Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games

Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.

How To Play: Pirates!

Pirates!: Box Cover Front

Pirates! Strategy Guide Summary

Pirates! mixes teamwork, clever map moves, and risky combat. Pick your crew well, hunt treasure with smart navigation, and know when to fight or run. Learn How To Play pirates! with these tips and you'll soon become the terror of the board, or at least your kitchen table!

How To Play: Shazam

Shazam: Box Cover Front

Shazam mixes clever card combos, timing, and risk. Match cards, watch your mana, and wait for just the right moment. I learned the hard way – don’t copy Steve’s reckless moves! If you want to know How To Play shazam, remember: plan, react, and expect a magical mess. Good luck!

How To Play: Pirates

Pirates - Box cover - Credit: JohnPurdue

After many game nights, I can say How To Play pirates is all about the right crew, sneaky treasure grabs, and not sinking before tea break. Pick your crew smart, grab treasure when no one’s looking, and blast rivals when they least expect it. A good pirate knows when to flee!

How To Play: Museum

Museum - Museum, Holy Grail Games, 2019 — front cover (image provided by the publisher) - Credit: W Eric Martin

Museum is a clever set collection game where you plan exhibits, draft cards wisely, and pull off sneaky combos. Watch your friends and time everything right to collect the best sets. Mastering How To Play museum means balancing themes, adapting, and always grabbing one more snack before anyone else does.

How To Play: Goodwill

Goodwill: Box Cover Front

Quick Summary

If you want to win at Goodwill, you gotta master the rules, spot sneaky table talk, manage resources, and time your trades. Watch for tricky players (lookin’ at you, cousin Rick) and always keep your cool. Check out my guide for all the How To Play goodwill tips you need!