RogerBW's Blog

This small one-day boardgaming event happens twice a year in a village hall in Deepest Buckinghamshire, and has been going for quite a few years. This was my fifth visit.

First game of the day was Coup: Rebellion G54, one I haven't had out for rather too long. I started with the standard demo setup, and we went on to a second game with a random setup. I continue to like this game (and original Coup); they're nasty and sneaky. Yes, all right, original Coup gives you probably 80% of the fun in a much tinier package, but I do like those variant roles…

Automobiles next, with four players and nearly a three-way tie. (OK, I was third.) This was another slightly odd card set: Car Chief, Crew Chief, Aerodynamics, Turbo and Supercharged. Just as with G54, each time I play this sort of game it comes out with a very different feel.

We went on to Robo Rally 2016, four players and a two-checkpoint course. After a hard fight and some players being one board ahead at times, I came from behind for a last-moment win.

After a late lunch, 6 Nimmt!, possibly not at its best with four players but still worth the shuffling.

And one that is at its best with four, Red 7, still my favourite small game.

Last game of the day was Traders of Carthage, which has now been rebranded as Traders of Osaka - but we played the old version. The rulebook explains things very badly, but basically you buy (presumably futures in) various goods, which causes the ship carrying them to get closer to the destination, and when it gets there everyone with that colour of goods can sell. But there are also pirates and so on. It's basically a set-collecting speculation game, and light but rather fun; I wouldn't rush out and buy it, but nor would I turn it down if someone else wanted me to play.

The next Tringcon will happen on 30 September, though I shan't be there as it clashes (as usual) with YSDC Games Day. There may not be another after that.