Splendor is a game of chip-collecting and card development. Players are merchants of the Renaissance trying to buy gem mines, means of transportation, shops—all in order to acquire the most prestige points. If you're wealthy enough, you might even receive a visit from a noble at some point, which of course will further increase your prestige.
On your turn, you may (1) collect chips (gems), or (2) buy and build a card, or (3) reserve one card. If you collect chips, you take either three different kinds of chips or two chips of the same kind. If you buy a card, you pay its price in chips and add it to your playing area. To reserve a card—in order to make sure you get it, or, why not, your opponents don't get it—you place it in front of you face down for later building; this costs you a round, but you also get gold in the form of a joker chip, which you can use as any gem.
All of the cards you buy increase your wealth as they give you a permanent gem bonus for later buys; some of the cards also give you prestige points. In order to win the game, you must reach 15 prestige points before your opponents do.
- Highly accessible and quick to play
- Strong gateway title for casual players
- Well-suited for casual and family play
- Some players may outgrow it quickly as they seek deeper games
- Gold and gem resource management to acquire cards
- Renaissance-era gem trade
- Economic engine-building with straightforward progression
- Wingspan
- Dixit
- Century: Spice Road
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building — Acquire cards that grant resources and actions
- Resource management — Manage gems to purchase development cards
- Set collection / chain-building — Cards enable higher-value purchases and combos
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Board gaming changes on a monthly basis.
- The internet obviously had a huge change on the industry, but the tsunami of game releases is ridiculous.
- There’s always gatekeeping, but it’s changed; board gaming is a fairly accepting hobby.
- Cards Against Humanity brought more people into the hobby, for better or worse.
- The future’s very bright for board gaming, as long as publishers put out games with purpose.
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- What enters my collection is a whole another story.
- I'm absolutely hooked on it. I love Primal.
- If I add something to my collection, ideally I want to see it there a year from now, at least a year from now.
- It is such a good implementation of the Glass Road system.
- It's not forever, but it feels like a forever game for me.
References (from this video)
- very good at
- gems
- trading
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- hey everyone who just kind of made it in time i'm not going to say it was a shall we say the easiest time to get here
- come on seriously i need to get on with a stream in a minute
- what is going on at fantasy fly at the moment they're just not bringing out any major good games
- every time they try to do a spin-off game that isn't a card game they tend to fail
- root's okay but i think the fact that you've got to have a balanced group of players who know what they're doing to play it i think it's just too much
- i just i'm okay with rue but i would never seek it out
References (from this video)
- Beautiful components
- Accessible gateway engine-builder
- Great art and tactile experience
- Engine-building through card acquisition
- Renaissance gem trade
- Elegant, minimalistic
- Stone Age
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine_building — Develop a resource engine by collecting gem cards and chips.
- set_collection — Acquire sets of gems to purchase higher-value cards.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Oh my goodness that game there oh my goodness is addictive
- it's by Lookout Games
- the classic granddaddy of all co-ops is pandemic
- the board is your cauldron
- it's the engine builder engine building
- it's basically just area control and just like a it's like a mini war game you know that you can really just learn to play
- it's not really a war game
- it's a no-brainer and that's a ticket to ride
- it's colorful
- you've got dice rolling and set collection
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- gaming is for everybody
- Black history is American history
- If it happened on American soil it's American history
- History is not a priority in this country; comfort is the preeminent american value
- we're here we're here we're here
References (from this video)
- elegant and accessible
- satisfying growth as you build your engine
- some players find it abstract
- not everyone loves the theme
- economic engine-building
- renaissance-era gem trade
- clean, elegant abstraction
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — collect gems to purchase progressively better cards and bonuses
- Resource management — managing gems to optimize purchases and future turns
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's yatsi with monsters fighting
- open it up, play right away
- this is one game that I will sort of put any wager on
- Just One is a guaranteed winner
- Star Wars and Memoir 44 together
References (from this video)
- easy to learn
- quick games with satisfying pacing
- can feel repetitive after multiple plays
- engine-building and resource acquisition
- Renaissance gem-trading market
- abstract economic competition
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — Collect gem chips to build an engine that grants discounts and points.
