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Game Info
Year
2023
Players
2-6
Age
7+
Playtime
20 min
Collection
Your Tier
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Description
DONUTS, which was first playable as INSERT, is an abstract strategy game for two players in which you attempt align five rings of your color to win.
To set up, arrange the four 3x3 tiles at random into a 6x6 grid. Each square of the grid has a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line on it. The first player places one of their rings on any unoccupied space, and the line in that space indicates the direction in which the opponent must place their ring: vertically, horizontally, or diagonally in line with the ring just placed. If the opponent can't place a ring in this direction because each square in this line is occupied, then the opponent can place a ring in any unoccupied square.
If you manage to insert a ring between two rings owned by the opponent — whether by placing your X piece in a space like this O_O or in a space like this OXX_O — then you change those opposing rings to your color.
If the board is full and no one has managed to create a row of five rings in their color, then the player with the largest orthogonally connected group of rings wins.
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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 14
This page: 14
Sentiment:
pos 11 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–14 of 14
Video 0cGLc6bRWuQ
Meeple University Vlog at 17:08
video_pk 88341 · mention_pk 232653
Click to watch at 17:08 · YouTube ↗
Pros
- Looks really cute
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- donuts
Comparison games
- Tic Tac Toe
- Tokaido
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract strategy — Reminds of Tic Tac Toe but with a different twist.
- Flipping — Features a reverse-flip mechanism on certain components.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- look how cute this is fabulous game as well
- look how great this is like components like just soing amazing
- look at this like amazing amazing
- this is a really fun social deduction
- it's really like you you should bit shy on social deduction you can you can like a little bit of a puzzle deduction as well
- this is a very popular game when it was out
- it's a logic game
- puzzle deduction game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video fwlSx5xqFZI
Chairman of the Board Discussion at 9:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 87423 · mention_pk 228416
Click to watch at 9:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Enjoying it more with more plays.
- Sneaky potential to convert opponent pieces.
- Quick to play (around 10 minutes).
- Fills a nice niche for quick games.
Cons
- Previously rated lower, but has climbed in rankings.
Thematic elements
- Donuts
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract strategy — An abstract strategy game.
- Area Majority — If a marker is placed between opponents' pieces, they flip to the owner's color.
- Movement — Pieces must follow a directional indicator on the location where the previous piece was placed.
- Pattern Building — Trying to create five in a row of your color donut.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is the London box but I've got the Paris map in there and I think that's my favorite version of the game now
- a brilliant Paulo Mory tug-of War Style game all about Chess and this game was so so interesting
- the more I'm playing this the more I'm understanding how to really exploit that hand of cards and know when to throw games that you can afford to throw in order to boost up your longevity by keeping your mental strength as high as possible to make sure you have more cards in your hand as well as more pawns to boost your strength
- this one might be one of the quickest climbers through my rankings
- the more I'm playing it the more the the depth of the game is starting to reveal itself
- this is a brilliant abstract game and I don't use that word lightly it is truly an excellent piece of design and it's definitely flown right into my top 100 now for the first time
- playing new games that I've really liked such as ter pyramides has been an absolute Joy
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video RITSoGDSfcE
Heavy Cardboard Analysis at 1:42:21 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 85846 · mention_pk 220795
Click to watch at 1:42:21 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Neutral (not the host's preference)
Pros
none
Cons
- Not the host's preferred type of game
Thematic elements
- Traditional hex and counter war game
- Warfare
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Hex and counter — Described as a traditional hex and counter war game.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Oh my God this sounds fantastic
- don't get killed oh my God I am all in
- Jeremy's coming up with some wicked cool ideas ain't he
- this is a wicked way that the coin system is being stretched
- this is really really pretty clever
- Man I love the themes that we're going with
- this is the game that's putting NB on the map
- super super into that game
- this is not really my jam
- dude has an encyclopedic amount of knowledge when it comes to designing War Games marks one of the Titans
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HWGTpsnbreg
Heavy Cardboard Discussion at 35:33 sentiment: positive
video_pk 81469 · mention_pk 202498
Click to watch at 35:33 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card shedding — shed cards to get rid of them; plays quickly (15-20 minutes) with depth for a card game.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's not really a game, but a chat tonight.
