle, and guessing game. Build sculptures that are abstract enough to challenge your guessing opponents, but don't make them too hard or you will get nowhere. This one also appealed to a wide range of players and employed a very unique skill. Barbarossa Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 3-4 Play Time: 60 minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $20.00

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Detroit-Cleveland Grand Prix is a racing board game like no other. Your moving not just your cars, but others around the track. Your decisions were about timing and maximizing your move, but you usually can't get around the track yourself. This was a real hit for everyone. Detroit-Cleveland Grand Prix Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Wolfgang Kramer Players: 2-6 Play Time: 45-60 minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $25.00

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Load the trucks and move 'em out with Pack & Stack. You'll need to grab the right trucks and pack as efficiently as you can to stay ahead of the curve on this one. This short game is getting a lot of play and has lots of little blocks to play with. Go West Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Bernd Eisenstein Players: 3-6 Play Time: 30-45 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $49.00

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Derek gives us the board game, Go West! Your a businessman exploiting the westward migration of covered wagons across North America. This heads-down strategy game of action and reaction will require some focus. You decide when to score, but your opponent scores every time you do. Go West Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Renaud Verlaque Players: 2-4 Play Time: 30 minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $30.00

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Ron takes us to the Amazon of the 19th century with the board game, Amazonas. Cut your path across the amazon, set up your outposts, and collect specimens to win the game. Suffer the dangers of the amazon and stay ahead of your opponents to keep your costs down and weigh your options carefully. Amazonas Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Stephan Dorra Players: 3-4 Play Time: 50 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $49.00

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Derek gives us Shear Panic. On each turn, your manipulating a flock of sheep to appear in the arrangement that will score you the most points. The sheep are cuddly cute. The rules are clever and funny. This will certainly be a win for many game tables. Shear Panic Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: The Lamont Brothers Players: 2-4 Play Time: 45+ minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $30.00

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Jeremiah explaines Poisson d'Avril. Its the easiest complex game to get into. Poisson d'Avril is a card and board miniatures game of abstract themes. The object is to win by beating the other players. We are certain you will enjoy at least part of the journey. Poisson d'Avril Style: Board, Card, and Minature Abstract Combat Euro-Style Game Players: 2-20 Play Time: 20-220 minutes Ages: 10+

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Jeremiah gives us the crayon rail game that started it all. Empire Builder is a classic board game about building a railroad empire over North America. The game has been beautifully redesigned and is gaining wide distribution. We always enjoy the rail games and the new challenges each one presents. Empire Builder Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Bill Fawcett, Darwin Bromley Players: 2-6 Play Time: 90+ minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $42.00

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Jeremiah takes us back to the southwest railroading days with Silverton. This board game reflects a realistic and challenging economy for you to thrive in with a supply and demand curve that changes during the game. Make your living and excel in the game by building the right rails, picking up the right goods, and making good on your delivery. Silverton Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Dori Smith, Phillip John Smith Players: 1-6 Play Time: 45-60 minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $45.00

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Ron gives us Catan Geographies: Germany. Relive Germany's history by building infrastructure and various landmarks. We had a great time with this one and see an amazing amount of potential for more Catan Games in our schedule. It is much like the original Catan, minus the setup and the tiles. Catan Geographies: Germany Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 3-4 Play Time: 90-120 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $55.00

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Derek gives us a look at Hey! That's My Fish! Jump from ice floe to ice floe to collect fish and block the other penguins from their quarry. This is a fast and simple strategy game that will keep you scratching your head. Hey! That's My Fish! Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Alvydas Jakeliunas Players: 2-4 Play Time: 20+ minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $25.00

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Derek gives us a look at The Dutch Golden Age. This one has a lot of elements that we enjoy in a game such as a tight economy, a beautiful map, and lots of options on your turn. Handle your choices and your money well and you may just come out on top. The Dutch Golden Age Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Leo Colovini & Guiseppe Bau Players: 3-5 Play Time: 25+ minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $45.00

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Jeremiah takes us to the moon with the board game, Lunar Rails. This is a crayon rail game that as Jeremiah found out, changes everything. Both the economy and the geography present new challenges that rail gamers will love. Lunar Rails Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: M. Robert Stribula Players: 2-6 Play Time: 45-60 minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $38.00

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Derek takes us back to the gold rush with the board game, Sutter's Mill. Digging for gold is a part of the rush, but the real winners are those that take advantage of the town while it alive, and get out of town before it dries up. We have a great time with the tight economy and all the tough decisions that must be made. Sutter's Mill Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Marco Teubner Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60+ minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $45.00

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Derek takes us around the world with Monuments. Build the prized structures of western civilization and record the rest for historic record. Each turn is full of choices that will help you and your opponents. This, and the historic theme drew us in to play the game again and again. Monuments Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Card and Board Game Designed by: Stefan Risthaus Players: 2-4 Play Time: 45-60 minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $35.00

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Derek shows us Express: The Railroad Card Game. This one is perfect for any card game lover. A lot off the mechanics will be familiar and it is themed beautifully. There are team play rules, individual play rules, and some options that vary play. Build a solid collection of trains and finish before your opponents beat you to the punch. Express: The Railroad Card Game Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Card Game Designed by: Darwin P. Bromley Players: 2-6 Play Time: 45-60 minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $15.00

