Are price hikes and “fake” discounts becoming the new normal? We kick off today’s episode by calling out misleading sales and debating whether holiday deals actually save you money anymore— or just look good on a tag.

Then, we hit the table with two Reiner Knizia designs: Iliad and Ichor, to explore a classic board game question: symmetry or asymmetry? We break down how each game approaches player balance, decision-making, and tension, and why those differences can completely change the way a game feels. If you enjoy thoughtful strategy, clever design choices, and a bit of tabletop debate, this episode is for you!

Huge thanks to @BitwewingGames for sending us review copies! All thoughts and opinions expressed in this episode remain fully our own.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Santorini (2nd Edition), the elegant, abstract strategy game that pairs simple rules with deep, tactical decision-making. We discuss some of the matches we played, how the iconic god powers shaped each match, and whether the game still holds up as a must-play for both casual and competitive players. Is Santorini a timeless classic or does it show its age? Let’s find out!

Spiel Essen 2025 hit hard… and so did our FOMO. In this episode, we break down everything we assume went down in Germany this year, share the standout titles that had us drooling from afar, and make a bold promise: we’re finally attending a board game convention in 2026! Emerson faces a board-game-con quiz, we revisit the games that fueled our envy, and yes… we genuinely debate whether you can get through a convention center’s security with a microwave... (Don’t ask why. Just go with it.)

If you couldn’t make it to Essen either, this episode is basically your emotional support recap. Let’s unpack the FOMO together.