- resource_management — Careful management of gems and discounts to optimize turns.
- set-collection — Gather gems to meet noble cards for additional points.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- "This game, it's timeless."
- "Five Tribes is a cutthroat head-to-head game for us."
- "Dominion is the classic."
- "Terraforming Mars is ugly, but yet a fantastic game."
- "I love the little panda."
- "The acrylic meeples and pieces"
References (from this video)
- easy to learn
- quick plays
- strong replayability
- can feel repetitive over time
- light on thematic flavor
- renaissance luxury resource development
- Renaissance-era gem market
- abstract economic
- Cascadia
- Dominion
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — Develop a resource engine to generate points and prestige.
- set collection — Acquire gems to purchase development cards.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Splendor is a really accessible game to learn.
- Clover hits the balance of humor and puzzle while also being cooperative.
- Cartographers covers more situations than almost any other game I've talked about.
References (from this video)
- Reliable gateway with easy teachability
- Fast plays and clear pacing
- Can be repetitive for experienced players
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — Acquire cards to create increasingly powerful combinations
- set collection — Gems and purchasing cards to gain points
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Point salad is a great gateway.
- This is a wonderful hobby.
- We had a lot of first time visitors to the game night.
References (from this video)
- Super simple
- Can teach in less than 5 minutes
- Perfect non-gamer game
- Collecting gems and buying cards
- Renaissance gem trading
- Abstract set collection
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine building — Cards count as gems for rest of game
- set collection — Collect gem chips, exchange for cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Does your wife ever tell you what to do all the time especially what board games to play
- My wife loves games where she beats your ass
- This was the game we took to the hospital when my son was born
- I'm afraid for the calendar its days are numbered
- What does a sprinter eat before a race? Nothing, they fast
References (from this video)
- Fast-paced and accessible for casual and experienced players
- high interaction through blocking and strategic reserving
- deep strategic choices via color discounts and nobles
- clear arc from opening to potential finish based on card timing
- can be punishing through blocking and top-deck/reserve dynamics
- depth can be limited for very casual players
- resource management and building a chain of discounts to secure points
- Renaissance-era gem trade with noble patrons
- competitive meta-game in a televised finals scenario
- Terraforming Mars
- Castles of Burgundy
- Brass
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card_reserve_and_purchase — players can reserve cards and/or buy from the market to gain discounts and points
- discounts_as_currency — purchased cards grant ongoing discounts on future purchases, effectively acting as a second currency
- noble_cards — nobles grant points when players meet certain gem requirements
- set_collection — players collect gem tokens to purchase development cards
- token_management — players must manage a limited hand of tokens, with strategic considerations about hand size and top deck decisions
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- When you play Splendor competitively, it's very different from the engine-building kind of style.
- the speed that these games go is pretty incredible.
- it's brass. It's very dynamic. It depends on the play style you have and also how many players are at the table.
- the discount is like an invisible coin that exists outside of your 10 coin limit.
- turn 24 would be the limit of when the game would end.
- you are looking for the cards that can get you point and you don't need any setup to actually get to.
References (from this video)
- clean design and elegant rules
- quick play and good for new players
- high misdirection and strategic depth for a small footprint
- can feel repetitive after many plays
- cascading optimizations can overwhelm some players
- resource management and engine-building through gem collection
- renaissance-era gem trade
- economic, elegant
- Code Names
- Space Base
- Patchwork
- Wingspan
- Blood Rage
- The Crew
- Catan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — As you acquire cards, your ability to generate resources improves.
- Set collection / resource optimization — Acquiring gems and using them to purchase cards that grant points and bonuses.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- there arose such a clatter I sprang from the table to see what was the matter
- now code names now space base now Patchwork and wingspan
- they Bend up the cards they don't wash their hands they Place their workers
- gamer whose turns don't take all darn day
- happy gaming to all and I hope that you win
References (from this video)
- Accessible strategy
- Fast play
- Limited player interaction
- Can feel repetitive over long runs
- engine-building through gem collection and card purchasing
- Renaissance-era resource trading and gem economy
- abstract/eurogame
- Splendor Duel
- Splendor Marvel (theme variants)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — purchasing cards provides ongoing benefits and engine interactions
- set-collection — players collect gemstone tokens to buy cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Stara is a splendor master.
