Dads on a Map

#158: Choosing a Game to Play

The game night is scheduled, the players are accounted for, but now...how do we pick the game? James is joined by Steve as we discuss our personal methodology, considerations, and what works for our group when it comes to choosing the games we play at game night. Also recent plays of Guards of Atlantis II, 1894, Kaivai, Boomtown, and Rise & Fall. Enjoy the show! 3:55 Guards of Atlantis II 13:22 Boomtown 20:53 1894 36:31 Revisiting: Medieval Merchant & Freya's Folly 46:04 Kaivai 53:56 Rise & Fall 59:05 Main Topic: Choosing a Game to Play DoaMcoN 7 Announcement Coming Soon! http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#157: DoaMcoN VI Wrap Up

It's the DoaMcoN Wrap Up Episode! After a full week of gaming at our 6th annual con, James & Derek sit down to discuss memorable moments and iconic plays. Special correspondent Dylan joins live from the past with attendee interviews as we relive some of their favorite games from the event as well. Enjoy the show! No Timestamps for this one, far too many games to mention! But you'll hear about Mega Medina, late night DoaMcoN nonsense, James' return to train games, Derek and the ghost of the COIN Collectors, Negotiation & Trolling, Splotters & Wehrle Love, and so much more! Interviews in order: Dylan, Justin, Stephan, Zach, BL, Joshua, Steve, Alexander, Vince, Colton, Tim, Bernease, and Olly! DoaMcoN 7 Announcement Coming Soon! http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#156: The "Modernization" of Games

Vincent joins James as we discuss the insatiable need for modern publishers to "fix" games when they rescue them from obscurity and reprint them. Why is this so common? Who are the good guys doing it right and the bad guys blowing it every time? Also recent plays of some reprinted games such as Container, Gold Country, Medieval Merchant, Waddle, and so much more. Enjoy the show! 1:18 Hellas: The DoaM Knight Rises 5:19 Full DoaMcoN VI Hype Train 8:20 Medieval Merchant 17:33 Container 26:48 Tales of the Arabian Nights 32:53 Waddle 37:57 Decko 44:56 Freya's Folly 51:34 Die Saulen von Venedig 57:44 Gold Country 1:10:48 Main Topic: The Modernization of Games 1:41:31 James' Top 5 Most Anticipated DoaMcoN Games http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#155: Dissing DoaM Darlings

James is joined by Camden as we open up the haterade and talk about the DoaM Darlings that the community loves - but we just don't. We'll examine what keeps us from falling in line on some of Dads on a Map's favorite titles. Also recent plays of Cross Bronx Expressway, Nokosu Dice, Owner's Choice, Capital Lux 2, and Wolfel. Enjoy the show! 7:45 Cross Bronx Expressway 22:00 Paths of Glory 31:02 Owner's Choice 39:35 Nokosu Dice 46:25 Wolfel 58:50 Capital Lux 2 1:03:37 Main Topic: Dissing DoaM Darlings http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#154: Summer Gaming Burst

A nice full month of gaming means a nice full show full of game talk! James is joined by Steve to talk recent plays of Archipelago, John Company, Pax Pamir 1E, Shadow Hunters, Intrigue, and so much more! We're down to our last few lodging spots for DoaMcoN VI, live in Kansas City on August 19-23. Sign up now! :51 Get to know Steve 12:35 The Old Prince 1871 17:52 Archipelago 24:53 Pax Pamir 1E 30:47 Intrigue 38:08 Bad Bets 41:21 Nur Peanuts 46:59 Santiago 49:28 Bohnanza 55:03 Bauernschlau 57:00 John Company 1:02:36 Shark 1:06:05 Shadow Hunters 1:16:24 Magical Athlete & Hot Streak 1:21:49 Puerto Banana Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#153: Father's Day 2026 with My Boys!

James is joined by his 2 boys Colton & Corbin for the traditional Father's Day Episode. Fresh off of a family vacation filled with some rare gaming time, hear all about plays of Puerto Banana, Panda Royale, I'm The Boss, Cozy Stickerville, and a 19 player game of Blood on the Clocktower. Happy Father's Day DoaM! 1:30 New Patron Shivan, DoaMcoN Signups 2:49 Get to know the boys 16:12 Family Vacation! 17:35 Cozy Stickerville 23:45 Escape Room in a Box? 29:58 Puerto Banana 31:58 Epic Universe - Nintendo World 41:28 Tampa w/ DoaMer Brandon 42:28 Panda Royale 47:56 I'm The Boss 7P 51:05 Bohnanza 52:36 Incan Gold & Skull King 56:13 Blood on the Clocktower 19P 1:09:07 What Video Game would you like to see as a Board Game? Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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TRICKY #20: BGG Spring 2026