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Derek takes a close look at Intrigue. You will laugh and cry as your scholars are hired and fired in this game of backstabbing, betrayal, and negotiation. Talk it up right and you just might receive enough in bribe money to win the game. Intrige Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Negotiation Designed by: Stefan Dorra Players: 3-5 Play Time: 45 minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $20.00

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Derek gives us Megastar, a music band themed card game of market manipulation. There are a few things to work out such as how much to invest in certain bands and how much to just ride the market. Looking into the future is a tricky business with so many uncertainties, but if you watch closely you can at least get an idea of your competition's motives. Megastar Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Card Game Designed by: Friedemann Friese Players: 2-5 Play Time: 45 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $10.00

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Derek picks up the mortar and pestle and takes direction from Theophrastus. His alchemy skills will grant him the ability to become his next apprentice. He may have the best brew, or just mess with the others bad enough to beat the curve. Theophrastus Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Card Game Designed by: P. R. Chase Players: 2-5 Play Time: 30-45 minutes Ages: 9+ MSRP: $25.00

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Derek gives us a look at Journey to the Center of the Earth. Its an adventure game based on the Jules Verne novel by the same name. You work together with your opponents to move the party through treacherous terrain, over the underground sea, and then get shot out a volcano. The one that emerges with the best collection of treasure will be the victor. Journey to the Center of the Earth Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Rüdiger Dorn Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60-75+ minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $49.00

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Chaz shows us how to expand our Settlers of Catan game with Catan Traders and Barbarians. This expansion has several variations and scenarios that provide even more variety and depth to what was already one of our favorite titles. Add some economic complexity or beat back the barbarians while you struggle to settle the island of Catan. Catan Traders and Barbarians Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Expansion, Tile Game Required: The Settlers of Catan Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 2-4 Play Time: 90-120+ minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $42.00 We would also like to the fine folks at the Parsec Awards for giving The Game Kennel a trophy and the title for Best Gaming Podcast. We are grateful to them and everyone else that make it posible for us to spread two of our most favorite pasttimes, gaming and podcasting.

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Jeremiah takes us to Egypt by sharing a tile game called Horus. While placing tiles on the board to build regions around the Nile, you are also spreading your influence across those regions. This is a beautiful game of endless variation that will keep you struggling for control. Horus Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Tile Game Designed by: H. Jean Vanaise Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60+ minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $35.00

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Jeremiah takes us back in time to Settlers of the Stone Age. Journey out of Africa as human-kind settles the globe. Improve your ability to survive harsh climates and collect what resources you can before Africa turns to desert. Settlers of the Stone Age Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 3-4 Play Time: 45-60 minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $49.00

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Jeremiah takes us on a journey in Anno 1503 to explore uncharted islands and find valuable resources for our people. Of course to be of any value, we also focus on the growth of our settlements and culture. Anno 1503 Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60-120 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $49.00

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Derek give us Alibi. Through clever questioning, elimination, and deduction, you figure out whodunit. It is a little more involved than most whodunit games, and coming close will even give you a few points. Alibi Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Card Game Designed by: Darwin Bromley & Jim Musser Players: 3-10 Play Time: 45-60 minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $15.00

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Derek takes us on a journey with Nautilus. Explore the depth of the ocean. Only a combination of discovery and research will lead to victory. You will split your time between building the under-water station and diving your submarines to the depths in search of Atlantis. Nautilus Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Brigette & Wolfgang Ditt Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60-120 minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $49.00

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We have been long-time fans of The Pillars of the Earth. Your master builders have a number of ways to participate in the building of the cathedral. If you can be more efficient and make wise choices, you will do well against your opponents. The Expansion Set gives you even more choices during the game and allows a couple more players to join in. The Pillars of the Earth Expansion Set Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Required: The Pillars of the Earth Designed by: Michael Rieneck & Stefan Stadler Players: 2-6 Play Time: 90-120 minutes Ages: 12+ MSRP: $29.00

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Jeremiah talks about one of our favorites, The Settlers of Catan. Explore and settle the island of Catan. Smart trades, planning, and a little bit of luck will work toward your victory. Some of the discussion is around a wealth of resources online. Educators can find some good information on Using The Settlers of Catan in the Classroom. Try it yourself from Professor Easy and learn more about The Origins of Catan. The Settlers of Catan Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60-90 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $38.00 Join us online to play in the Catan Oline World. You can sign up and play for free. With a premium membership you can explore even more games and expansions and participate in community events. Visit the Catan Online Wold Forums to find out more.