- I like to reserve cards.
- The cards act as emotional bridges, letting players tackle complex topics without having to find the perfect words first.
- Earth promo card with the red fox and badger promo card is a collector's item.
- Thunder Road Vendetta is a blast. Yes, it is the best.
References (from this video)
- Found it a little dry
- Didn't particularly connect
- Trading game
- Renaissance gem trading
- Thematic
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting
- Resource accumulation
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- It wasn't just the hundred sort of best designed games this was the hundred games that I feel that I'm particularly sort of connected to
- The games that have a place in my heart really games that I've got a lot of nostalgia for
- It felt a bit like doing a roll and write game but without all of the sort of convenience
- I wish I still had castles of burgundy and notre dame
- The main thing that got in the way for me was all the iconography
- I do use board games as an escape from screens and technology
- I really like the production of cockroach poker
- I found it was a game where I could see the ending coming and then someone would just go and there we go we've got another 20 minutes now
- It feels like something other than a board game
- The decisions you make in the game are very very slight
- Right up my alley
- I do really like push your luck
- That's my favorite game
- Abyss is my second favorite game
- I love pekka pig
- I just think it's ugly
References (from this video)
- fast, elegant, and easy to learn
- high replayability with straightforward strategy
- minimal downtime and smooth table presence
- potential for repetitiveness over long sessions
- interactions are indirect, which some players find less engaging
- economic engine-building with resource collection and card purchases
- Renaissance Europe gem trade network
- abstract progression with clean, fast-paced feel
- Splendor Duel
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — cards provide persistent discounts and point potential as the tableau grows
- market-based selection — a rotating market of cards creates dynamic access and competition
- set collection — players collect gem tokens to acquire cards from a market
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- "I still like Splendor Duel."
- "there's more going on."
- "the purity of Splendor and the race that you're making"
- "weight difference"
References (from this video)
- Very teachable at cons and events
- Iconic components, strong family appeal
- May feel monotonous for some players
- Resource collection and engine-building
- Renaissance gem market
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Chip-and-pin resource management — Gems (chips) act as currency to buy cards and build engine
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's easy to teach again and it's easy to play
- Ticket to Ride mr. Allens masterpiece
- if you don't have Ticket to Ride you've gotta get it
- we've introduced it a different kind and people take to it like fish to water
- it's a worker placement classic yes it's a great game
- staying safe stay at home
References (from this video)
- Fast play
- Accessible for new players
- May feel repetitive after multiple sessions
- Economic engine-building through gem collection
- Renaissance gemstone market
- Light and abstract
- Grand Austria Hotel
- Artifacts, Inc
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine building — Cards grant resources to enable future purchases.
- set collection — Acquire gem chips to purchase development cards.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's the two kids from the hobby and of course to people of color
- diversity one through the door
- family play together they stay together
- this hobby is for everybody
- we want to make a difference in this hobby
References (from this video)
- Gem-based resource management and prestige through card development
- Renaissance Europe-style trade network
- Abstract economic mechanic with Renaissance merchant theme
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card purchasing / tableau building — Cards are purchased from a shared grid using gem resources, granting permanent bonuses.
- engine-building — Acquired cards provide ongoing resources and points toward victory.
- Resource management — Players collect gem tokens to pay for development cards.
- set collection — Acquiring specific combinations of cards and tokens supports engine and scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- What game is this from?
References (from this video)
- Elegant, fast-paced with beautiful components
- Clear path to victory via prestige points
- Requires planning to optimize gem use and card sequencing
- Gem collection and noble patronage
- Renaissance gem trade in Europe
- Economic engine-building with noble rewards
- Monopoly
- For Sale
- Marrakesh
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine building — Accumulate cards to generate more gems and points.