Derek & Drew headed over to the DFW Airport to enjoy BGG Spring Con 2026! Listen in as we talk Cross Bronx Expressway, 1830, Euro Crisis, and many more! Enjoy the show! 0:00 - Opening Discussion 3:10 - Day One (Santiago, 1830, Snowp, Puerto Banana) 22:00 - Day Two (DNUP, Night Soil, Euro Crisis) 41:30 - Day Three (Cross Bronx Expressway, Tricktaker Event, Giants) 1:13:20 - Day Four (Baltic Empires, Manila, Late Night Madness) 1:35:00 - Day Five (Crits & Tricks, Die Verbotene Stadt) Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#152: James & Tim at Punchboard Paradise Con

James & Tim link up at Punchboard Paradise Con and talk all about some of their favorite plays of the weekend. The Old Prince, Wiz War, Rocky Ventures, UR 1830, Aquadukt, Liberty or Death, Infamous Traffic and more! Enjoy the show! 2:41 Crokinole, Blood on the Clocktower, and Doppelkopf 5:56 The Old Prince 1871 14:15 Wiz War 16:21 Rocky Ventures 24:02 Bad Bets 27:27 1830 UR 30:55 Aquadukt 35:59 Kuhhandel Master 39:57 Liberty or Death 42:42 An Infamous Traffic 47:33 Bests & Worsts Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#151: Adam from The Cardboard Carnival

James is joined by Adam, one of our Hacendado patrons, and co-host of the new Cardboard Carnival podcast. Join us as we discuss Adam's unique experience starting a podcast with his young daughter. We'll also talk recent plays of Rayroads, Fukuzatsu, Panda Royale, and A Place for All My Books. Enjoy the show! :51 Welcome Adam 6:03 Rayroads 12:59 Panda Royale 18:18 Revisit: TI4 Async & Kuhhandel Master 22:10 A Place For All My Books 27:00 Fukuzatsu aka Taured Poker 39:26 The Cardboard Carnival and starting a podcast 54:55 Our Punchboard Paradise Con Want to Play Lists Check out The Cardboard Carnival wherever you get your podcasts! Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#150: Building a Game Group

James is joined for the first time by Jon as they talk all about building a game group. Impossible? Or are you just not trying hard enough. Hear their personal experiences and efforts to make a group that sticks. Also recent plays of Mexica, Gods & Mortals, Kuhhandel Master, Das Pferd Von Troja and more! Enjoy the show! :59 Meet Jon 4:00 Housekeeping: New Patron Ray, DoaM Madness, DoaMcoN 7:33 Gods & Mortals 14:55 Kuhhandel Master 22:11 Mexica 32:41 Peace 1905 38:00 Twilight Imperium IV Async 48:22 Das Pferd Von Troja 55:24 Main Topic: Building a Gaming Group Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#149: Next Level Kids Play w/ Joe!

Joe returns from a long hiatus to join James and talk all about gaming with his growing kids. Hear his thoughts on TCGs, Arcs, and a surprising face turn on Knizia? Also recent plays of 1841, Razzia, and Mr Diamond. Enjoy the show! 2:35 Welcome Back Joe 14:10 1841 22:28 TCG Talk: Magic, Pokémon, Lorcana 37:17 Razzia 42:48 Khan of Khans and other Knizias 57:13 Mr Diamond 104:48 Arcs 1:17:22 Joe is back online Follow along with the DoaM Madness Tournament: https://challonge.com/DoaM26 Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#148: Rise of the Abstracts

Finally, Abstracts get their day on Dads on a Map! Trenton & Cody join James to talk all about this often ignored genre - what these games bring to the table, what makes them special, and some of their favorite recommendations. Also recent plays of Puerto Banana, Mamma Mia, Medina, & Ponte del Diavolo. Enjoy the show! 1:52 DoaM Madness Check In 8:24 Mahjong & Blood on the Clocktower 14:16 Mamma Mia 16:08 Ponte del Diavolo 20:15 Puerto Banana 26:50 Medina 33:24 GIPF 36:05 Main Topic: Abstract Games 51:43 Game Recommendations: Intro Games 1:04:33 Lifestyle/Community Games 1:15:21 Obscure Favorites Follow along with the DoaM Madness Tournament: https://challonge.com/DoaM26 Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#147: Live from DoaMcoN Jr 2026

James & handful of DoaM friends gathered in the midwest for a small "Cabin Con" - listen in as attendees talk some of their favorite plays and experiences. You'll hear from a host of people about Medina, Blood on the Clocktower, Dune: The Dice Game, Twilight Imperium, 18xx, Indonesia, Puerto Banana, and so much more! Want to join the next get together? Sign up for DoaMcoN VI below! Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

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#146: DoaM Madness 2026

James & Derek bring you all 64 first round matchups from the upcoming DoaM Madness Tournament. See how DoaM's Top 128 games, chosen by the fans, fare against each other in a single elimination tournament with bragging rights and their place in history on the line. Also recent plays of Magna Grecia, Carrom, and Zoo Vadis. Enjoy the show! 2:15 Ruben's Mini Chips 7:25 Zoo Vadis 11:02 Magna Grecia 15:00 Carrom 21:08 DoaM Madness Tournament Preview Participate in DoaM Madness & win a free game: https://challonge.com/DoaM26 Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