- It's an extended family reunion.
- Don't be a douche canoe.
- Gathering of Friends is not a convention. It's a gathering.
- There is nothing in existence that is like this game.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1B8ZAFMK45Y
The Dice Tower Top List at 4:45 sentiment: positive
video_pk 80057 · mention_pk 194249
Click to watch at 4:45 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fantastic simple premise
- clever placement rules
- reverse Othello twist elevates the game
- simple yet fun, punches above its weight class
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Othello
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Five in a row — Players try to get five of their donut pieces in a row.
- Forced Placement — When a piece is played on a space with a diagonal, vertical, or horizontal line, the opponent must play their piece in that line.
- Reverse Othello — If a player inserts their piece between two of their opponent's pieces, the opponent's pieces are flipped to the player's side.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I think it's truly astonishingly great.
- The rules get out of the way. You're immediately in your opponent's head.
- Brilliant, truly amazing.
- This is the most streamlined version of it where I feel like they they really smoothened out some of the weirder edges.
- Brilliant, absolutely amazing.
- Brilliant, interesting tactical, you know, not combat but like area majority type decisions.
- oh my gosh, this game is incredible.
- It is so simple structurally but it does have a lot of powers.
- It's just incredible how much gameplay you get out of this.
- This is like a more approachable version of Agricola.
- It's actually my preferred game in that whole series of It's one of my favorite Uwe Rosenberg games, actually.
- This is I think Knetia's best two-player two-player game.
- And yeah, this is one of my favorite two-player games of all time, if not my absolute favorite.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video T0-GiNx5XS0
Top List at 4:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 69614 · mention_pk 166238
Click to watch at 4:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Charming
- Thinky
- Clever mechanism
- Versatile for different player types
Cons
- Can lead to surprising losses due to opponent's sneaky moves
- Can kick yourself by making silly mistakes
Thematic elements
- Abstract
Comparison games
- Sobek
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract strategy — An abstract strategy game where the objective is to get five of your colored donuts in a row.
- Area Control — When you place one of your donuts in between your opponent's donuts, you will flip them and revert them to your color.
- Forward planning — There is definitely this forward planning here or the potential for forward planning without too many variables.
- placement — Placing your donut somewhere, and depending on where you've placed your donut, it's going to determine where your opponent can place their next donut.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- chairman of the board ranking video
- This is where I take a look at the last five new to me board games that I've played I rank them and I review them as I go you know in order of preference
- I want to give a shout out to the show sponsor Kender
- if you use the link in the show notes or the QR code then you can get 5% off your first order
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Vgy9fzAo9Zw
Discussion at 4:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 69605 · mention_pk 166199
Click to watch at 4:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Very simple
- Lovely little 10 minute game
- Thoroughly enjoying it
- Way up there for me
- Favorite Cathala game (correction made to comment)
Cons
- Girlfriend beat me quite thoroughly
- Bit more of a game of attrition
Thematic elements
- Get five in a row
Comparison games
- Seven Wonders Jewel
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract strategy — An abstract strategy game.
- Five in a row — Trying to get five in a row.
- Flipping — If you kind of put your piece in between your opponents you can flip them and convert them to your color.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is where I talk about all of the games that I have been playing over the last couple of weeks this episode covering the second half of July 2024
- this one you can add worker placement spots as the board Goes On by Building uh new buildings along this track getting better yields and better Rewards or conversion rates as you go
- I do think this game is very welld designed I think it's a classic and almost like a Hall of Fame Style game
- worker placement games and especially Resource Management ones where you're converting cubes into other things or building stuff um those kind of games have dried up for me I don't enjoy them too much um kis I think is the best of them but still I think this spark is starting to wne
- Devon uh is really hitting home with me at the moment I'm loving this one
- you have to be hyper alert otherwise you can be definitely struck by a move like that and that will completely paralyze you and hinder your chances of winning
- I'm loving my abstract strategy games at the moment definitely on the lookout for um the great ones
- Lovely little kind of family plus weight Style game
- I think the game is very smart very um sharp
- still I think this is a lovely family weight game tragically overlooked and I think the best of the matchi Coro Style of games out there
- no not too many but still a good spread of uh you know heavy to uh you know Gateway plus style and pure fill of games and even some uh simple but comp not complex but deep abstract games such as Devon
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Lxbwq_or2yQ
Other at 24:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 69310 · mention_pk 165754
Click to watch at 24:50 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Great game for fans of abstract strategy
- Easy to learn, hard to master
- Quick playtime
- Beautiful production
- Available on Board Game Arena
Cons
- Can be challenging for players not strong in spatial awareness
- Initial learning curve for piece flipping and placement rules
Thematic elements
- Abstract strategy with donuts.