- set collection — Collect gem tokens to purchase development cards.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- monopoly at its core is a game about buying and selling property
- monopoly is built on the element of luck that comes from it being a roll and move style game
- it's five minutes to learn it's great for players of all skill levels
References (from this video)
- smooth engine-building gameplay
- short playtime
- table presence can be modest
- prosperous merchants
- renaissance gem trade
- Splendor Duel
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Set collection / engine building — collect gems to acquire cards that grant bonuses and points
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This whole time I thought this was just a poster printed on the wall. You mean to tell me there's been real games in your background?
- To our audiences, Shagrin. This is not AI generated.
- I think a general theme like is I the higher the game, the more I like it like the higher on the shelf.
- It got demoted because of boxware.
- This is the biggest game in my collection.
- I'm missing one and I honestly don't know what game it is.
- What game should fit right there.
References (from this video)
- Quick and easy to play
- Great gateway game
- Good for beginners
- gem_trading
- economic
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
References (from this video)
- Very tight competition and short play times
- Strong two-player and multi-player balance
- Can feel repetitive after many plays
- The chain of discounts can be fragile in some groups
- engine-building through gem collection
- Renaissance-era gem trade
- clear, concise
- 7 Wonders
- Monumental
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — cards provide discounts and victory points building an engine
- set-collection — collecting gem tokens to purchase cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- for the fans so yeah drop brain down below
- these links do help support the channel and we appreciate that
- it's a big epic experience and there's no other game you can schedule a day with six people to have this shared epic moment
References (from this video)
- quick to learn, tight engine, high table presence
- low player interaction in some plays
- resource accumulation to acquire better assets
- renaissance gem trading and tableau building
- abstract economy
- Azul
- Other engine-building gateway games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Resource management — currency-like gem system with increasing capabilities
- Set collection / engine building — buy gems to purchase cards that increase income
- tableau building — build a personal engine of cards to win
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- our goal is just to make this world a better place, one board gamer at a time
- empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- co-op games allow me to talk with other players, plan together
- it's amazing; they came hard
- this is a game built by people from that heritage
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- central market + set collection — players collect gems and purchase cards from a central display, which then convert into points and powers.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- tableau builders feature a wide and diverse range of markets and currencies
- the beauty of this mechanism is the chain reactions that it creates when you take your turn
- it's a really nice feedback loop
- the world feels bigger than your own little player area
- tableau building is a core, solid mechanic that many designers build around
References (from this video)
- resource collection and engine-building with nobles
- renaissance-era gem trade and merchant activity
- abstract-leaning with thematic flavor
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine_building — building an engine to attract nobles for points
- set_collection — collecting gems to purchase cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- It's a wonderful day to celebrate mothers and what they do for us.
- I'm going to give you a list of games that you can just take to the table and have a good time.
- Survive is so much fun—take a look at it—you will laugh till you cry.
- Cat in the Box hands down. Yes, hands down, cat in the box.
References (from this video)
- easy to learn
- quick to play
- less thematic for some players
- Puerto Rico
- Wingspan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- set collection — collect gems to purchase increasingly powerful cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- there's no right way to play games
- there's no one genre or style of player which is more valid than another
- just because you're a rogue doesn't mean you couldn't enjoy a game of chess or Splendor or Puerto Rico
References (from this video)
- Elegant and quick to play
- Versatile gateway into heavier games
- Can become repetitive with repeated plays
- Engine building through resource development
- Renaissance gem trading
- Abstract, economic strategy
- 7 Wonders
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- drafting — Acquire gem cards to build your engine.
