Space Cowboys | Jaipur 2nd Edition | Board Game | Ages 10+ | 2 Players | 30 Minute Playing time

Product Information

You're expecting it to be as deep as standard Gloomhaven: This is a prequel to the original Gloomhaven (not to mention its sequel, Frosthaven) that was designed to be an accessible entry-point for newcomers. That means it's not as big or as fiendish as its predecessor. How it works: Your aim here is simple - make it out of the mansion alive after completing one of 50 missions. That isn't to say it's predictable, though. Betrayal isn't set up like traditional board games, and that's part of its appeal. Your character has been drawn to the house for mysterious reasons (they're following a friend who's gone missing or received an invitation from parties unknown, for example), and it's revealed turn by turn as you try to solve that case. However, each room is selected at random when you enter it. The items or events encountered within are randomized as well. In other words? There's no way of telling what lurks behind those doors. You want something with lots of strategy: There's not a huge deal of strategy to speak of here, so anyone hankering after deeper tactics should look elsewhere.

Cards will either represent camels or one of six goods. From a central market of five cards, you will be taking either any one card, all the camels, or exchanging any number of cards. When you sell, you will take matching tokens for each good that you sell. Good tokens start off more valuable and decrease in value as the game goes on. But on any one turn, you may only sell one type of good, and if it’s one of the most valuable, you must sell a minimum of two cards. Also, if you sell three or more cards, you will earn a bonus scoring token. You want a game for lots of people: Because Patchwork is limited to two players, you won't be able to add more people to the mix.There are a couple of answers to this question, and the one you get depends on your criteria. If we're talking about the #1 board game in terms of sales, it would have to be chess. This old-timer shifts roughly 3 million units each and every year, eclipsing almost everything else on shelves. Cut your losses– If you are holding out for a bonus but your opponent also starts taking an interest in the same good as you, consider selling early, especially if high value, rare cards are as stake. It’s a risk worth considering, and games can be won and lost on it. Gameplay: Pandemic's balance of risk and reward keeps it at the top spot as one of the best board games overall. Is it better to keep disease levels down so that they don't spread from city to city in the short term, or should you play the long game and go all-in on developing cures? There's no right answer. There's a bonus for the player with the most camels at the end of each round, so try not to let your opponent get ahead!

Yes, there's a learning curve. Its scenarios aren't always the most well-balanced either, and a few mission rules could be clearer. But on the whole, you'll have enough fun that those niggles won't matter. This is perfect for game night with your friends. A common question asked by the board game community is “what two-player games would you recommend?” Well it’s a question that we have asked too. Jaipur is a two-player only game that has accompanied us on many vacations. How it works: Your aim is simple - build a quilt before the timer runs out. Fortunately, that process is much easier in Patchwork than it would be in real life. Players 'buy' patches to slot onto their board with buttons, and this earns them buttons in return. They can then buy more patches that earn them even more buttons. It's a satisfying domino effect, and whoever collects the most buttons at the end will win. Because Jaipur is strictly a two player card game, and you’re always working with the same resources, you’re always reacting to what your opponent is doing. Every move you make has a massive impact on your opponent’s next turn, so there’s a beautiful push and pull to the game, as you try to make plays that will put you ahead while disadvantaging the other player.You want something with loads of depth: Although it's a great strategy game, 7 Wonders Duel isn't the meatiest option out there in terms of tactics. To make it suitable for 2 players, certain options have been removed. Gameplay: Duel cuts away the fat of its predecessor for a leaner, more streamlined alternative. Besides having a shorter run-time, there's slightly less to juggle - it's a good entry-point to the series. However, that doesn't mean it loses any of the franchise's magic. Instead, this two-player spin is able to zero in on the best bits from older versions.For example, you only have to select one of three approaches rather than being overwhelmed with options. There's an elegance to it.

It's also worth persevering with. Honestly, there's nothing quite like the combat of this series. Trying to figure out the best combination of actions to use at any one time is a compelling mini-game in itself, and juggling your limited resources (you'll lose cards as you progress) makes for a challenging puzzle. Seeing as you'll have to balance helping your allies with hunting loot that can improve your hero, there's also a sizzling unease to keep you on the edge of your seat. Can your friends be trusted in a pinch, or are they more interested in helping themselves?What you need to know: The odds are against you from the start in Pandemic, but that's the beauty of it. This co-op epic is never less than thrilling, and it doesn't feel hopeless either. Despite being tasked with curing a clutch of super-diseases, good communication (not to mention the ability to think on your feet) will see you through. Want satisfying cooperative board games for your collection? This should be at the top of the pile. Drawing from the market gives you choices: add a single goods card from the market to your hand, add all camels from the market to your herd, or take more than one goods card from the market and replace with an equal number of your existing goods/camels in any combination. Your hand can never exceed 7 cards, though there is no limit to the number of camels in your herd. Selling To Win Whoever had the most rupees at the end of the round wins. Best of three rounds wins the game. Set-Up What you need to know: If you grew up drawing fantasy maps and playing imaginary swords and sorcery like we did, this 2-player board game will feel like those memories distilled into cardboard and plastic. With an expansive world and heroes you can make your own through upgrades, it fosters a feeling of genuine adventure from the start.