#145: Great Convention Games

James is joined by Derek as they jump head first into Board Game Con season by talking about what makes a great con game for them. What are our priorities and must haves at some of our favorite conventions. Also recent plays of Spectaculum/Gold Country, Bested Another Time, The Old Prince 1871, and Pacts. Enjoy the show! 7:23 Spectaculum/Gold Country/Trackgate 26:47 Bested Another Time 33:10 The Old Prince 1871 39:38 Pacts 44:45 Hitster 52:20 First Orchard 55:45 Derek goes to FlingCon 58:04 What makes a great Con game? Participate in DoaM Madness & win a free game: https://challonge.com/DoaM26 Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI - August 19-23: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

#144: Stellar Ventures & Satisfying Game Arcs

James is joined by Justin & Nahv of Tabletapas Games as they prepare for their Kickstarter launch of the new thematic economic game Stellar Ventures. We'll chat about the origin of their company, their experience in game development, and tie it all together with a discussion about satisfying game arcs. We'll also talk recent plays of Wiz War, Sol: Last Days of a Star, and For All Mankind. Enjoy the show! 00:47 Welcome Justin & Nahv 3:33 Stellar Ventures on Kickstarter now 7:52 Cube Rails meets 18xx? 16:35 Strong Cube Rails DNA 26:26 Components & Location challenges 36:36 Recent plays: Pax Ren Tournament 41:49 For All Mankind 48:25 Wiz War 51:59 Sol on boardtogether.games 56:01 The Gang 1:03:30 Kilauea 1:12:10 Game Arcs: Act 1, Act 2, Act 3 1:29:35 Developing the arc of Stellar Ventures 1:38:23 Collaborating with designer Pontus Nillson 1:40:05 Future Tabletapas Teasers? Check out Stellar Ventures on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tabletapasgames/stellar-ventures Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

#143: All About Auctions

Auctions! James is joined by Chris to explore one of our favorite mechanics in board games. What is it that auctions do that really help to elevate the board game experience for us and what are some of our favorite auctions in games. Also recent plays of Shark, San Marco, Indonesia 3rd Edition, and more! 1:54 Welcome Chris 3:47 Holiday Gaming Trio - Crokinole, Kalimambo, Paku Paku 10:40 Imperial 20:25 Shark 30:40 Blood on the Clocktower 43:45 San Marco 49:34 Indonesia 3E 53:09 Main Topic: All About Auctions 1:14:53 Our Favorite Auctions Check out Chris on the Mobius Tubes Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TArxzk5t4e0nqj6bAMxXW Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

#142: 2025 End of Year Wrap Up

Wrap up the year with James, Tim, Dylan, and Derek as we take a look back at 2025. Our favorite new-to-us games, our top game of 2025, the 1 play that rose above all the rest, and our gaming resolutions for next year. Also recent plays of Scape Goat, Blood on the Clocktower, Kilauea, and Martian Rails. Enjoy the show, and Happy Holidays from DoaM! 4:22 A Special Thanks 6:14 Dylan plays Scape Goat 10:52 James plays TOP 1871 & Blood on the Clocktower 17:02 Derek plays Kilauea 22:03 Tim plays Martian Rails 26:03 Looking back on 2025 1:02:30 Dylan 2025 Gameshow Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

#141: BGG Con 2025

Fresh off their time at BGG Con, RJ & Drew join James on the show to talk about their wild array of dusty, feisty, sometimes wacky and weird plays from their week in Dallas, Texas. Recent plays of Dune the Dice Game, West Riding Revisited, Nur Peanuts, Symbioz, VOC! and so much more. Enjoy the show! 3:21 BGG Con Vibes & Themes 12:18 Neuland 17:39 West Riding Revisited 25:55 Symbioz 33:48 Tracks to Titicaca 45:30 Nur Peanuts 56:03 Gibberers 1:02:52 VOC! 1:14:19 Dune The Dice Game 1:30:15 Attila 1:35:44 Bauernschlau Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap

#140: Hurts So Good

All aboard the pain train! James is joined by Tim as they talk about the bad beats, bad vibes, and bad intentions that can lead to some of the best moments in all of gaming. Do you like "mean games?" Also recent plays of The Old Prince 1871, Innovation, Tal der Konige, and more! Enjoy the show! 3:55 Thanksgiving Question 8:04 The Old Prince 1871 14:50 Dinosaur Table Battles 19:05 Die Verbotene Stadt 27:38 Innovation 31:00 Tal der Konige 36:55 Auf Teufel Komm Raus Main Topic: Why are painful games fun? Listen to Tim on Punchboard Paradise's "2 Off The Top" Information & Signups for DoaMcoN VI: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10h3wllpU-VjCqA7YcL3JUndSmZY2AqE1U9K1K4sRNuA/edit?usp=sharing http://www.dadsonamap.com http://www.youtube.com/@dadsonamap Support the Show - Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dadsonamap