- Set collection / engine building — Assemble an engine to gain prestige points.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a great game
- it's a hit
- it's beautiful it's got great chunky components
- the sweet spot
- it's a puzzle
- it's a fun game
- it's the love of the game
References (from this video)
- easy to teach
- great for teaching new players
- strong engine-building core
- can feel repetitive after many plays
- gentle engine-building for wealth and prestige
- medieval gem trade
- engine-building with gemstones
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine building — accumulate gems to purchase cards and gain nobles
- set collection — collect gem cards to enable more powerful plays
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- these are ten games that we will never get rid of
- anything katan ain't leaving
- Code Names ain't gonna go nowhere
- it's a party game two to eight players
- Star Wars Outer Rim... it's open world
- Splendor... it's an engine builder
- Mars from Stronghold Games forever
References (from this video)
- very accessible
- quick plays with elegant decisions
- replayability can feel repetitive for some
- engine-building through gem collection
- Renaissance-era gem trading
- abstract economic engine with stylish visuals
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine building — gradually build a scoring engine through card combinations
- set collection — collect gem chips to purchase development cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- "this is a very welcoming and very friendly community"
- "no bs and no tolerance when it comes to toxicity"
- "you should actually say to you welcome back because you were on season one episode two"
- "we really want to create and what we strive to do is create a welcoming inclusive space for everybody"
- "it's a very welcoming awesome group"
References (from this video)
- beautiful artwork
- accessible entry point into hobby
- tight, satisfying gameplay loop
- some people pushing back on its popularity
- criticism that it’s overly simple for some players
- gem collection and engine-building
- renaissance gem trade
- tactical, elegant
- Splendor tournament anecdote (international tabletop day)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- chip management — managing tokens to optimize purchases
- engine-building — accumulating cards to create future discounts
- set collection — gathering gem chips to purchase cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the artwork sold you
- it's the perfect game to teach people who don't play games
- volcano chits and lava flows
- it's like mafia
- the cards you mix them into a faction and now you have like ninja ghosts or like fairy dragons
References (from this video)
- Simple to teach
- Beautiful artwork
- Resonates with people
- Uses familiar components
- Easy to learn
- Gateway game
- Expansion modules are just okay
- Collecting gems to attract nobles
- Renaissance gem trading
- Economic set collection
- Century: Spice Road
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine building — Cards help build engine for future purchases
- Multi-use cards — Cards give points and discounts
- set collection — Collecting gems/cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- It's so hard for us to come together to be cooperative
- If you don't have dessert you get hurt
- We wore out the cards we played it so much
- Multi-use card to the fifth degree
- Some games are nice to me some are not
- You can have both of them in your collection
References (from this video)
- tight tempo
- clear decisions
- high replay value
- two-player can feel cutthroat
- box is bulky and components can loosen
- economic engine-building
- Renaissance gem trade
- tight, competitive resource game
- Splendor Duel
- Ticket to Ride
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- blocking and tempo — Two-player tension with blocking resources and nobles.
- engine-building — Build an engine to generate further income and points.
- set collection — Acquire gem tokens to purchase development cards.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's fast to teach
- the simultaneous play creates a great energy at the table
- Ticket to Ride is a gateway game
- organic storytelling moments come out of Obsession
- Splendor is tense, it's a race and every move counts
References (from this video)
- clean rules, quick play
- great for new gamers and families
- can feel dry for some
- scaling can vary by player count
- economic engine-building through gem collection
- renaissance gem trade
- accessible, elegant engine-building
- Codenames
- Space Base
- Patchwork
- Wingspan
- Blood Rage
- The Crew
- Catan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — cards provide continuing benefits toward scoring
- set collection — players collect gem tokens to buy development cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- "Code Names, now Space Base, now Patchwork and Wingspan, on Blood Rage, on the crew, on Splendor and Katan."
- "Take your turn. Take your turn. Take your turn. Play."
- "He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work."
- "Take care cuz I'll be back again."
- "For gamers who cheat or gamers who whine, or gamers whose turns take up far too much time, they bend up the cards."
- "The shelf elf gives them what they deserve."
- "happy gaming to all and I hope that you win."
References (from this video)
- easy to teach
- high accessibility
- strong gateway appeal
- artwork may feel dry to some
- minimal variance once learned
- economic engine-building with gem resources
- Renaissance-era resource trading and merchant activity
- accessible gateway strategy
- Camel Up
- Libertalia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine building — build a scoring engine through cards and gems
- set collection — collect gems to purchase development cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- The Spiellers Yares Award is the most prestigious award in board gaming in the world.
- Bucket King 3D uses plastic cups that stack on top of each other to give it a real three-dimensional view.
- It's a lot of fun.
- This is not a great game, but it is a funny one.
- Splendor is everywhere. The artwork is so boring. It’s a lovely game, don’t get me wrong.
- Rise of Augustus demonstrates that bingo is the one thing that makes it so accessible.