Comparison games
- Boop
- Sobek
- Santorini
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract strategy — A two-player game focused on strategic placement and pattern recognition.
- area influence — Placing pieces influences where opponents must place their pieces.
- Take That — Certain placements allow players to flip opponent's pieces to their color.
- Tile Placement — Players place tiles (donuts) onto a grid.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is the well I don't think they sell these to the public they should they should cuz they're amazing
- it's been storming for a month just about this winter the worst winter I've ever seen here it's insanity
- this is a deck building kind of like area control style game
- Last will is a condensed version of prodal Club essentially
- Finpan is the new entry point into the wingspan series because it is so streamlined
- Donuts is a I think it's only two player
- Rebel princess is a game from bezier games that is a trick-taking game and it is based off of Spades
- The game is very mean yes you can load people up with skulls so if you don't like a mean game this might not be for you
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Pas-TtJBf9o
Chairman of the Board Discussion at 5:49 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13729 · mention_pk 40091
Click to watch at 5:49 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Efficient playtime; good for filling gaps
- Light and satisfying abstract
Cons
- Can be a bit puzzle-y and puzzle-heavy for some
Thematic elements
- color/territory capture via donut patterns
- abstract donut-grid strategy
- playful, quick abstract
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- five-in-a-row hybrid — donut-shaped grid influences movement; you convert opponents' donuts by sandwiching them
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this one is a lovely game by Stephan Dora, a great design in his own right.
- you are trying to collect exactly three of these animal tokens of each type to get the maximum amount of points
- a real brain burner but so simple and elegant to play as well
- Lost Cities a joy to get that one back to the table
- it's far too long I think it took us nearly two hours to play this which is obscene for the weight of the game
- Katarena one of the best abstract strategy games out there
- this is a bit of a whitewash of a game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video FtgSqYHMpzM
Before You Play Playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13544 · mention_pk 39603
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Rules are quick to learn and accessible
- Clever flip/insertion mechanic adds depth and counterplay
- Two-player abstract with meaningful decisions and tension
- Cute donut components and bakery theme despite abstract mechanics
Cons
- Limited to two players, reducing audience for multiplayer groups
- Theme is charming but lightweight and may not appeal to those seeking narrative
- Some players may experience brain-burn with the flip/insertion chain reactions
Thematic elements
- Flavorful donuts as tokens; theme is lightweight and charming
- Bakery-themed board with donut pieces; abstract strategy on a shared board
- Minimalist, puzzle-like presentation
Comparison games
- AEL (Othello-inspired mechanics)
- Kouami
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- bookend and disobey — If all spaces in a chosen direction are occupied, you may disobey by placing anywhere unoccupied; this provides an override mechanic to continue play.
- insertion and flipping — If you insert a donut between two opponent pieces along a line, the ends can flip to your color when the line is bookended by your pieces.
- line-building — The objective is to create five in a row orthogonally or diagonally with your own color.