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Derek introduces a board game of Spanish sword making called Toledo. Everyone is racing through town to collect resources, find craftsmen, and present the best swords to the emperor. It is a competitive business. You will find yourself in a few duals on the way with other families seeking the same glory. Toledo Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Martin Wallace Players: 2-4 Play Time: 90-120 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $49.00

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Derek has been rolling for resources lately with the Catan Dice Game. Its a fun probability game of planning and building infrastructure. It is an easy one to find a home for. It is so versatile and portable. Once every day, you can play it online. Catan Dice Game Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Dice Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 1-4 Play Time: 15-30 minutes Ages: 7+ MSRP: $12.00

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Jeremiah presents La Strada. We recently talked to Martin Wallace about La Strada, making it that much more fun to check out for ourselves. Everyone is making money from the economy of the game, but how much depends on what markets you share and how many times you have to split the pie. La Strada Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Martin Wallace Players: 2-4 Play Time: 30-45 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $36.00

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What started out as a training interview turned into a discussion made public on fitting games into the right hands. The intent is to provide insight to anyone that sells or promotes games on what to present and who to present them to. This is the premise of The Game Kennel and we want you to get the most out of it. By providing additional support to the customers that walk in your door, you can apply your expertise in a way nobody else can. We aim to help arm you with that information on every episode of The Game Kennel in less time than it takes to drive to work. The discussion today is with Bob Carty and Alex Yeager of Mayfair Games. We have been extremely pleased to work with Mayfair. They have a commitment to the community at the grass roots level, a commitment to educational outreach, and a commitment to quality entertainment. All this has helped us to shape our values and our programing to the betterment of everyone that participates.

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You can never go wrong with the Catan series of games. This time, Ron presents Entdecker. Its a tile exploration game of area control. It is packed with decisions that will make or break your success. Entdecker: Exploring New Horizons Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Tile Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60-90 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $49.00 You can learn the game by playing through this tutorial by professor easy. The single player online game, Oceania, will give you a great feel for the exploration component of the game. There is so much more too it, though. Learn more about the back ground story and the Origins of Catan. Join us online to meet and experience several other Catan games.

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Bacchus' Banquet is a card game with a Roman dinner party theme. Everyone comes to the dinner with their own agenda making variable winning conditions for each player. Its a light hearted fun game of deception, scandal, and intrigue. Bacchus' Banquet Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Card Game Designed by: Frederic Moyersoen Players: 3-5 Play Time: 30 minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $20.00

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Bo is a huge fan of Domaine. We haven't seen him leave the house without it since we have known him. When the opportunity came up to spotlight Domaine, we had to ask him to do the honors. He jumped at the opportunity. It is a great area control board game with elegant mechanics and a tight economy. Domaine Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game Designed by: Klaus Teuber Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60-120 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $49.00 There is a lot of opportunity to experience Domaine online. Premium account holders will be able to play Domaine online with new friends and old advocates. You can learn the game by playing through this tutorial by professor easy. We also made reference in today's show to the back ground story and the Origins of Catan.

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Jeremiah has spent a lot of time lately building railroad empires across China. China Rails is a pick-up and delivery rail game. Efficiency is key to providing for the people of China. China Rails Publisher: Mayfair Games Style: Board Game, Rail Game Designed by: Michael Dreiling Players: 2-6 Play Time: 3+ hours Ages: 10+ MSRP: $40.00

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Derek gives us a look at Lascaux. Collect beautiful cave art by pressing your luck with a cache of stones. This one was an absolute hit with all of our gaming groups. So far it has been played at least twice every time it has been brought out. Lascaux Publisher: Mayfair Games, Phalanx Games Style: Card Game Designed by: Dominque Ehrhard & Michel Lalet Players: 3-5 Play Time: 25 minutes Ages: 8+ MSRP: $30.00

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Jeremiah gives us a look at Chicago Poker. We argued before the show how much this game was and wasn't like poker. I am not sure we finished arguing before starting to record, but we were able to at least give you a good idea about the game. A lot of people in our play groups really enjoyed this one. It was quick to learn and fun to play. Gangster themes are always a hit with us. Chicago Poker Publisher: Mayfair Games, Phalanx Games Style: Card Game Designed by: Bruno Cathala and Bruno Fadutti Players: 3-6 Play Time: 45 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $30.00

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Jeremiah presents Weinhandler. Compete to become the ultimate wine handler by building up the most valuable wine cellar. The bidding mechanic will keep both families and avid gamers entertained. This is a popular choose for many occasions but really fits well at wine parties. Jeremiah has a wine stained rule book to prove it. Weinhandler Publisher: Mayfair Games, Amigo Spiel Style: Card Game Designed by: Claudia Hely and Roman Pelek Players: 3-5 Play Time: 45 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $20.00

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Derek gives us a look at The Market of Alturien. Everyone is competing for the attention and the pocketbook of several customers wandering the market. If they are buying from you, your making the money you need to invest in your success. With every roll of the die, you weigh your options, grab the customers you can, and distract them from your neighbors. The Market of Alturien Publisher: Mayfair Games Designed by: Wolfgang Kramer Players: 2-6 Play Time: 60 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $50.00

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Your a mob boss competing for control of Chicago. You need to have all the right influence in all the right places, and by influence, I mean muscle. Drive your boys where they need to be, and offer rides to your rivals. Of course, your rivals will ride in the trunk. Ganster Publisher: Mayfair Games Designed by: Thorsten Gimmler Players: 2-5 Play Time: 90 minutes Ages: 10+ MSRP: $45.00

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