- This is an accessible, simple game. It's got a beautiful look to it.
- Concept would have been a worthy winner.
- Arcadia looks amazing when you play it and lay it out on the table.
References (from this video)
- excellent gateway/intro to modern board gaming
- scales well across player counts
- fast, tense decisions with both offense and defense potential
- arguably not a 'board game' by some party-game standards
- some players can outpace others with early engine setups
- gem economy and engine development
- Renaissance gem trading
- abstract economic realism
- 7 Wonders
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting — Choose cards that grant gems and/or future scoring options.
- engine-building — Build a chain of cards to generate points efficiently.
- set collection — Collect gems to purchase increasingly valuable cards.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- we are embarking on our top 50 journey
- the games for the most part are going to be shipped directly from the publishers
- we have excluded games that we've only played one time
- crossovers obviously because we share a collection a lot
- please keep in mind we are not here to sway you one way or the other but we do have to disclose
References (from this video)
- High-quality poker chips with satisfying weight
- Tension builds as the game accelerates toward the end
- Bonus bonus characters provide a catch-up mechanism
- Accessible rules and quick playing time
- Drab color scheme and artwork that feel inconsequential
- Artwork is largely forgettable and thematically weak
- Frustration when another player snatches a key card you need
- Pacing can be inconsistent: slow early game, rapid endgame
- Gem-based resource engine and card development
- Medieval gem trade and wealth accumulation in a centralized market
- abstract, engine-building
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card purchasing — Pay the cost on a card with gems to gain the card from the center.
- endgame_condition — First to 15 points triggers end of game; final round determined by whoever has the fewest cards.
- engine-building — Cards provide points and help reduce future costs, enabling a scoring engine.
- jokers/gold tokens — Gold tokens act as wildcards to substitute any gem color.
- reserve cards — On your turn you can reserve a card to gain a joker and protect it from others.
- Resource management — Gems are resources; players manage limited colors and a gold joker token.
- set collection — Players collect gem tokens to acquire development cards from a shared display.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- amazing poker chips
- they've got a really nice weight to them
- Splendor is still worth your time and bother
- it's a decent enough game and it's fun up to a point
- agonizingly slow and then ridiculously fast at the end
- looks drab and boring
- artwork is pointless
- the final thing that we don't like is that more often than not, you're going to be sat there waiting
References (from this video)
- Perfect tournament entry-level game
- Very simple (teachable in 60 seconds)
- Good tactical play
- Works with family and new gamers
- Decent engine building
- Quick playtime (30 minutes)
- Streamlined and elegant
- Some element of luck from card draw
- Got unnecessary hate for being popular
- Renaissance Gem Trading
- Merchant Business
- Other engine builders
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm one of these people that just likes to play the game for fun I'll try to win and if I don't win then whatever doesn't matter
- as soon as you start putting cash prizes ranking statistics and things like that into board gaming I find that some people take it a little bit too far and you lose that sense of fun
- I don't even like the ranking system on board game arena frankly
- I give reviews top tens and my honest opinions regardless of the consequences
- it's still only a game so remember to have fun that's the main thing
- I certainly wouldn't be very good if I played it in the tournament
- Love 10 out of 10 game
- I hate this game I hate it I hate it
- it's one of those ones where I'm in the minority
- this is a speed run through the world series of board games main games
References (from this video)
- extremely accessible to new players
- tight core loop with satisfying, tangible mechanics
- presentation and components are gorgeous
- box is larger than needed for the content
- some may find it repetitive after multiple plays
- resource collection and engine-building with gem tokens
- Renaissance gem trade and jewelry crafting
- classic, elegant, with straightforward scoring and minimal theme manipulation
- Century: Golem Edition
- Century: Spice Road
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- board organization and reserves — noble cards and reserve mechanics add strategic depth
- set collection and engine-building — collect gems to purchase cards which generate points and bonuses
- tiered card purchasing — cards have costs in gems; gold acts as a wild token
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This is the definitive Game of Thrones game if you want to capture the feeling of the epic battles for the throne.
- The best thing about this game is winning as House Lannister.
- The dice's combat is great and I personally do not like playing with the optional tides of battle cards.