- placement — On each turn, a player places a single donut onto the shared board in an allowed space.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a quick game
- I really really really like this game
- Donuts has nothing to do with the gameplay has everything to do with the game it's so cute
- this is an abstract strategy game
- this one you're trying to be very strategic about where you place your pieces
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Z1Z-7G5mnAs
Sir Thecos Top List at 14:05 sentiment: negative
video_pk 6391 · mention_pk 18933
Click to watch at 14:05 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
none
Cons
- Abstract game
- Not amazing
- Not very good
Thematic elements
- Abstract game
- Abstract strategy
Comparison games
- Flip Freers
- River Glass Works
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I rank like games pretty much like how I feel right now about them right it's possible that next month I will rank the games way differently
- Stonespine Architects definitely an a rank game for me um really amazing
- I just absolutely love this one of my most favorite puzzly polyomino games
- Château Burgundy is still in my top three games has been for a few years
- I do not like auction games but I absolutely love Modern Art this is amazing
- My City is like an amazing entry level deck builder but you can also play with people who like to play games a lot
- Slay the Spire could be one of my games of the year wow this game is amazing
- Fallout is really messed up by its winning condition
- Pop-Up Pirate it's funny but is it a good game no it's not really a game right
- I like vegetable themed games it sounds very specific but that's the way it is
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kGf8IJ3ur9I
The Broken Meeple Review at 2:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5692 · mention_pk 116878
Click to watch at 2:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Promotes rich discussion and player interaction
- Beautiful Dixit-style artwork that inspires imagination
- Cooperative format with flexible play rhythm
Cons
- Not as groundbreaking as Dixit or Detective Club
- Box design (tin) and some packaging blemishes noted
Thematic elements
- Dreamlike, puzzle-solving using abstract imagery
- A cooperative, Dixit-card–driven adventure with a light space/explore vibe; players interpret clue cards to reach a goal.
- Abstract, interpretive, discussion-driven
Comparison games
- Dixit
- Detective Club
- Just One
- Dixit Stellar
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative clue interpretation — Players select Dixit-style clue cards and reveal them to align with a clue word, then discuss choices to reach consensus and scoring.
- Deck Manipulation — A random card is added to the deck at times, creating variability and discussion prompts.
- Deduction — Players select Dixit-style clue cards and reveal them to align with a clue word, then discuss choices to reach consensus and scoring.
- discussion-oriented play — Much of the game revolves around arguing, justifying card choices, and convincing others.
- image-based clue cards (Dixit-like) — A pool of illustrated cards is used to create associations to a given clue, driving discussion and interpretation.
- random deck manipulation — A random card is added to the deck at times, creating variability and discussion prompts.
- round-based scoring on a sheep track — Progress is tracked on a board featuring a sheep-themed track; players aim to reach a target before the round limit.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is essentially a co-op, so it kind of in the same vein as Just One.
- 7 out of 10. It's good. Gets the job done.
- This is one of the most beautiful games I've ever seen.
- Shut UP and take my money.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video i7UVXtHkVxY
Chairman of the Board Discussion at 4:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2802 · mention_pk 8170
Click to watch at 4:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- compact playtime (10-15 minutes)
- accessible yet offers meaningful choices
Cons
- neutral look may not appeal to everyone
Thematic elements
- delicious abstract strategy
- donut depots and donuts on a board influencing where opponents can go
- light, playful
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — placement shapes dictate opponent options on subsequent turns
- area control interaction — placement shapes dictate opponent options on subsequent turns
- tactical positioning — donuts’ placement affects future moves and potential wins
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's really tight this Bard is and the opportunity cost of doing one thing
- there are so many different ways you can score in this game
- it's punchy
- the game end really does rush up on you
- polished, refined, gorgeous to look at
- you can just take the pieces off the board and go again
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video IszlYvzL5TI
Chairman of the Board Review at 3:28 sentiment: positive
video_pk 111 · mention_pk 267
Click to watch at 3:28 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- elegantly fast with very quick rounds
- tight abstract strategy with satisfying play
Cons
- abstract nature may not appeal to everyone
- replay variety depends on arrangement of donuts
Thematic elements
- donut-shaped flipping and flipping strategies
- abstract, snack-themed arena
- fast, abstract, highly thematic yet simple
Comparison games
- none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- flip / flip-end mechanics — start from the middle and flip donuts from ends, changing control
- rapid play time — short turns enable quick play sessions
- set/line-up capture in abstract form — act to align or disrupt donuts to gain points
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's such a wonderfully implemented tug-of-war game, and I love the way you do not have to focus 100% on the tug-of-war
- the replayability and just the elegance of this brilliant dice-driven Euro
- this is Mandala, the original one here
- it's so quick and it's just a delight to play
- Captain Flip, evergreen family style game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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