- The art as always with Red Raven Games is stunning.
- Chinatown is deeply rooted in stereotypes of Chinese businesses and families; if you find that offensive, this game won't be for you.
- Circadian's First Light is a busy game with a heck of a lot going on.
References (from this video)
- fast-paced and accessible
- deep strategic options with multiple viable paths
- scales well to different player counts, notably 3 players
- economic engine-building and resource management
- Renaissance era merchants trading gems to build wealth and prestige
- abstract/engine-building with noble scoring
- Cities of Splendor
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- benefits from permanent bonuses — purchased cards provide permanent bonuses that reduce future costs
- card drafting — players draft and acquire development cards to gain permanent bonuses and prestige
- End-game trigger — the game ends when a player reaches a set prestige threshold (e.g., 15)
- noble visits and prestige — achieving certain bonus thresholds attracts nobles for extra points
- reserve and joker wildcard — players can reserve a card and take a gold joker that can substitute any color
- set collection / resource acceleration — collect gem tokens (three different or two of the same) to purchase cards and unlock discounts
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the slender is a game that can be enjoyed by many different types of gamers different age groups and experience levels
- it's the perfect game for three players and it only takes about half an hour
- what I liked the most about it is that there is different strategies you can follow it's fast paced and you always need to be alert about what your opponents are doing because you might need to adjust your strategy
- Cities of splendour which came out a few months ago that contains 4 different expansions to use with the base game
- you should definitely give it a go
References (from this video)
- One of favorite games of all time
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- This shelf is undoubtedly the hardest shelf for me that I've had to do of the three
References (from this video)
- Tightly focused, very accessible
- Fast turns and satisfying long-term payoff
- Clear path to victory with visible strategy
- Low interaction can feel hollow to some players
- Luck of draw is minimal but present in card availability
- resource acquisition to build prestige
- medieval market town
- abstract, economic
- Sushi Go
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building with discrete actions — Chips serve as both currency and fuel for future purchases.
- set collection / resource economy — Gain chips and reserve cards to build a constellation of prestige cards.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- euro games if you want to know exactly what a euro game is and why they're important
- king domino is a super light family euro
- starting with your castle you're gonna build a kingdom one tile at a time
- it's easy to explain to granddad
- it's the best possible entry point to this style of gaming better than katan
- Ticket to Ride tops a lot of lists not just for family euro games but games to introduce people to board gaming in general
- there's no player elimination it's super difficult to tell who's winning till the very end and it sold millions for a reason
- for new gamers it's absolutely worth your time
References (from this video)
- elegant, fast, easy to teach
- can feel repetitive over time
- wealth and prestige
- Renaissance gem trading
- abstract, elegant
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — Cards generate ongoing effects and points.
- race/goal attainment — First to reach the target score wins.
- set collection — Acquire gem tokens to purchase cards.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- we're going to talk about 10 games we played the most in 2020
- this is a series y'all stay tuned
- roll for it the deluxe edition
- it's a fun game ... blowing up cauldrons
- we love you bye now
References (from this video)
- easy to teach for newcomers
- short, satisfying play sessions
- clear and readable card art
- tactile and satisfying tokens
- procedural sameness and potential repetitiveness
- few memorable moments or stories
- box size seems oversized for contents
- opulence, prestige, and influence of noble elites
- Renaissance-era gem trade and jewel crafting
- procedural, engine-building through card collection
- Century: Spice Road
- Century: Golem Edition
- Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card_purchase — Spend gems to acquire cards, which may produce bonuses and future discounts.
- noble_claim — Nobles are claimed when you meet gem requirements without costs.
- reserve_card — Reserve a card from display to protect it and gain gold.
- resource_gathering — Take gems from the reserve (three different types or two of the same type).
- set collection — Collect sets of cards and gems to achieve nobles and points.
- token_management — Money and gems are managed with a ten-gem limit; gold acts as wild.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Splendor is an exceptionally good game for people new to the Hobby.
- it's incredibly accessible with rules you can teach to children and people with limited hobby game experience
- the best thing about this game is a satisfying clunkiness of the tokens
- the speed of which the game can be played is really good
- if shiny things appeal to you try Azul stained glass of sintra
- there is a slight procedural sameness to a game of splendor and the game can get repetitive after a while
References (from this video)
- fast to learn and play
- strong, elegant engine-building loop
- some players may want more depth with expansions
- economic engine-building with gem collection
- Renaissance-era gem trade and commerce
- mechanical and elegant rather than story-driven
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — collect gems to purchase development cards, increasing options over time
- Rule-based simplification — simple-to-teach rules with quick turns
- Set-collection/resource management — gems and cards form the core supply and purchasing power
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- five games randomly ranked
- brother Smurf
References (from this video)
- Easy to teach, widely recognized by students
- Creates a satisfying 'one more time' feeling
- Can become repetitive for some players after multiple plays
- resource accumulation and engine building
- Renaissance gem trade
- economy-driven progression with accessible spacing
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Set collection / engine building — Players collect gems to purchase development cards that produce ongoing benefits.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a jousting game that's kind of vicious and it's based on colors and numbers
- Sushi Go Party is an adorable and really easy to learn and teach drafting
- Splendor is addictive but they just can't quit
- Diamonds because it's a trick-taking game so kids who have played hearts or spades tend to like it
- Castle Panic has been a huge hit in my classroom
- Escape the Dark Castle
- Azul is one of those evergreen games
References (from this video)
- streamlined and elegant
- accessible entry point to engine-building
- can feel repetitive to some players over time
- commerce and resource management
- Renaissance gem trading
- abstract economic engine with elegant pacing
- Century: Spice Road
- 7 Wonders
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine_building — progress toward prestige via card bonuses
- progressive_scaling — scaling of gem types and cards with game progress
- set_collection — gather gems to purchase development cards
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Necessity is the mother of invention
- board gaming is a lifestyle
- The pinball Community is very similar to the board game community
- I've recently found the hobby of pinball I love pinball
- It's done when it's done
- Clos mouths don't get fed
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- one of the most kick-ass trophies I think I've ever seen built in the world.
- The real winners are all of us because lying to us.
- Mortal enemies, lifetime friends.
References (from this video)
- Resource collection / engine building
- Azul
- Wingspan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- set collection / resource engine — collect gems to purchase cards and build an engine
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Speaking of Terraforming Mars, there's going to be several live games where we're just playing them for your entertainment.
- The best thing about the World Series is the family atmosphere.
- It's the trailer before the trailer.
- You never know. Ticket to Ride on Saturday, you can find out maybe Ticket to Ride is back in 2025.
- I guarantee you you'll have the greatest experience on earth when you come.
- Dune Imperium has changed to Dune Uprising, which is a pretty substantial change in many ways.
References (from this video)
- tight engine-building loop
- clear path to scoring with reachable rewards
- can feel procedural or dry if pace slows
- Century Spice Road
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Resource conversion — collect gems and cards that upgrade your engine toward greater scoring potential
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's really satisfying because everybody's involved in every turn of the game
- i really like games where i get income throughout the game
- a puzzle is laid out by laying out a series of cards and then we race to fit those different dice into that different orientation shown on the puzzle
References (from this video)
- Very accessible with quick playtime
- Simple yet deep strategic choices
- Excellent social interaction at lunch tables
- Strategy can feel narrow after multiple plays
- Competition for chips can cause brief stalls
- Engine-building through gem resource collection
- Renaissance-commerce, gem trading
- Fable-like economic ascent with simple, elegant rules
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — cards grant ongoing bonuses and victory points
- hand management — manage a small currency of gems and cards
- set collection — collect gems to purchase cards
- tableau building — cards add to your tableau for ongoing benefits
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- the cards can actually become the terrain, you're creating the battlefield as you play
- it's organic, not like rigid and sterile landscape
- Splendor starts with everyone just silent, then the game escalates into intense negotiation
- you can play cards to become the terrain so you're building the battlefield as you go
- you can kind of bluff and read each other with the command and colors system
- it's a pure and accessible civ-like experience that scales well with人数
- the negotiation and hotel-dynamics in Lords of Vegas create a very social table
- Age of Steam-level purity with Steam's maps adds a refreshing clarity